Il Toscano

IL Toscano was started in 1985 with the idea that Long Island desperately needed a restaurant with top-level cuisine. Why were Long Island Restaurants so lacking in intensity and flair? What was missing from so many places was the knowledge of preparing exceptional food and a passion to make it happen. Mauro Privilegi knew he could use his skills, which were cultivated at an early age working on the Italian line cruise ships, where he learned that good cooking came from using what was fresh, what was seasonal and what was the best ingredients on hand that day. Once in the United States, Mauro began working at the Hotel Pierre in New York City. The experience and knowledge he gained while working 19 years at this 5 Star Hotel made him yearn for the chance to live the American Dream and open his own restaurant.