It doesn’t quite have the allure of trendy areas like the Lower East Side, but as a quiet, laid-back neighborhood, Brooklyn Heights has plenty of appeal for anyone looking for a relaxing break from Manhattan. Visitors will be hard-pressed to find the trendy bars and clubs that take up much of Manhattan’s real estate, but with so many neighborhood spots and family-owned restaurants in the area, those spots will hardly be missed. Instead, diners can choose amongst classic, family-owned restaurants like Dellarocco’s, where award-winning pizza maestro Giuseppe Manco turns out classic dishes that would make any Italian proud.
Photo by Dylan Stilin
Filled mostly with locals and families, Dellarocco’s is an ideal spot for date night or a low-key dinner with family. While there are no instructions on how to order, this is the type of restaurant where you are best served picking several dishes – most are fairly large – and sharing them with the table. Diners looking for something light will be satisfied with any of the carefully composed salads ($8 to $12), while those looking for a heartier dish will want to opt for chef Giuseppe’s excellent eggplant parmigiana, which is heavy on the homemade tomato sauce and taken to a whole new level with the addition of smoked mozzarella ($10).
Photo by Dylan Stilin
When it comes to pizza, the menu is divided into two sections: red pizza and white pizza, both of which can be made with gluten free crust for an additional $4. Though chef Giuseppe rotates excellent seasonal offerings, his award-winning talent shows through in classics like the margherita ($11) and the sauceless, clam-topped vongola ($15).
Photo by Dylan Stilin
Though several desserts are available, there’s no question that the Nutella pizza ($10) is the way to go. This dish is becoming increasingly popular around the city, but few chefs offer a version better than the one at Dellarocco’s. Chef Giuseppe begins with a standard pizza dough that he bakes and slices in half to make room for a sinfully sweet and rich filling of whipped ricotta and Nutella. Sliced and topped with confectioner’s sugar for good measure, this a dish that should be definitely be shared (no shame if you can’t finish it, either. A leftover slice or two makes for a great breakfast).
Location: 214 Hicks St (bet Montague and Remsen)
Hours of Operation: Daily noon to 10:30pm