Smart'Wich opens in Syosset

Syosset sandwich fans can finally rejoice. Smart'Wich, the artisanal sandwich shop formerly located inside Francesco’s Bakery in Hicksville, has moved, expanding to a proper storefront in Syosset on Jackson Avenue. Taking over the former Tommy Tacos, Smart'Wich opened on Monday.

For Smart'Wich chef Michael Guerrieri — who was born in Naples, Italy, moved to New York, then Lisbon for 17 years, then back to New York again — Smart'Wich is about wholesome ingredients and simplicity. The idea for Smart'Wich came while Guerrieri was still living in Lisbon; so it follows that his "smart'wiches" are made on pao saloio, a Portuguese cousin to the baguette. Guerrieri’s brother, who owns Francesco’s, offered him the opportunity to test his concept from a counter in the bakery in 2022. Much success and four years later, he’s outgrown Francesco’s and is ready for the next chapter.

Just like in Hicksville, the menu has a 12-sandwich spread, all made on handmade Portuguese bread. Menu highlights include an octopus Smart'Wich with onions and peppers ($17.99), another with crumbled sausage, chopped kale, cooked tomato, mozzarella and homemade Portuguese Piri Piri oil, ($13.99), still another with house-pickled Portuguese sardines and cilantro ($17.99), not to mention an omelet sandwich with mozzarella ($11.99).

For the less adventurous, there are smart'wiches of tuna, bacon, sausage, turkey and roast beef. And for those with a sweet tooth, there's a spread of Nutella on warm pao saloio sprinkled with powdered sugar ($9.99). Additionally, there are specials — which Guerrieri promotes on social media — like a jalapeño stuffed with pastrami pâté over a bed of roasted tomatoes with Asiago cheese or their opening special, made with prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, roasted peppers, tomato, and crispy arugula. Pizzas and salads round out the menu. For dessert, try the pastel de nata, a rich, Portuguese egg custard tart. To drink, Guerrieri's house-brewed bay leaf tea, a natural anti-inflammatory and immunity booster.

The new Syosset space is a world apart from the island counter he had within Francesco’s. An expansive bar anchors this new space, backed by a bright, chartreuse wall that matches the exterior of the restaurant. Behind the bar there will be a juice bar making fresh-squeezed juices and shakes, as well as Mediterranean-inspired breakfast items. He embraces a European sense of hospitality, but just don't use the word "healthy."

"I hate the word healthy," Guerrieri said. "When we were growing up, healthy meant something. I feel over the past few years, maybe more than a few years, people abuse the word."

Eschewing mayonnaise for olive oil-based fat, Guerrieri also pickles his own ingredients, but can also "accommodate somebody that likes a cold cut." To that end, there are turkey and roast beef smart'wiches. "We want to diversify, but we want to also be able to accommodate what people like as well."

Smart'Wich, 98 Jackson Ave., Syosset, 516-450-9150, smartwich.com; Open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed Sunday.

By Marie Elena Martinez

marieelena.martinez@newsday.com@mariesworlds

A global freelancer who has checked her suitcase to raise her young daughter on her native Long Island, Marie Elena will always make time for good mezcal, even better tacos and killer conversation. Preferably, in a corner bar seat. She can be found on Instagram at @mariesworldeats.