Best Upscale Italian Restaurants in Gowanus | Upscale Italian Food

30 restaurants in Best Upscale Italian Restaurants in Gowanus | Upscale Italian Food

• Macario — Italian · rated 5/5: Macario transports diners to the heart of Italy, where the soft glow of candlelight dances across rustic wooden tables and the air is thick with the intoxicating scent of slow-simmered ragù and fresh basil. Hand-rolled pastas take center stage, each ribbon and fold capturing the essence of heritage recipes, while vibrant seasonal ingredients are transformed into plates that celebrate the simple, bold flavors of the Mediterranean. It is a sanctuary of soulful hospitality, where every glass of robust red wine and every shared plate of antipasti invites guests to linger long into the evening.
• Brooklyn Social — American · rated 5/5: Brooklyn Social captures the soulful intersection of a moody New York lounge and a spirited Italian aperitivo bar, where low lighting and the rhythmic shake of cocktails set a sophisticated, communal tone. The bar serves as a liquid map of inspiration, from the spicy warmth of Matt’s Ginger Old Fashioned to the bright, citrusy notes of a Sicilian Fizz that evokes the cinematic charm of a Fellini classic. It is an atmospheric retreat designed for lingering over inventive pours like the smoky Blonde Mezcal Negroni, offering a refined yet effortless escape in the heart of the neighborhood.
• Vinny's Restaurant — Italian · rated 5/5: Vinny’s Restaurant welcomes guests with the comforting embrace of a neighborhood classic, where the air is thick with the savory perfume of slow-simmered garlic and toasted herbs. Generous plates of soul-warming comfort food take center stage, from silken pastas draped in rich sauces to golden-crusted favorites that celebrate the timeless appeal of home-style cooking. Between the lively hum of conversation and the steady flow of wine, every meal feels like a seat at a bustling family table where tradition and hospitality are served in equal measure.
• Caputo's Fine Foods — Italian · rated 5/5: Stepping into this neighborhood treasure feels like a journey to an old-world Italian market, where the air is thick with the savory perfume of hanging salamis and sharp, aged cheeses. Behind the bustling counters, skilled hands craft overstuffed sandwiches on crusty bread and package house-made specialties, while shelves lined with golden olive oils and imported delicacies promise a true taste of Mediterranean heritage.
• Travel Bar — American · rated 5/5: Travel Bar invites guests on a flavorful journey where the warmth of a neighborhood local meets a curated selection of global comfort classics. The air hums with conversation as friends share bountiful meat and cheese boards and vibrant Mediterranean plates, or tuck into smoky pulled pork sandwiches and iconic, crispy-crust pizza slices. It is a soulful, eclectic retreat where every dish, from the creamy spinach artichoke dip to a nostalgic hot dog, celebrates the simple joy of a well-traveled palate in a relaxed, communal setting.
• Monteleone's Bakery & Cafe — Italian (Monteleone is an Italian · rated 5/5: The air is thick with the sweet perfume of powdered sugar and freshly pulled espresso, welcoming guests into a charming neighborhood haven that feels like a nostalgic trip to an old-world Italian pasticceria. Glass cases overflow with jewel-like pastries and crisp, cream-filled cannoli, while sun-drenched cafe tables invite lingering conversations over artisanal coffee and rustic, hand-crafted sandwiches.
• Cremini's — Italian · rated 4.9/5: Cremini’s transports diners to a sun-dappled corner of Italy, where the warm glow of the dining room and the intoxicating aroma of slow-simmered sauces create an immediate sense of home. The kitchen honors tradition through artfully prepared plates of silken pasta and golden, crisp specialties that burst with the rustic, soulful flavors of the Marche region. It is an intimate sanctuary where every meal feels like a celebration of heritage, inviting guests to linger over vibrant wines and shared stories long after the last bite.
• Aromi — Italian · rated 4.9/5: Aromi, located at 552 Court St, Brooklyn, is a charming Italian restaurant that boasts a stellar 4.9 rating from over 300 satisfied diners. Renowned for its wood-fired pizzas and diverse pasta offerings, it's a perfect spot for families with a dedicated children's menu. With options for curbside pickup, outdoor seating, and free street parking, Aromi ensures a delightful dining experience. Visit www.arominyc.com or call +1 347-529-5752 for reservations.
• 532 Court Restaurant — Italian · rated 4.8/5: Nestled at 532 Court St, Brooklyn, 532 Court Restaurant offers an upscale yet welcoming dining experience. Open Thursday to Sunday, it’s perfect for brunch, dinner, or private events. Boasting glowing reviews, a 4.8-star rating, curbside pickup, and delivery options, it’s family-friendly and great for watching sports. Accepts credit and debit cards. Street and garage parking available. Don't miss their delectable desserts!
• Farina nyc — Italian · rated 4.8/5: Nestled in Brooklyn's Red Hook neighborhood, Farina NYC offers authentic Italian fare with a charming ambiance. This family-friendly restaurant boasts a 4.8-star rating from delighted patrons. Enjoy a perfectly crisp pizza, flavorful pasta genovese, and delectable desserts. With options for dine-in, curbside pickup, and delivery, plus a variety of payment methods, Farina NYC ensures a seamless dining experience.
