I have been on a quest for tripe -Italian trippa specifically -and I have been through lots of restaurants in Manhattan and Brooklyn. And this one -by far -in terms of service, ambience, and especially food-is number one so far on my quest. Tripe was meaty and firm -not mushy wonderfully sauced. I will come here again. read more

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You can tell this is a staple Italian restaurant in Marine Park, Brooklyn. Lots of regulars and families. I always pass by and finally decided to try it out. The interior looks like a classic Italian restaurant and service is very formal. It was quite busy for a weekday night. There's valet parking so you don't have to stress about finding street parking nearby. We ordered fried calamari, baked clams, baked vodka penne, and the Fisherman's Platter. We were served bread and some antipasto to start. The calamari was a classic and I loved the sauce -- it had a good spicy kick to it. The baked clams were okay. The Fisherman's Platter is a must and good value with its generous portion of seafood. It can definitely be shared amongst two people. The baked vodka penne was also good but portion was on the smaller side. I would say Michael's is a must try at least once. read more

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Belated birthday celebration for Mom at Michael's and as usual it does not disappoint! Some entrées were the usual some were new. Chicken franchise, spaghetti Bolognese, chilean Seabass with Cipollini onions and sweet mashed, short ribs, ravioli. Desserts we ordered were tiramisu, spumoni, warm apple crumble and affogato. Food and Service were outstanding as always. A great big thank you to Enzo, who always takes such great care of us. read more

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The restaurant was jammed packed. I loved seeing the white linen table cloths. The waiter was attentive and the food came out quickly. My lobster crepe was a lobster bisque inside of a crepe. There were several lumps of lobster meat. I drank a delicious strawberry mojito. I would go back. read more

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We had the best night at Michael's! I knew Michaels was an iconic restaurant deep in Brooklyn. I've seen their sauce sold in stores before, and we finally made the trip out for dinner. We went around Christmas and it was decorated inside. The restaurant was packed. Every single table was full. Everyone was having the best time. Even the bar was totally full of people ordering drinks before they were seated. The food is classic, New York Italian. Everything is a very well done version. The veal Parm was one of the best I've ever had. The caramel cake at the end was truly beyond. I can't recommend this experience enough. We ate for three hours had amazing cocktails, great bottles of wine and a really delicious meal. Looking around, you could tell the diners were locals enjoying a beloved neighborhood restaurant. It's such a special restaurant that serves real New Yorkers. read more

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I can't remember if it's the 2nd or 3rd time this year I've been here but I'm telling you old school straight forward Italian food. This is your place I've had a few different pastas here & on point even dessert omg. Excellent I mean you can't go wrong here Brooklyn best kept secret for years read more

Michael's - Menu cover - Italian Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Michael's is one of those Brooklyn spots you really need to experience at least once, and it truly lives up to its reputation. It has a slightly more upscale atmosphere and definitely leans toward business casual. I do not think they strictly enforce it, but most guests are dressed nicely, so definitely make the effort and skip the tee shirt and sweats. The service here is excellent. They are attentive without being overbearing, constantly refilling water and clearing plates. The only slightly awkward thing was how many busboys were standing around in such a small dining room. For food, we started with the mini rice balls, then ordered chicken parm, the fisherman's dish, and baked rigatoni with vodka sauce. The rice balls were perfectly fried and tasted amazing with their red sauce. The baked rigatoni stole the show. The pasta was cooked perfectly, the vodka sauce was rich and flavorful, and the charred cheese on top just pushed it to another level. I honestly wish we ordered a second one. Even though we were stuffed, we had to try dessert. We went with the chocolate caramel cake with sea salt with caramel ice cream. It is huge and easily sharable, incredibly rich, and impossible to stop eating. Overall, Michael's absolutely deserves the hype. The food is excellent, the service is great, and it really feels like one of Brooklyn's standout Italian restaurants. I cannot wait to go back. read more

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It's really a joy to dine in this restaurant; the place is packed with noisy, happy people. The servers-dozens of them-scurry around making sure everyone STAYS happy. My glass of water never falls below the 50% full marker. And the food is delicious. The cocktails are perfectly crafted. Plus they give you so much food before you even order your meal, that it is quite impossible to leave hungry. What made tonight's visit really great was our server, George. Friendly, professional, funny and engaging. As I said, it is really a joy to dine here. read more

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Great food and a really pleasant atmosphere. The service was friendly, and the dishes had a lot of character. I'd definitely come back and try more dishes next time. read more

One of my favorite Brooklyn restaurants everyone is very nice and the food is delicious. They have very good desserts. Their chicken Parm is one of the best chicken Parm I have ever had. read more

