I grew up a couple of neighborhoods over from Gargiulo's, in Manhattan Beach, and have been a fan ever since my parents brought me there as a kid. The place is a class act - servers are total pros, the food is consistently outstanding and the ambiance is lovely. One of my very favorite dishes in the world is their mozzarella, grilled portobello and roasted red peppers app - I ordered it as a special once years and years ago and it isn't on the menu, but they'll make it if you ask...I seriously wish I could eat it every day. The potato croquettes are also awesome - random, I know, but true. The martinis ain't half bad either! I love bringing friends, especially non-native New Yorkers, to Gargiulo's, because it's a real gem, and worth every penny. read more

This was a great old time Italian Restaurant. This past Saturday night my wife and I went out with 7 other couples. We called three weeks ago to make our reservation. When we saw one of the owners at the front podium he told us our table was ready. He escorted us to a back dining room. This dining room was set with four very large tables and a couple of smaller tables. These four tables were set to seat from 64 to 70 people. We were happy to see that they were ready for us. We had one of these tables. The order for drinks was taken and we got our drinks with only a little confusion. Then the waiter came over for the appetizers. He did not want to get confused so he did not take the order for the main dish. Everyone enjoyed their appetizers. We realized that they did not have enough staff for this room. Two waiters and two bus boys could not service this amount of people properly. Water was not refilled, bread was not given as needed, plates and silverware were not picked up in a timely fashion. . WE walked in at 7:00 had drinks at 7:25,appetizers at 8:00. After this things went down hill, and the service was horrible. We saw very little of our waiter. We waited then called over the other waiter and bus boys to find our waiter. WE waited and waited, and at around 8:45 our waiter took our order. At 9;30 we called over one of the bosses, He said he was sorry but they were busy. WE had been very patient but his sorry did not appease us. He said we should talk to each other to pass time. What does he think we have been doing all night. Then he said he would give us some drinks, but we had already had enough to drink.. At this point we all wanted to leave and just pay for what we have had. He said that our food will be out in 5 minutes. We did not get our food until 10:15. HE said he was sorry but we should be patient. Then he said he would give us desert, but desert was cookies and fruit.The cookies were put on the table still wrapped in plastic. What an ordeal and horrible experiencer, walked out of the place around 11:15. The table across form us had the same problems. Do not come to this restaurant with a large group. read more

Best restaurant in Brooklyn. My grandfather has been taking us here for almost twenty years. Great food and great people. Good luck with the Tombola! read more

My review of Gargiulo's is based off of being a customer for 38 years - so my whole life. I have eaten there at least twice a year, since my Baptism. Actually, my Baptism was hosted at Gargiulo's. So was my communion, my graduation (high school and college), Sweet 16, my brother's wedding, my sister's Bridal shower, countless anniversaries for my parents, and too many dinners to count, just because I or somebody I love was in the mood for Gargiulo's food. This place is like my second home. And it is because the food is delicious! That is the bottom line. It's Italian comfort food and it's presented simply and cooked simply and it's old school. It has class and charm and a warmth, that I've never found anywhere else in NYC. It is family owned and operated - and the family works there. That is the difference - the family meets and greets you in the dining room. If you are having a party, the family helps you pick the right menu for your party. The family is cooking in the kitchen. They really care about you having a delicious and beautiful dining experience. If they see you happy, they are happy and they want you to come back even happier. If you read this review and want to try it - I would tell you to order is the Hot Antipasto, the Baked Clams, the Calamari Oregnata (Breaded and Grilled Calamari) and the Shrimp Scampi. Order the spinach balls - you will wake up and crave them after you eat them. Any of the pastas are delicious - but my personal favorite is Penne Pasqualina - it's a very very light cream sauce, with penne and a bunch of julienned vegetables. Every bite is the perfect bite of pasta, sauce and veggies. They make a mean steak and it comes with a perfect potato croquette. The food is not groundbreaking - don't come to Gargiulo's for that type of experience - come here for classic Neapolitan comfort food. Don't come here looking for Little Italy restaurant food either - because the "old school" places on Mulberry street is a really poor and watered down version of Italian food. Get the fried zucchini! so good and perfectly salted and crunchy! If you are planning a party for your guests and you actually care about the food first and foremost, then look into hosting a party here The party rooms are beautiful, private and bright. If you are having a smaller party, they have a room where they can set you up too. In the last year, I have hosted my Engagement Party and Bridal Shower - friends that have not been here before rave about the food. My fiancée and I care about the food at our wedding so much, that it was a no-brainer for me. Actually, I honestly did look at other spots in Bklyn - and the food outright sucked. The manager at one place in Williamsburg, told his chef to make sure the food was special because it was our first time eating there and we were potential wedding customers - he sent out an undercooked Veal Chop - it was gross and waste of food. And.... there is more - they have an In-House Baker - The pastries, cakes, desserts and cakes are beautiful, elegant and delicious. Again, I just hosted my shower and ordered a "Naked Cake" with Elina the baker - not only was it beautiful, my guests raved about the delicious flavor combination - Lemon cake, with lemon curd and raspberries. She is really creative and listens to your likes and dislikes. So if you host a party - get everything there - the food and the cake - it's too easy! I've seen pictures of her fondant cakes - she is the Cake Boss of Bklyn. Love Gargiulo's - and now I am craving the Hot Antipasto and Spinach Balls. P.S - the restaurant is in Coney Island, but do not show up dressed like you are spending a day at the beach. It is an elegant place - so look pretty and wear something nice. Like your Sunday best. read more

