Italian
Cafe Spaghetti
An casual neighborhood joint serving classic Italian-American plates, known for its simple spaghetti pomodoro and family-recipe red sauce dishes. Chef Sal Lamboglia opened this spot in 2022 as a personal tribute to his Brooklyn roots, featuring his mother's eggplant parmigiana and his father's handmade tiramisu on the menu. Aim for a table in the ivy-lined backyard patio, which holds the majority of the restaurant's seating and features a vintage blue Vespa.
★ The Legend
spaghetti pomodoro
This dish features dried pasta cooked to a precise al dente and tossed in a bright, garlicky, hand-crushed tomato sauce that chef Sal Lamboglia learned from his father. Regulars know to skip the extra cheese at first to appreciate the pure, clean acidity of the tomatoes before letting the kitchen finish it with Parmigiano-Reggiano and hand-torn basil.
◆ Fan Favorite
riceballs
These arancini are infused with the sharp, peppery flavors of cacio e pepe, featuring a molten center of Pecorino Romano and black pepper encased in a delicate, golden-fried breadcrumb crust. Order them as an immediate table share the second you sit down to pair with a cold Venetian-style Spaghetti Spritz.
● Chef's Pick
Dad's Tiramisu
This dessert is personally prepared several times a week by the chef's father, Tony Lamboglia, who ran Italian restaurants in Manhattan during the late 1970s. It is famously light and airy, striking a delicate balance between espresso-soaked ladyfingers, sweet Marsala wine, and fluffy mascarpone.
◇ Hidden Gem
Patrizia's eggplant parm
Most first-timers bypass the secondi section entirely for the famous pastas, but this family recipe features thinly sliced, fried eggplant layered with provolone, house-made mozzarella, and a dusting of Sicilian oregano. It is incredibly rich yet structurally delicate, making it the perfect dish to split as a savory mid-course before dessert.
Insider Tip
Sit at the curved front bar if you are dining solo or as a duo without a reservation, as it is kept entirely open for walk-ins and offers the full menu. It is the best spot to chat with the neighborhood regulars while enjoying a glass of chilled Chianti poured generously.
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