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Excellent service and ambiance. The food was amazing in taste and quality and quantity. This is a gem! It's like having your Italian Grandmother's home cooking. Purchase the Michael's Marinara! Great place! read more

Michael's - Michael's Marinara Sauce - Italian Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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The food is amazing. There isn't a better Italian spot in the area. I'd just recommend going on a weekday as it can be really crowded on the weekends. You cannot go wrong with anything on the menu. read more

Enjoyable evening at Michael's restaurant for Sunday dinner. The place was jam packed but we had made a 4:30 pm reservation the week prior with no difficulty. The food always delicious. The drinks good too. I could see myself at the bar next time ordering an Avenue R, an Elderflower Old Fashioned or a Pear Negroni with some fried calamari. read more

Had food delivered and Michael's always come through. The delivery was fast and food still came out hot after 30 minutes of wait. It was worth it. The veal parking was crispy on the outside and moist inside and the cheese oozed out decandently. Had the mesclun beets and onion salad for something refreshing but it was a bit bland. It needed some crunch like pine nuts and a sweeter dressing. The Parpadelle was made al dente and the sauce was terrific. I would order this again. I've ordered from them before and their food have always been very good and tasty. The only downside is the price can be on the expensive side. So far we haven't been disappointed. Maybe next time, don't have the salad. read more

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Came here on a Tuesday a few weeks ago after the blizzard. Thank god I had a reservation because it was packed. The ambiance was amazing including the pianist playing some beautiful background music. Service was fast and attentive. Plenty of staff available for you. Everyone is friendly and inviting. My top dishes were the veal parm and the fried calamari. Honorable mentions were the stuffed mushrooms and eggplant meatballs. Will definitely be back. read more

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Food not the same quality has went down ..but there not alone due to the economy all restaurants are cutting corners however prices are not low read more

Food was good but what i would consider the price/value relationship , it tilted towards the too expensive for the portions. It's very loud. The service was excellent. read more

Was traveling through Brooklyn on the way back from a beach day heading back to NJ. Having grown up in Brooklyn I remember the original Michael's and this meal was just as great as I remember. Huge restaurant with valet parking, solid bar and live piano music during the meal. Wait staff was prompt and professional. The food was amazing, solid Brooklyn Italian fare that was delicious. Waiter brought out different fresh bread and focaccia with olives, cheese and meat while we perused the menu. We ordered Negroni's which were expertly prepared and presented. We started with rice balls which brought me back to my childhood. The waiter recommended their baked and burnt baked ziti and it was the star of the meal. The veal parmigiana was amazing. We got a box of cookies to go for the road and left full and happy. A must if you are in this part of Brooklyn. read more

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We came here for an anniversary dinner and made reservations a week beforehand, but the restaurant wasn't too busy on a Saturday night. Upon entering, the ambiance brings a classy, old school vibe of an upscale, Italian restaurant. Once we were seated, the service was quick to bring us menu, water, and bread to start. First of all, their complimentary bread comes in 3 types of bread and 2 crackers along with olives, salami, cheese, and butter! I don't know about you, but I've never had such a magnificent display of starter, which is free too. Of course, try not to overindulge on this as the food here is just as excellent and comes in huge portions. We started off with the Slab of Bacon ($16), which was fatty and crispy. For the main entree, I had the Lamb Shank ($39) while he had the Braised Rabbit ($39) and we shared the Baked Truffle Vodka Rigatoni ($23). The lamb was amazingly tender and flavorful perfectly paired with the creamy and chunky mashed potatoes. For the rigatoni, I probably would pass on the truffle as the flavor was too strong for us and the baked crispiness made it a bit too dry, so stick to a classic vodka pasta next time. Pasta was a bit basic overall even though they make their pasta sauces here and even have them jarred for sale. Definitely need to try the infamous Veal Chop Parmigiana a.k.a "The Smash Job" next time though, which even comes bone-in. Throughout our meal, we paired the food with a couple cocktails as well. I had the Elderflower Old Fashioned ($18) and Lychee Spritz ($16). The elderflower was a nice touch to the old fashioned that I've never seen before. The lychee cocktail was refreshing and quite alcohol-forward. The boyfriend also had the Avenue R ($18) and Biscotti Martini ($18). The first essentially being a strong whiskey drink, but the biscotti martini was delicious coming from someone who doesn't even like espresso. Definitely a must if you like an espresso martini with a touch of sweetness. By the end of the meal, I wish I had room for dessert. Overall, Michael's was a delicious meal perfect for any big or small occasion. I look forward to returning and trying more items on the menu as I don't think you can go wrong with anything they serve here. read more