Gargiulo's - My Bridal Shower Cake from 8/7/16 created by Gargiulo's In House Pastry Chef - Elina Ugusto. (Lemon cake, Lemon Curd with Raspberries). - Italian Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

They have amazing food! My company and I were just there with Mr. G from PIX11 News and we did a segment on it! Then we had some amazing food!! I highly recommend everyone try's their amazing cuisine! read more

I've been eating at Gargiulo's for decades. I've always loved both food and service. Last night the service was slow- took at least 20 minutes to get a drink. The drink wasn't exactly what I asked for- but I let it go. The combination salad wasn't as cold as usual. And it seemed to lack seasoning and/or herbs. Something was off. The zucchini came with no lemon. The fettuccine was overlooked and verde- which was not what was ordered. Lastly the filet of sole was so dry you could hardly chew it- and we sent it back. So nearly each thing had a small thing wrong with it- quality control is diminished. Maybe they were really busy. But that's certainly not an excuse. Oh- I realized later that they never brought over the gourd with the numbers! Do they not do that anymore? I'll return and give them another chance. But I was definitely disappointed. read more

First time! The seafoods are really great. Pasts are also delicious. I love this place!

My family has been going to Garguilo's for many many years. I had my wedding reception there and so have other members of my family. The food and the service are always great. This is real Brooklyn Italian and I'm proud of that, Nino does it right. As far as people being turned away for their attire I agree with that, I'm old school, you go out for dinner you dress appropriately with some class, Gargiulo's isn't some hamburger joint. Anthony T read more

A far cry from the Gargiulo's of old. Used to be a reliable place for "home style" Southern Italian. Although the present incarnation is attractive, no actual Italian would recognize the food. Gone are Mozzarella in Carozza and Sausage & Peppers. In came over-cooked pasta along with interminable waits for service. Our meal last night took over 2 hours, for no discernable reason. Terrible selection of wines, most have the Garguilo Label - I didn't know they made wine????? My family has been coming here for 4 generations, but I think it's over. Good news is that they have eliminated "no shorts." read more

A wonderful alternative to all the terrible food in Coney Island. Classy and classic old-school Italian fare.