• Defonte's Sandwich Shop — Italian · rated 4.7/5: Located in the heart of Red Hook, Brooklyn, Defonte's Sandwich Shop has been a cherished spot for classic Italian heros since the 1920s. Known for quick service and an unpretentious vibe, this cash-only standout serves up generously stuffed sandwiches, including favorites like the roast beef, fried eggplant, and chicken cutlet with vodka sauce. Perfect for a fast and satisfying breakfast or lunch, customers can find hearty bites from 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Saturday. (Log and view their location on [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=15346702029336122365))
• Dad's Deli chicken and pizza — Italian · rated 4.7/5: At Dad's Deli Chicken and Pizza in Brooklyn, you'll find more than just delicious meals-it's a community gem. With a stellar 4.7 rating from 20 reviews, visitors praise the friendly staff and diverse menu, from salads to fried chicken and classic sandwiches. Open daily from 6 AM to midnight, this spot offers convenient takeout and delivery options. Easily accessible at 68 Lorraine St, it's a must-visit for satisfying comfort food.
• Smith Street Pizza — Italian · rated 4.7/5: Smith Street Pizza is a family-owned pizzeria serving up traditional Italian pies with a New York twist for both lunch and dinner. Located at 311 Smith St, Brooklyn, this charming spot is praised for its friendly staff, fast service, and delicious offerings like pepperoni, vodka, and sausage pizzas. Perfect for kids and reasonably priced, this local gem captures the essence of NYC-style pizza in an unpretentious setting.
• Table 87 Coal Oven Pizza — Italian · rated 4.6/5: The warm glow of the coal-fired hearth serves as the centerpiece of this bustling eatery, where the scent of charred crust and simmering tomato sauce invites guests into a world of artisanal craftsmanship. Every slice emerges from the intense heat with a signature blistered crunch, topped with velvety mozzarella and fresh basil to create a rustic, flavor-forward experience that celebrates the timeless tradition of the perfect pie.
• Bass & Bourbon — Seafood · rated 4.6/5: Located at 113 Hamilton Ave in Brooklyn, Bass & Bourbon offers a modern and airy dining experience with a rooftop terrace. Open for lunch, brunch, and dinner, the restaurant serves a diverse menu that includes pizza, pasta, fish, and vegetarian options. Families are welcome, street parking is available, and valet service adds a touch of convenience. With a strong 4.6 rating from over 380 reviews, it's easy to see why this spot is favored by many. Enjoy outdoor seating, takeout, curbside pickup, and a fine selection of wine, beer, and cocktails.
• Frankies 457 Spuntino — Italian · rated 4.5/5: Tucked within a historic blacksmith shop, this rustic sanctuary wraps guests in the warmth of exposed brick and flickering candlelight, creating an atmosphere that feels both timeless and intimately neighborhood-bound. The kitchen celebrates the art of simplicity with soulful, olive-oil-drenched plates and handmade pastas that sing with fresh herbs, while the ivy-draped garden provides a sun-dappled backdrop for lingering over a bottle of red and the easy rhythm of a communal meal.
• Vinny's Restaurant — Italian · rated 4.5/5: Vinny’s Restaurant captures the soul of a classic neighborhood haunt, where the air is thick with the comforting scent of roasted garlic and slow-simmered pomodoro. Guests gather around candlelit tables to share generous plates of silk-smooth pasta and hand-tossed pizzas, each bite celebrating the timeless marriage of fresh herbs and aged cheeses. It is a place where the clinking of wine glasses and the warmth of genuine hospitality turn every meal into a spirited celebration of Italian tradition.
• Fragole Ristorante — Italian · rated 4.5/5: Fragole Ristorante captures the rustic charm of a Tuscan kitchen, where the golden glow of candlelight dances across tables laden with artisanal cheeses and bottles of robust Chianti. The air hums with the conviviality of shared meals as chefs transform sun-ripened ingredients into velvety risottos and delicate, herb-flecked pastas that sing with authentic Mediterranean flavor.
• Brooklyn Pizza — Italian · rated 4.5/5: Nestled in the heart of Brooklyn, Brooklyn Pizza welcomes you at 214 3rd St. with its family-friendly atmosphere and extensive menu of delicious pizza combinations. Guests can enjoy dine-in, takeout, and delivery options, complemented by the convenience of accepting credit cards. Open daily from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM, this well-rated spot is the perfect destination for lunch or dinner in a wheelchair-accessible setting.
• F&F Pizzeria / Slice shop — Italian · rated 4.5/5: Located at 459 Court St, Brooklyn, F&F Pizzeria is a popular spot renowned for its naturally fermented pies made with high-quality ingredients. This cozy pizzeria offers both indoor and outdoor seating and is perfect for family outings. With a respectable 4.5 rating from over 450 reviews, its crisp and flavorful pizzas are highly praised. Open daily for lunch and dinner, F&F Pizzeria accepts various payment methods and provides both dine-in and takeout options.
