If you think all lasagna is created equal, you haven’t been to Woodside. I recently took a trip to Donato’s in Queens, and I found a baked lasagna that absolutely needs to be on your NYC devour list. This isn’t just a slice of pasta. It’s a massive, multi-layered masterpiece that is literally dripping with flavor.
Layers Upon Layers of Perfection
The scale of this thing is unreal. They start with a giant sheet pan and begin the construction. First come the perfectly cooked lasagna sheets, followed by a heavy pour of their chunky tomato sauce. But they don’t stop there.
They hit it with a dusting of parmesan and then lay down an incredibly healthy layer of sliced mozzarella. Then comes the real star: a thick, savory Bolognese ragu. They repeat the process until the pan is stacked high with cheesy, meaty goodness.
The Secret Torch
Watching them prep this for the oven is half the fun. They wrap the entire tray in plastic and foil to lock in all that moisture. But once it’s baked, they take things to the next level.
They pull the tray out, bubbling and steaming, and hit the top with a blowtorch. Watching the cheese blister and char under the flame is hypnotic. That extra bit of fire gives the lasagna a smoky, crispy top layer that is pure genius.
The Ultimate Comfort Shot
When it’s time to serve, they slice into that massive tray with a pizza cutter. The sound of the crunch through the charred cheese is music to my ears. They take an individual slice, bake it again to ensure it’s molten all the way through, and slide it onto a plate doused in more of their signature tomato sauce.
The first bite? Incredible. The richness of the Bolognese, the stretch of the mozzarella, and the tang of the sauce create an absolute flavor powerhouse. It is heavy, it is comforting, and it is everything a classic Italian-American meal should be.
A Queens Icon
Donato’s is proving why Queens is a world-class food destination. This lasagna is a labor of love, and you can taste it in every single layer. If you find yourself in Woodside, you have to track this down. Just make sure you come hungry, because they aren’t playing around with these portions.
Who’s hungry? Because I’m ready for round two.