Great service beautiful scenery. Great food I love it . I would recommend this to anyone but in my opinion I think the tables should be more isolated from each other but other than that its perfect read more

The food was excellent but the waiter was a horror. Because of this experience I will not return. He got annoyed because we wanted our take out food on a separate check. We were 6 women and I didn't want my food to take home on the same check. read more

My husband and I went there last night. We haven't been there in years. The food was excellent and the waiters were definitely on top of their game. Only downside is the location but it's definitely worth it! read more

I went to Gargiulo's this past Saturday with an old college buddy. He told me he used to go there as a child and wanted to go back so I obliged. As I got in I couldn't help but notice the lack of any ambiance. The couches looked so out of place in the lobby but I shrugged it off and hoped for a good meal. The restaurant itself is cavernous, no ambiance and very cafeteria like. After we sat our waiter presented himself and in a rather curt manner took our orders. For an appetizer we went with the baked clams which were pretty good. They are served on the 1/2 shell. After that it was downhill. My main course arrived, shrimp parmesan and I was utterly disappointed. It tasted way to oceany. Iv'e been eating shrimp parm for my whole life and I knew something was off. Also the sause was way too watery. Not wanting to cause a commotion I just asked the waiter for more bread and ate that. For dessert I ordered the Italian cheese cake. Its not grandma's but its passable. I would definitely not be going back. While the appetizer and dessert were alright the main course was poor and the ambiance was lackluster. It wasn't intimate or dimly lit, it actually reminded me of a cafeteria. read more

I was looking for a nice restaurant to take my mother, sister and wife to while we were visiting my 94 year old grandmother in Luna Park. The restaurant reminds me of an old school Italian restaurant that I remember from growing up. The wait staff was knowledgable and attentive. The food was great, the sauces tasted homemade and the pasta was made fresh. I also had the baked clams, they had a light crispy breading baked right on top of the clams; perfect combination of ingredients. On our way out I met the owner who took time to chat with us about our experience and he was in interested in our feedback. Overall it was a very nice experience and we will definitely visit them again next time we are back in town. read more

i had my first capellini with marinara at this restaurant when I was four years old. I took my hubby there for this birthday this year and it did not disappoint - this place is the real thing. The decor has been somewhat sadly modernized, but I wouldn't want plaster from the onetime ceiling octopus falling into my eggplant. The eggplant parmesan is hands down the best I've ever had in a restaurant. I didn't even bother ordering a cocktail or wine because I literally wanted to save room for the eating. And we did. Worth every cent. Long live Gargiulo's. read more

Food is OK, not great. High price, fancy service, beautiful building. I would rather eat where the atmosphere was not so great where the FOOD IS better! I tried the sausage and chicken and the sausage was over boiled, dry and not juicy at all. Sauce was average. The ZUPPA de PESCE was loaded with FISH and not so much shellfish. So next time the waiter suggested Seafood Fradiablo. He NEGLECTED TO MENTION THAT this "substitue" was DOUBLE THE PRICE!!! FIFTY BUCKS! Wow, NOT WORTH IT! I admit it was my fault for not asking the price but, come on, DOUBLE? Oh, it's NOT on the menu. The calamari and scallops were cooked to death, Must have been cooking in a vat all day. Dry and grey. The clams and shrimp were better but not great. The sauce was run of the mill marinara. If this was a neighborhood dive that was cheap, fine, but for the prices they charge I would expect better. The bread was the best thing on the table, fresh, warm, and tasty. So if you like ambiance and service (tuxedos and valet parking) and don't care about food quality, this is your place. I won't be returning after 2 disappointing visits. read more

This place is ok not great like some people say! I do love their calamari and chicken Marsala but everything else is ok at best! The service wasn't good the last 2 times I was there. Definitely going downhill this spot!!! read more

Food was excellent and so was the service. Our waiter Carlos was so so nice and observant to our needs. He was an excellent waiter and great host. We had a big family party and everyone was patient with our indecisiveness and waiting at times. Lol. The food was excellent! The dessert was even better. Also, the copachino coffee was delicious! I would definitely go there again! Parking was extremely easy, as they have their own parking lot. My great aunt got married there in the 50's. read more