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Michael's of Brooklyn never disappoints!!! It's one of my favorite Italian-American spots in the city, consistently offering incredible food and service. We started with the classics - fried calamari, baked clams, grilled octopus - and I went with the pork chop with hot peppers from the specials menu for my entre. Everything was spot-on....the food, the service, the energy, and the atmosphere. It's one of my favorite restaurants for a reason, and I'm always excited when I have a reservation. Perfect spot for a group dinner. read more

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Service Like No Other--A Perfect Night at Michael's From the moment we walked in, Bianca and Enzo rolled out the red carpet. Warm, attentive, and genuinely invested in making our night special--they didn't just serve us, they hosted us like old friends. The kind of service you remember forever. The food matched the magic: veal chop parmigiana was unforgettable, the lobster special was indulgent and perfectly cooked, and the pappardelle melted in your mouth. And that dessert platter? Showstopping. Our first visit felt like a homecoming--we came in as strangers, left as family. Already counting down to our next meal at Michael's. read more

Michael's - Dessert platter curated just for us. - Italian Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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Old school always good Never had a bad meal Very hard to get a reservation They make a good drink too It's probably in the top 3 Italian restaurants in Brooklyn read more

This restaurant doesn't need another five star as clearly the vote is in they are amazing. Service was five star. You will feel like you are the most important patron. Ask to sit at one of John's tables. He is so dedicated to making your dining experience one you won't forget. He made sure every server attended to us throughout the dinner. He made great recommendations. The food needs no endorsement, every dish is made to perfection. Thank you for a memorable experience. read more

Solid red sauce Italian Has been in business to a very long time Open for lunch which is a huge plus No lunch menu Service is fantastic I love how they put a small serving of olives, bean salad and parmigiano on the table with bread service The bread and whipped butter is fantastic The menu is tremendous, quite a lot of your standard Italian dishes. Many specials each day Huge dessert menu Top notch chicken parmigiana The restaurant is clean and decorated nicely. Great selection of wine and spirits, bar service is marked up quite a bit. Prices are on par with higher end Italian restaurants. Valet parking and street parking available. I will definitely go back. read more

I've been wanting to try this place for a while now. I've heard great things and I have been to the bakery and pastries were impressive! Everything is made in house including the pastries and the bread. I chose the raw oysters and Sunday dinner! Delicious. The sauce was amazing, the Italian bread fresh and delicious, the pasta perfectly cooked! They had live piano, very kind staff and great ambiance. They spoke to me in Italian. It felt like home. read more

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Michael's of Brooklyn absolutely lives up to the hype. I ordered the MoB's Rigatoni Vodka Baked N' Burnt--crispy on the edges, creamy in the middle, and packed with flavor. Easily one of the best pasta dishes I've had in the city. The Mozzarella in Carozza was everything you want--melty, crispy, and nostalgic in the best way. Even the bread was a standout: warm, fresh, and served right away. Service was attentive without being overbearing, and the old-school vibe felt genuine. This place is a gem--classic, comforting, and worth every bite. read more

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I'm so used to eating Italian in my own backyard in Bay Ridge but visiting mom at home in Canarsie, I had to probe where we could order Italian from. I remembered dining at Michael's and enjoying the food thus we decided to order in. I've been craving eggplant parmigiana and am in search for an excellent version. When I've ordered it in other restaurants, I've been disappointed: slivers of eggplant and loads of fried breadcrumbs. I decided to roll the eggplant dice and ordered it with baked ziti and fried calamari. Michael's delivery window is limited, last delivery is 4pm and ordered delivery in a nick of time. The delivery was quick: within thirty minutes the food arrived. I was impressed with the additional treats: Kalamata olives, Brussel sprouts, a rice ball croquette (?). The baked ziti looked massive with loads of mozzarella, the fried calamari came with a side of marinara sauce ( lovvvve that!) and the eggplant parmigiana entree included three slices. With Michael's, most parmigiana entrees do not include pasta thus you order that a la carte. First, the standout dish, the fried calamari which was tender, fried perfectly and the marinara sauce had a nice kick to it. Absolutely scrumptious! The eggplant was good but needed a bit more flavor and I found the mozzarella to be tough not as melty and gooey. The baked ziti was a nice portion but there should have been more sauce thus it was a bit dry and the same issue with the mozzarella, tough not melty. The rice ball croquette(?) was delicious and the olives were a knockout! All in all a good meal but maybe delivery affects the pasta ( dryness)? Michael's is a great way to spend a night in especially with winter upon us. read more

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If you want some old school vibe like from your grandparents, Michaels is a great choice. The service is awesomly friendly and homey. The food is a-maz-ing. Grilled octopus was grilled perfectly, the chicken parm was the best in the city with awesome red sauce. I also had the stuffed shells once and they were just great. Just an all-around perfect spot. read more

