Brooklyn Roots Italian

Step into Brooklyn Roots Italian and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a neighborhood joint that’s been serving up hearty Italian fare for generations. Located in Bay Ridge, this lively spot has all the hallmarks of a classic red-sauce establishment—generous portions, a boisterous atmosphere, and staff that make you feel like family from the moment you walk in.

The star of the menu is undoubtedly the Matty Guns Special, a decadent vodka pasta piled high with both sweet and hot sausage, meatballs, whipped ricotta, and stretchy fresh mozzarella. It’s rich, indulgent, and essentially a crash course in everything this kitchen does well. The chicken francese is another crowd-pleaser, featuring tender cutlets bathed in a velvety lemon butter sauce that practically begs for crusty bread. And whatever you do, save room for the bread pudding—it’s impossibly custardy and dusted with powdered sugar.

This is the kind of place where you can roll in with a big group and settle in for a long, loud dinner, or just grab a seat at the bar and strike up a conversation with regulars who’ve been coming here for years. The vibe is casual and festive, never fussy, and the bartenders are known to steer you toward the right order.

Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, catching up with old friends, or simply craving a plate of pasta the size of your head, Brooklyn Roots Italian delivers exactly what you’d hope for from a neighborhood Italian restaurant—warmth, abundance, and zero pretense.