Let me just start off by saying I have never actually been here for dinner and I am basing my review off of a work holiday party. I love the fact that there is valet parking and a coat check. The place of course has its history and is very nice in the inside. Why did it lose two stars? Number one was that the buffet was very basic. Not much to choose from, not much flavor to the food and most of it was cold. I had my one plate and that was it. Number two was the fact that it was open bar. They had one bartender for a room of over 100 people and the drink selection was very poor. Definitely not what I expected from my first experience here but I will give it it a try for actual dinner one night. read more

This past Thursday I was at Gargiulo's Restaurant. I had an amazing sole francese. It was done perfectly and so delicious with sautéed spinach. Price was pretty good too. But the best part was that they a piano player that played everything from Sinatra to Justin Timberlake... I would definitely go again soon!!! read more

Came to Gargiulo's back in December for the MTA Christmas party and Lucy took care of us. She was phenomenal. Even though it was a lot of us there, it was never chaotic. The food was great. The chicken was everything. Definitely need to plan my sons next party here! read more

Amazing restaurant! I had my husband 50th birthday party here on November 9, all my guests had a great time. The food, service how they treated me and all my guests was excellent. Thank you again for everything. read more

Hadn't been to Gargiulo's in a very long time. My family recently celebrated my mom's birthday there. It didn't disappoint. From the appetizers to the dessert it was delicious and the staff was friendly and efficient. Loved it. read more

Last night we celebrated my wifes surprise birthday and as usual at Gargiulos everthing was perfect. Nino, Louie Michael and Anthony hit it completely out of the park! Today our phone has not stopped ringing and everyone was so impressed with both the quality of the food and the professional attention to every detail. We cannot begin to thank the Russo brothers enough for making this event another cherished family memory. For anyone looking to have an outstanding top shelf professionally run affair look no further than Gargiulos as you will not be dissapointed. Salute' and here's to the next 100 years!! read more

The food was great, and service was excelent. We had joe as our waiter and he was great.Felt Like home eating here and will be going here way more Often, thanks guys for doing such a great job. read more

Still one of the best Italian restaurants in Brooklyn, located in the heart of Coney Island. You won't leave here hungry, so you will have to make another trip for a Nathan's dog. I was here recently for a baptism party and the food was top notch as usual. My favorite course was a penne pasta with an alfredo-type sauce and finely chopped veggies. I am not sure the name, but ask the waiter. read more

Legendary. Fantastic food, service that is perfect. It's a bit expensive, but worth every cent.

was really excited to try this place after hearing great things. unfortunately, this is was one of the most uncomfortable dining experiences in recent memory. immediately upon being seated, the ancient host up front took it upon himself to make repeated, extremely inappropriate comments about what i was wearing, eventually asking me to "please keep my jacket on". mind you, this place is 2 blocks from the beach, is advertised as a 'family restaurant', and it was 67 degrees outside. when he asked me a second time to put my jacket on, i was legitimately so uncomfortable that i obliged against my better judgement. at this point, the host came back over to my table to say, "thanks, appreciate it", in front of several other guests, all of whom looked shocked at this. all of this before we even received our appetizers! we obviously left at that point. i cannot in good faith recommend any restaurant who's staff is so offended by the female body that they would rather watch money walk out the door than adjust to 21st century norms. that, and also the few sips i took of my wine were extremely mediocre, and the bread was stale. read more

I went to a banquet as guest-was average; my hot tea was tepid; the waiters removed plates and glasses just before you were ready so it felt rushed; food was ok; nothing to extol. I was especially surprised at the ladies room; it was tiny, dirty with one broken stall and very strange since it meant long lines for ladies and our group was only 170 people-can't imagine what it would be like at a big event. I did not go to the restaurant. read more

Service was top notch, drinks were on point and food was delicious! It was just as good as the last time we were there in 1995!

