Cafe Spaghetti calls itself Chef Sal Lamboglia’s “ode to the classic neighborhood Italian restaurant.” And that description holds.
It’s the kind of restaurant that surely will become a hotspot for all ages and occasions that call for good Italian food: Think first date, family dinner, a birthday party, girls’ night out – the list goes on.
An intimate interior filled with nostalgic trinkets and posters makes it feel homey and comfortable. Cafe Spaghetti’s indoor seating is accompanied by a fully enclosed outdoor patio with a moped suitable for all seasons. The outdoor space is totally charming in its ivy-covered splendor.
While the decor is great, the food is even better.
Cafe Spaghetti’s dinner menu tends toward classic Italian with options that are not overdone. It leads us to believe that Leonardo Da Vinci was right when he said “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” We agree, simple is sometimes best.
The Spaghetti Pomodoro, which tasted fresh and delicious in August when we dined at Cafe Spaghetti, is filling and yet somehow light. Other classic options include Spaghetti alle Vongole. And there are seasonally appropriate items on the menu, too, like the Tomato & Watermelon Salad with cucumber, feta and pine nuts that was refreshing and tasty on the hot night that we visited.
We’re strong believers that there’s always room for dessert – sometimes that belief proves worthwhile and other times it can be a let down. But it was definitely worth pushing our appetite for Cafe Spaghetti’s Dolci menu which included an option that has come to mind at least once weekly since our last visit. The Spumoni Bomba with strawberry, pistachio and chocolate is delicious and is a good option to share amongst friends after a filling meal.
The wine list offers plenty of options and the restaurant also offers classic cocktails – including the Negroni, Espresso Martini, Old Fashioned, among others – alongside non-alcoholic options. But our favorite cocktail on the menu was named for the restaurant: the Spaghetti Spritz is refreshing as it is colorful.
The restaurant also offers weekday and weekend lunch on top of a cafe menu that is available Tuesday through Sunday.
Cafe Spaghetti is a reliable option when considering where to eat dinner: We know we can repeatedly have a good meal and a good time at the special Brooklyn eatery that feels like a home away from home. It’s definitely a new addition to our regular restaurant rotation.
Top Takeaways
Location: Brooklyn, New York
Cuisine: Italian
Price Point: $$
Takes Reservations: Yes – Resy
The vibe: Neighborhood Italian restaurant suited to any occasion.
Our favorite thing on the menu: Spaghetti Pomodoro because, let’s be honest, sometimes the classics can’t be beat.
The attire based on the vibe: Casual chic.
Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner: Cafe hours: Mon. closed, Tues. to Fri. 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sat. to Sun. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Lunch: Friday 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; Brunch: Sat. and Sun. 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; Dinner: Mon. closed, Tues. to Sat. 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Sun. 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
