We all saw your Instagram story craving authentic Italian in Brooklyn. That’s good. We love that about you. But have you considered these 14 spots that just made our 2026 list? To get you even more amped up for handmade pasta and wood-fired pizza, we’ve paired each restaurant with what makes it truly special. So you can savor every bite, support local chefs, and taste la dolce vita – all in one borough.
Paulie Gee’s Slice Shop
$ | (929) 337-6385 | WEBSITE
Aside from a few sodas or a beer, what you really want at Paulie Gee’s Slice Shop is the Hellboy slice. It has hot honey, pepperoni, and a sesame seed crust with sweet onions. They have a casual, no-frills vibe with bolted-down tables and TVs playing sports. The menu offers many vegan and vegetarian choices, so check the options ahead of time and make an afternoon out of it.
Pomp and Circumstance
$$$ | (718) 387-4861 | WEBSITE
Pomp and Circumstance is a Mediterranean restaurant in Brooklyn where I usually stop by for dinner once a week. Get the lamb meatballs, which come with soft pita, labneh, and a salt cod & eggplant dip. Or, if you need something hearty after a long day, try the roasted kale. No matter what, it’s essential that you get at least one of their fluffy pitas. If you want to eat outside of your home, know that Pomp and Circumstance has a cozy space with bar seating, though reservations are recommended.
Café Mars
$$$ | (347) 987-4225 | WEBSITE
We wish we could vote at Café Mars. That way, if there were long lines, we could pass the time by eating things like lemon pasta and baskets full of garlic monkey bread covered in amazing butter. But since that doesn’t seem to be an option this election year, go to this incredible Italian spot for lunch or dinner after you vote in the area (except Monday when they’re closed).
Convivium Osteria
$$$ | (718) 857-1833 | WEBSITE
Brooklyn has a ton of amazing Italian restaurants, but Convivium Osteria is one of the most charming-feeling, mostly because of the cellar. Their steak option, for example, comes with an addictive cheese sauce, and topped with olives and capers in an extremely cozy wine cellar setting.
Barano
$$ | (347) 625-5663 | WEBSITE
Technically speaking, Barano is one of the best Italian restaurants in Brooklyn. But we think it’s more appropriate to call it a homemade pasta haven. The dishes here have incredible texture and sauces that taste like a well-loved kitchen (in a wonderful way). It ultimately doesn’t matter if you order the carbonara or chicken parm because the fresh pasta is the star.
Camillo
$$ | (718) 576-6886 | WEBSITE
Looking for a bright spot that isn’t too fancy where you can meet up with a few friends after exploring the neighborhood? Head to Camillo. Right in the heart of a Brooklyn area in transition, this Italian gem has a very pretty interior including a lovely bar area with warm lighting and comfortable seating. While we like the pasta more than the pizza, we think every meal here should start with their fried artichokes – they have the perfect preparation.
Ammazzacaffè
$$$ | (929) 250-2875 | WEBSITE
If you’re not already someone who dreams about eating handmade pasta a few times per week, all of that will change after you eat at this very good Italian restaurant in Brooklyn. Ammazzacaffè makes our favorite Italian pasta dishes in the city, like agnolotti stuffed with ricotta almond pesto and topped with cheese, and an excellent secondi duck cooked perfectly with a rich, umami flavor.
Rucola
$$ | (718) 576-3209 | WEBSITE
Rucola in Brooklyn serves Italian food like Lumache pasta with cauliflower, pork sandwiches, and chef’s selections of meats, cheeses, and olives. They have a cute outdoor seating area where you can eat outside, as well as indoor options available in case the weather isn’t behaving like you told it to.
Roberta’s
$$ | (718) 417-1118 | WEBSITE
This pizza spot is just a short stroll from the heart of Bushwick’s creative district. They’re open for lunch and dinner, with outdoor seating right in their shipping container courtyard. If you’re craving something that feels like a warm hug after exploring the neighborhood, get the bee sting pizza. Unlike the industrial decor around you, it comes with a perfect balance of light, soft, crispy dough that makes every bite magical.
Barbalu Brooklyn
$$ | (347) 294-4287 | WEBSITE
Barbalu Brooklyn is one of our favorite places to recommend for Italian dining right now, since it’s located in a cozy neighborhood spot, and you can sit right by the nice bar area. Get a Neapolitan pizza with its crispy yet tender crust and fresh toppings, or a massive plate of bucatini pasta, as well as some Italian wine and desserts to complement the meal. Barbalu Brooklyn opens with friendly and professional service every day, with Matteo being especially commended for his excellent help.
Popina
$$$ | (718) 222-1901 | WEBSITE
There’s a case to be made that Popina’s hot chicken Milanese is our real patron saint of comfort food. This Italian spot serves one of the best versions in Brooklyn. Order the signature dish, which arrives with a perfectly crispy coating, a generous spice kick throughout, and more flavor than most other chicken Milanese we’ve tried.
Fausto
$$$ | (917) 909-1427 | WEBSITE
This Italian restaurant gets fairly busy during dinnertime, but a few of the early evenings end at 5pm or 6pm, so you can stop by beforehand for an early dinner any day except Tuesday and Wednesday when the restaurant is closed. They have a cozy dining room set up inside where you can enjoy things like rigatoni alla vodka, black bass, tagliatelle veal bolognese, and crispy potatoes cooked to perfection.
PIPS
$$$ | (718) 858-8989 | WEBSITE
PIPS is one of our favorite spots in Brooklyn for both Italian bites and early drinks, and probably the best place to spend a few hours before the neighborhood really wakes up. This Italian spot on the block serves some very well-received chickpea appetizers and imaginative dishes, as well as a wide selection of wines. Get a glass of something nice, and an extra side of that warm, welcoming atmosphere for lingering.
Evelina
$$$ | (929) 298-0209 | WEBSITE
It’s possible your first thought after a long week in Brooklyn is, “Holy sh*t I need to eat something comforting and riddled with flavor,” Evelina is the answer you’ve been searching for. This Italian-Mediterranean restaurant has a cozy dining room with warm lighting, tables made from reclaimed wood, and a charming corner nook you can reserve for intimate gatherings.