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Italian

Cafe Spaghetti

Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn, NY 📍 Maps

Chef Sal Lamboglia's Cafe Spaghetti is his first solo venture, a homecoming to the Carroll Gardens neighborhood where he's lived for two decades, after years with Andrew Carmellini's Noho Hospitality Group. The restaurant is an ode to the classic neighborhood Italian spot, designed to feel like you're eating at Sal's own house. Regulars know to grab a seat in the lush, ivy-lined backyard garden, which feels like a little slice of Capri.

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★ The Legend
Spaghetti Pomodoro
This is the titular dish, a simple yet perfect rendition featuring dried pasta cooked al dente, tossed lightly with a bright, garlicky, pulpy tomato sauce, and finished with Parmesan and hand-torn basil. It's a dish that embodies the restaurant's philosophy of elevated simplicity.
◆ Fan Favorite
Tiramisu
This dessert is a true family affair, made nightly by Chef Lamboglia's Naples-born father, Antonio, who used to run a restaurant on Mulberry Street. It's praised for being shockingly light and perfectly balancing cocoa, coffee, mascarpone, and Marsala.
● Chef's Pick
Patrizia's Eggplant Parm
This dish is a direct family recipe from Chef Lamboglia's mother, Patrizia, who has been making it the same way for 35-40 years. It's a gluten-free option featuring provolone and house-made mozzarella.
◇ Hidden Gem
Cacio e Pepe Riceballs
While many might go straight for pasta, these rice balls are a standout cicchetti that regulars swear by. They're topped with cacio e pepe, offering a savory, cheesy bite that's solid enough not to require an accompanying red sauce.
Insider Tip

First-timers often miss out on the full Cafe Spaghetti experience by only focusing on dinner. Instead, pop in during the day when they operate as a cafe, serving house-made pastries and sandwiches. This allows you to experience the more casual, neighborhood-y side of the restaurant that Chef Lamboglia envisioned, and it's a great way to enjoy the space without a dinner reservation.

Every restaurant has its legendary dishes.

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