Garden City Italian Restaurant Closes Nearly 2 Decades Later

GARDEN CITY, NY — After nearly two decades, Garden City will be saying goodbye to a classic Italian restaurant, La Nonna Bella.

The restaurant shared the announcement via Facebook on July 31, with almost 100 comments from local Long Islanders sharing their appreciation for the Franklin Ave. business and Chef Lino.

"What began as a dream became a home filled with laughter, celebrations, friendships, and countless memories shared around our tables," the post read. "We are incredibly proud of everything La Nonna Bella has meant to our community over the years, and none of it would have been possible without the unwavering support and loyalty of our guests, staff, family, and friends."

The establishment has been in Garden City for 18 years and said despite "extensive efforts and sincere attempts" to negotiate the future of the lease, they were unable to reach an agreement.

"This closure comes unexpectedly," the post read, adding that the restaurant is coming to an end sooner than they anticipated.

In November 2010, Chef Lino, Erica, and a close friend took over the restaurant and introduced their "culinary creations," which incorporate classic Italian dishes and newer culinary trends, the website said.

Chef Lino was born and raised in Conversano, Italy, and created dishes with Puglia flair that were made to order, according to the website.

The closure of the Italian restaurant comes after two weeks of electrical and air conditioning issues, which kept the business closed since July 14.