• Fragole — Italian · rated 4.5/5: Nestled in the heart of Carroll Gardens, Fragole offers a cozy and romantic setting for enjoying classic Italian dishes. With a menu featuring homemade pasta, gnocchi, calamari, and polenta-plus vegetarian and gluten-free options-there's something for everyone. The friendly service and family-friendly atmosphere make it perfect for both date nights and gatherings. With a rating of 4.5 from over 400 reviews, Fragole stands out as a neighborhood gem. Enjoy a drink from their wide selection and finish your meal with a delightful dessert. Reservations recommended.
• Lenny's Pizzeria — Italian · rated 4.4/5: Located in the heart of Park Slope, Lenny's Pizzeria is a casual eatery that offers a delightful array of familiar Italian dishes, including pizzas and pastas. Rated 4.4 by visitors, this cozy spot is ideal for families and provides convenient takeout and delivery options. With its warm atmosphere and delicious offerings, Lenny's is perfect for a relaxed dining experience.
• Jamit Bistro — American · rated 4.4/5: Welcome to Jamit Bistro, your laid-back spot in Brooklyn offering a delightful mix of Jamaican cuisine, Italian, and Chinese dishes. With a 4.4-star rating from 146 reviews, this family-friendly eatery serves delicious desserts and a kids’ menu. Enjoy the convenience of indoor and outdoor seating, and various dining options including dine-in, takeout, and delivery. Join us for brunch, lunch, or dinner at 367 Columbia St. Reservations recommended. Call us at +1 347-599-0941.
• Giardini Pizza — Italian · rated 4.3/5: Giardini Pizza captures the soul of a rustic Italian garden, where the warm glow of the oven and the fragrance of fresh-picked basil create an inviting, verdant escape. Crisp, blistered crusts meet the richness of melted buffalo mozzarella and vibrant heirloom toppings, offering a sensory journey that turns every meal into a sun-soaked celebration of traditional craftsmanship.
• Princess Pizzeria & Restaurant — Italian · rated 4.3/5: Located at 535 5th Ave in Brooklyn, Princess Pizzeria & Restaurant offers a delightful blend of pizzas, Italian, American, and Spanish comfort dishes. With a family-friendly atmosphere, it’s a perfect spot for both kids and adults. Enjoy dine-in, takeout, curbside pickup, or delivery options. Rated 4.3 stars, this eatery also serves coffee, beer, and desserts, making it a versatile choice for any meal.
• Lucali — Italian · rated 4.2/5: Bathed in the soft, flickering glow of candlelight, this rustic sanctuary invites guests into a space where the intoxicating aroma of wood-fired dough and fresh basil lingers in the air. Masterfully charred crusts emerge from the brick oven with a perfect crunch, topped with vibrant tomato sauce and hand-torn herbs that celebrate the beauty of simple, soulful Italian flavors. The intimate atmosphere transforms a humble meal into a timeless ritual, making every flour-dusted table feel like a seat at a cherished family gathering.
• Villa Mia Pizza — Italian · rated 4.2/5: Located in the heart of Gowanus, Villa Mia Pizza offers a relaxed dining experience perfect for families. With a menu featuring a variety of unique pizzas, salads, and garlic knots, there's something for everyone-including kids, thanks to a dedicated children's menu. Enjoy their delicious offerings whether you choose to dine-in, takeout, or opt for delivery. Open daily, Villa Mia Pizza is a local gem providing great food and a warm atmosphere.
• Frankies 457 Spuntino — Italian · rated 4/5: Stepping into this rustic Brooklyn sanctuary feels like entering a warm embrace, where exposed brick and weathered wood set the stage for a soulful celebration of Italian-American comfort. The air is thick with the scent of simmering meatballs and nutty browned butter, drawing guests to linger over plates of hand-rolled cavatelli and crisp, garlic-laced salads in the sun-dappled garden. It is a place where the simple elegance of a perfectly seared ribeye meets the effortless charm of a neighborhood classic, creating an atmosphere that is both timeless and deeply inviting.
• Cremini's — Italian · rated 4/5: Step into a charming corner of Italy where the golden crunch of hand-stuffed Ascolana olives—bursting with savory fillings like creamy gorgonzola or spicy 'nduja—takes center stage. The air is thick with the comforting scent of simmering meatballs and rich carbonara, while a parade of crispy suppli and tempura zucchini offers a playful, elevated take on traditional Roman street food in an atmosphere that feels both effortlessly stylish and deeply nostalgic.
• F&F Pizzeria — Italian · rated 4/5: Tucked into a converted garage, this neighborhood gem hums with the energy of a classic New York slice shop reimagined through a sophisticated, artisanal lens. The scent of charred sourdough and bubbling mozzarella wafts from the ovens, where thin, crispy pies are topped with vibrant ingredients that celebrate the soulful simplicity of Italian flavors. Whether enjoyed at the bustling counter or in the sun-dappled courtyard, every bite offers a perfect harmony of crackling crust and molten cheese that feels both nostalgic and entirely new.