Food NYC Travel

Italian Restaurants In Brooklyn: My Top 8

There’s nothing like the sweet taste of chicken parmesan, pasta al la vodka & baked clams from your favorite Italian restaurants in Brooklyn. Growing up in the most Italian-American neighborhood in Brooklyn, my childhood was filled with going to all of these delicious restaurants. Spoiler alert, Italian-American cuisine is very unique, you can’t even get it in Italy! 

Italian Restaurants In Brooklyn

Michael’s of Brooklyn: You might know them for their famous sauces sold in grocery stories. I can’t eat vodka sauce from any other restaurant but here. Michael’s of Brooklyn is one of the most authentic spots in South Brooklyn and you know it from the locals who have supported this business for three generations. Some of my favorite dishes are the Fisherman’s platter (a plate of every and any fish and perfect for sharing with another person), along with the Mozzarella in Carozza, Baked Clams & all of their pasta! Check it out here https://www.michaelsofbrooklyn.com

Buckley’s: It’s been here since 1972 and not going anytime soon. Welcome to Buckley’s another local favorite and spot I have been going to since I was a little girl. You feel like you’re in an elegant tavern (is that even a thing?) and will be completely blown away by the tastiness of the food. I love getting the broiled half chicken with green beans and gravy. It’s like having Thanksgiving dinner any month of the year! Check it out here https://www.buckleyscaterers.com

L&B Spumoni Gardens: If you happen to be in Brooklyn, then coming here is a MUST. L&B Spumoni Gardens is another local favorite since 1939! They are most famous for their Sicilian slice which you most certainly have to try and you will fall in love with it. If you’re traveling with a group, get the Sicilian pie and thank me later. Aside from that, you can also sit in their restaurant which is a bit fancier than their outdoor setup. It’s perfect in the way it caters to both crowds, those looking for a casual night out, and those looking to dine with class. Check it out here

Table 87: This is MY ALL-TIME FAVORITE PIZZA. Do you know what that means as a New Yorker? Some people spend their whole life trying to figure out their favorite slice and I’m very grateful that journey stopped a while ago. From the biggest basil I have ever seen on a slice to the thinnest crust and sweetest sauce- it’s truly heaven on a platter. Not only are the slices good, but it’s the perfect place to dine with their delicious Apple & Almond salad, Margherita pizza & Penne Vodka. Check it out yourself and be sure to visit multiple times in one trip – it’s that good! Check it out here https://www.table87.com

Gargulio’s: It’s been around since 1907 and it is here to stay. Welcome to Gargulio’s family heirloom and inside you’ll see just how flashy Italian-Americans can be. On the outside, it looks like just any other block in Coney Island, on the inside – it’s a teleportation device to Italy itself with just a few differences. We went during some events, but there were girls dancing in life-size cocktail glasses – you might see that when you go. In essence, there’s a reason it’s been in business for 100+ years, and cheers to many more! Check it out here

Bamontes: In operation since 1900, Bamontes is one of the oldest family-owned and operated Italian-American restaurants in New York City. It’s an enchanting dining venue with class, love, passion, and tasty foods. Coming here feels like a time capsule into the 1900s with its intricate wall decor and design. I loved the baked clams and rigatoni with vodka sauce. Delicious! Check it out here

La Nonna: Opened in 2007, La Nonna is worth all the hype. The atmosphere is so inviting and perfect for family celebrations (my mom’s birthday and my uncle’s dinner rehearsal). It’s a spot we have recently discovered and grown to love. From the Fusilli Pescatore to the Chicken Parmigiana alla Vodka, there is something here for everyone to love. Check it out here https://www.lanonnabk.com

Positano: If going to Italy is not in the cards for you, then head over to Positano, a beautiful restaurant in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. Since Bay Ridge is a pain to get to, it’s very quiet, and quaint, giving you that intimate Positano-esqe feel. Getting the Burrata & the Linguine Alla Vongole is a must so check it out and let me know if you like it or LOVE it! Check it out here https://www.positanonyc.com

Lenny’s Clam Bar: This spot technically is not in Brooklyn, but I needed to include it because it’s a local favorite. I can’t even count how many times I have been here to celebrate all the family achievements and birthdays. When you walk in, you are surrounded by pictures of all the famous people who have visited and maybe you’ll be on that wall next! My favorite thing to get here is the baked clams and chicken parmesan. Check it out here https://lennysclambar.com

Explore More of NYC

If you’re looking to explore more of NYC, you have come to the right spot. Starting off with my holy-grail list of places you need to visit when you’re in the Big Apple! Check it out and happy traveling! https://thebrooklyniteabroad.com/the-best-things-to-do-in-new-york-city-a11501/

There You Have It

All of NYC’s authentic Italian Restaurants into one blog post. Every one of these places has been a part of my family’s life for birthday celebrations, wedding antics, job successes & to many more. When my family wants to go out to eat, we always start with this list since everyone loves Italian food! If you want to go the extra mile, you’ll get my favorite dessert, tortoni. It’s a small vanilla ice cream with crushed almonds and a cherry on top.

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