By Karen Talbot

June 30, 2021: Divino Cucina Italiana is located in a quiet corner of downtown Hastings-On-Hudson, overlooking a historic and picturesque valley near the Cropsey Mansion.

The restaurant offers "Old School Italian Dishes with a Fresh Modern Twist." These dishes are skillfully prepared by Chef/Owner Gino Uli and his wife, Floria, who is the dining room manager.

The restaurant has a Happy Hour, "Boozy Brunch," and Dinner on Tuesday through Saturday, along with a Speakeasy Bar open until 2:00 am that features Trivia Night on Wednesdays, Live Jazz on Thursday, Rock Bands on Friday, and a DJ on Saturday.

Divino is a modern and handsome restaurant with lots of windows, dark wood paneling throughout, brick columns, and attractive and unique LED incandescent lighting fixtures. A full bar is located in the main dining room, and there is a popular outdoor dining area.

We started our culinary evening with the following Appetizers: a wonderful Grilled Watermelon with crispy prosciutto and feta; Calamari Fra Diavolo, with garlic, kalamata olives, capers, Calabrian chili, white wine, and Pomodoro. This dish is best suited for true calamari fans. Other appetizer selections include Arancini, Grilled Seafood, and Mussels Pomodoro.

All of the homemade pastas are outstanding. The Fettuccine Carbonara was the best ever! The combination of perfectly prepared Tricolor pasta in white, green, and pink with prosciutto, onions, cream, and parmesan with an egg yolk on top, was not only delicious but just plain pretty as well.

Entrees include Veal Saltimbocca, Chicken Martini, Lamb Chops, Salmon, Bronzino, and Eggplant Lasagna, a Vegan-friendly option.

Make sure to end your meal with Tiramisu and Espresso Crème Brulee ….just yummy.

The menu at Divino is updated regularly, and the restaurant has an excellent array of wine selections from around the world.

Portions are generous with many possibilities to share dishes.

The service was a little slow as we were kept waiting longer than usual for each course to be served.

Divino Cucina Italiana is located at 534 Warburton Avenue in Hastings-on-Hudson. 914-274-8501.

Gino is excited to be opening his next restaurant, Prime Steakhouse, in Irvington at the beginning of July.