West Islip Restaurant Will Offer a Special Slice in Celebration

Café Europa, one of West Islip’s most well-known dining spots and now under new management for the past eight months, will host a grand re-opening event next week and is making the invite nearly impossible to turn down.

That’s because everyone stopping in on Tuesday, Sept. 24 and Wednesday, Sept. 25 will get the chance to enjoy a regular or scilian slice for just $1 with the purchase of a large soda drink between the hours of 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and then again from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the two celebration days.

But that’s just one of several reasons West Islip residents should take up Café Europa’s invite. 

It’s a great opportunity to see all the changes, from new redwood paneling in the dining room to the extensive new menu offerings, the longtime pizzeria and restaurant now boasts. 

The eatery has undergone a major transformation in both appearance and food quality, according to new owner Michael Guercio, who has extensive experience in running and owning pizza establishments in Nassau, Queens and New York City. He said his goal is to bring New York city-quality pizza and style to his restaurant.

Before Guercio took over Café Europa had earned a reputation that wasn’t exactly sterling, unlike its very early days in the Union Boulevard location.

“This once had been ‘the place’ to come and get good pizza and great Italian food,” said Guercio. “We’ve brought it back to that city level of quality of food and service. Finest quality food and style,” he said.

The all-new menu features a wide range of pizza choices as well as home-made entrees created with all fresh ingredients by an executive chef, Michael Russell, who has over 25 years of experience in a variety of cuisines. Right now Guercio and Russell are busy preparing a full-donated 'welcome back' catered meal for St. Patrick's School in Bay Shore. 

“Everything, almost all, is made from scratch, from our homemade focaccia bread to the desserts,” said Guercio. “We use the finest ingredients.”

And it’s clear the new look and new food quality is already grabbing diners’ attention. 

The first customers hit Café Europa about 10:30 a.m. as local students on lunch break stop in for a slice, and then there’s the crowd from the nearby hospital who are offered lunchtime specials. The dining room is busy up through the evening as families come in to enjoy the extensive options.

Big winners with diners are Café Europa’s chicken bacon ranch pizza, the Brooklyn pie and the daily house specials, said Guercio.

Café Europa, located in the King Kullen shopping center at 504 Union Boulevard, is open seven days a week and offers free delivery with minimum order of $15, as well as catering for any occasion at home or office. Check out their Facebook page for additional information.