I came here years ago and it was fine but it must have gone downhill. I became violently ill the next morning after eating here. Had the clams, I should have known something was up when I saw a hair in the linguine. Uch, I'm so disgusted. read more

Went there with the family for Mother's Day. We did not wait long to be seated and they have a valet parking lot directly across the street which is perfect for the location and the reasons for the 2 stars. The Mother"s Day menu was limited and the choices were acceptable. For one price we each had a choice of appetizer, entre, and desert. The lowest price was $55 and a side of pasta with your entre was an extra $15. There was an error on the menu that was not mentioned until after it was served so that's a problem. The place was very crowded but the service was good and food was served promptly due to the limited menu. The food was presented very well. Everyone agreed the food was very bland and not at all what we expected. There was very little flavor at all. The "dress code" was business casual and my son was given a hard time for his very respectable outfit. I had to tip the doorman to get him inside. Once inside we saw men wearing jeans and, sneakers and t-shirts. Maybe it's who you know. My wife was very excited to go but, needless to say, we will not be returning. read more

Stay away. Managers are rude. I called ahead to put my name on wait list and spoke to manager as soon as I walked through the door I was denied because of sandals and my shorts were too short! Wasn't until manger realized he had already approved of me being in shorts on the phone and had put my name on the wait list. Didn't even get a warm welcoming when walked in the door. We are from out of town and can't believe the ugliness we received from this "four star" restaurant. read more

My fiance and I entered the valet parking lot around 5:20pm on Saturday July 15th for our 5:30 pm reservations and questioned if were eating there and had reservations. We walked in and waited several minutes and then another white man walks in. The employee came over and went directly to the white man before us he let the employee know we were here first. He told us to wait for the hostess and do we have reservations. I told him were already waiting been waiting for several minutes and we have a reservation. Then another man came over asked us if we have reservations and I said yes. As we walking towards the seats for two, he picks up a two water jugs and and said is here fine. I said is it clean? Then a heavier set older man comes over and brought us to a different table. Our server was adequate but not personable. The food was enjoyable but over rated. The menu on their website is different from the restaurant. read more

The food was OK, nothing extraordinary though for the price. Make sure you double-check the bill. We were charged for 7 glasses of wine when there was only 1. A $54 mistake! Also, very, very noisy on the Saturday night we were there. Difficult to hear the person across the table. One of the most elegant restaurants in Brooklyn, but certainly not the best food. read more

The worst filet mignon and mashed potatoes I have ever tried. Will not recommend this place. Very disappointed.

Though I know as a hospitality professional that yelp is an evil empire and I would wish this upon nobody's business- I feel compelled to write my experience for no other reason than to vent off what I just went through. Not to say that I expect much from Coney Island, as we all know the cesspool of tourism that it is. I searched long and hard up and down the boardwalk, and backstreets included to find the only place I thought I could have a proper sit down dinner in at what seemed like at least a casual Italian restaurant. We sat down in the garden where there is no host(ess) so you seat yourself with no indication of when a server will come over. There were 4 men (1 adult and 3 adolescents) not assuming any separate roles but kinda just running the show as they saw fit. There were 2 ten tops, both that were families that were clearly on their second course, a 2 top paying, and a 4 top perusing the menus. Took no less than ten minutes to receive dirty glassware with no water poured. Another ten minutes we received water. Another five until we received menus with no greeting or verbal acknowledgement. At this point the servers were still aimlessly running around- appearing busy with nothing. Another couple had come in and immediately got water and menus. So we left. This seems to be a family run operation, which is cute and nice and I appreciate a small business- but employees (the several teenagers) should be trained better to be able to handle a couple sections at once. There were 4 of them that couldn't handle even half a section. read more

Had dinner with friends this past Saturday evening. Dinner was good in spite of the fact the salad seemed a little wilted. I guess it was left over from New Years Eve. Restaurant was very quiet. Probably people were a little over dinners since New Years. We have eaten here many times over the past twenty + years and was also surprised that the menu has changed offering fewer choices than on the previous menus. Please bring back the old menu! We really do love the food. Thanks Russo Family and Happy New Year. read more

I just came from a birthday party there for one of my friends. I had the salmon which was very good. My mother and I loved the atmosphere and the decor of the place. I may come back to celebrate my birthday this year. Glad I attend my friend's 77th birthday party at Gargiulos. read more