North Shore residents craving their favorite Besito dishes can now also find them on the South Shore.
Besito Roslyn general manager Carlos Pascual said the third Long Island location at 399 Montauk Highway in West Islip celebrated its grand opening Sept. 29 with a friends and family weekend.
“The people have been asking for it for the past four or five years,” Pascual said. “The owner is very particular about where he wants to put Besitos, and West Islip is a good place as far as demographics and ability to get there because of the railroad.”
The upscale Mexican restaurant is known for its tableside guacamole and signature Besito margarita. Besito has also partnered with Feed the Hungry San Miguel de Allende, helping build school kitchens in the Mexican town and bring fresh food for 1,500 meals every week throughout the school year to needy children.
Pascual said the new location is smaller than the other two and has a more homey feel with a different color scheme. The move was announced after April Roots Bistro Gourmand closed after five years.
Pascual said executive chef Carlos Arellano is overseeing all three locations, so the quality at Roslyn’s Northern Boulevard location is the same as the original Huntington location and the new South Shore spot. Besito also has locations in Massachusetts and Connecticut.
Pascual said Besito focuses on giving diners an authentic experience, from the food to the hospitality to the atmosphere.
While no official plans have been made for a fourth location, Pascual said owners John Tunney, who spent years in Mexico before opening the first restaurant, and John Rieger are looking to grow the company.
“There’s always been talk about that, but like with everything it’s slow,” Pascual said. “I believe we probably will be opening a fourth location.”
