By Karen Talbot

Dec. 1, 2021: We recently discovered Granita Cucina & Bar in Hartsdale, a family-run modern Italian restaurant with delicious food at reasonable prices.

The star attraction is the outstanding pizza made in their large wood-fired oven. Granita Cucina offers an attractive ambiance, excellent service, and a creative menu. It is co-owned by Alor Krasnqi and his brother Benny, who started the restaurant about two years ago.

This handsome eatery has a distinctive black and white tiled floor and a black wrought iron divider between the bar and dining area. The bar is inviting with a sleek marble top, seats for 14 people, high-top tables and chairs, and impressive white ball ceiling fixtures with black fishnet accents.

After being seated, we were presented with crispy Focaccia bread, served with a winning combination of ricotta cheese, olive oil, and herbs. We devoured the first batch and had to ask for seconds.

We started our enjoyable dining experience with two choices from Antipasta, including four large Arancini, which are delectable lemon-saffron rice balls with smoked mozzarella. Then, from Insalata, we had a Squash & Goat Cheese combination of mixed greens, candied pecans, pomegranate in a maple vinaigrette. This salad is truly one of the most interesting and creative salads that I have ever eaten!

Next came a wood-fired pizza of wood-roasted cremini mushrooms, duxelles, bel paese, ricotta, chives, and truffle oil. Little pots of garlic powder, red pepper flakes, oregano, and hot chili oil are served with the pizza for those who want them. We also selected the Spaghetti Carbonara from "Fresh Pasta," which was perfectly cooked al dente and rich and creamy.

Our choice from Secondi was a special entrée of the night - - Veal Piccata with artichokes, broccolini, capers, and hot cherry peppers, with a side of mashed potatoes. This dish could have had more lemon flavor, and the hot cherry peppers are not for everyone's taste buds.

Desserts included Tartufo with vanilla and chocolate gelato, Lemon Crème Brulee, and Tiramisu.

Alor and his team are very accommodating, and they want you to enjoy every aspect of the food you eat at their restaurant. I look forward to going back for Lunch with choices of Salads, Sandwiches, a Burger, a Quinoa Bowl, and Spaghetti & Meatballs.

There is a Happy Hour from 4 to 7 pm daily, and Hours of Operation are Mon-Sat. from 11:30 am to 10 pm and Sun. from 11:30 to 9 pm.