What a gem! This old school Italian really delivers on hospitality and food. It was absolutely packed on a weeknight and for obvious reason. We shared the rigatoni, baked clams, veal parmigiana and pork chop with cherry peppers. Everything was delicious, perfectly seasoned and well proportioned. Will definitely return! read more

Consistently great! This restaurant is a staple in neighborhood. Service is impeccable. Decor is old school. Food is amazing. Always a great night. Highly recommend and will be back. They offer valet and reservations are recommended. read more

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Where do I start ? First of all the owner Michael is incredible. He's as gracious as can be . I was there tonight to celebrate my son's birthday with family and my 2 year old grandson came into restaurant crying. No problem with Michael at all, and my grandson was a delight the rest of the meal . Restaurant itself is really nice and the service was excellent . As far as the food, just wow . Rigatoni app . to share was great as were the meatballs . As far as the main dishes , it got even better. My son and I both thought the veal parm with bone in was the best we ever had , and my girlfriend said the same for the chicken parm. Tiramisu capped off a meal that won't he forgotten . Makes me miss Brooklyn even more than I thought . I may live in Jersey now but trust me , I will be back to Michael's for sure! read more

Experience Michael's! Michael's of Brooklyn has been one of my favorites for decades since as a kid my grandparents lived off Marine Park, a few blocks away. As their local go-to Italian restaurant to eat or takeout, Michael's veal parm became the benchmark for me, never beaten no matter wherever I've had it around the world - including in Italy. (Note - My fav, their biggest veal parm is called "The Smash Job" and prepared with the bone. They offer a more modestly priced and sized veal parm without the bone.) Their veal parms clearly remain the best, all fresh components are expertly prepared there creating the perfect marriage! Typically, I pair it with a side of linguini in red sauce. Michael's appetizers, also amazing, are worth ordering - my favorite being the Baked Clams (pictured). But, come hungry and be prepared to take food home because there are some nibbles provided at the start and your entree will be big. Plus, they top off the meal with an excellent complementary biscotti, baked in-house. (Michael's old school bakery and store are across the street.) The atmosphere is classic, with friendly Michael there and his staff, plus often a live piano player performing in a tight platform above the stairs to the lower level. Whenever possible I take family and friends to Michael's, but keep in mind its location is not easily accessible by just subway. (I drive there from Manhattan. Suggest calling ahead to make a reservation.) The trip is well worth the experience! While you can buy Michael's of Brooklyn's assorted delicious jarred sauces in stores and online, nothing tops enjoying a meal straight from their kitchen! read more

Michael's - Michael's of Brooklyn's amazing big "The Smash Job" Veal Parmagiana comes with the bone in the chop - Italian Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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I love an untouched old school restaurant -- they are few and far between in NYC nowadays, especially since the pandemic -- and Michael's is exactly that. Bask in its 1964 stucco cave ceiling and wood and glass paneling, its fish tank bar and its mysterious rocky exterior. I love it all, it's effortlessly upscale in a way that feels extremely nostalgic to this native New Yorker. The service is of course above and beyond from the moment you step in the door to the final biscotti and check. And most importantly, the food here is solid too! It's quality over beauty at Michael's (which isn't to say the food doesn't look great cause it does), there's no need to try and reinvent the wheel when you already do staples so darn well. I had the Veal ala Michael's which was delicious and large -- a perfectly thin cut breaded piece of meal stacked high with spinach and topped with mozzarella. I came with a large group and while I think there was some inconsistency overall (just depending on what you ordered, its a big menu so it doesn't surprise me that some specials are not so special) it was still a positive experience for all. The desserts were amazing too, the coconut cake for two (delicious!) felt more like it shoulda been for five. Oh, and the cocktails!!! Get the 1964 -- a whiskey, fig and hazelnut gem!! A great experience, a hidden gem. I'm excited to come back here for sure. read more

Michael's - Exterior - Italian Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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Food was ok Drinks and food very Expensive food was to salty and shrimps were tough. Shrimp Parmigiana 36 dollars I have been to this restaurant before and always great. I must remember to tell waiter no salt on entrees. Spent a lot of money not offer an after dinner drink. Service was good read more

One Of My Favorite Go To Spots... Staff is always attentive... Food is great.. love love love ... always busy... so make a reservation!

Nestled in the heart of Brooklyn, Michael's Italian restaurant is an absolute gem that truly lives up to its five-star reputation. From the moment we arrived, the valet parking made the experience feel effortless and luxurious. Stepping inside, we were immediately transported to a place of old-country charm. The decor is stunning, evoking a classic, elegant feel that's perfect for a special night out. The ambiance was nothing short of magical, with the gentle melodies from a live piano player filling the air, creating a truly romantic and sophisticated atmosphere. We were warmly greeted and seated promptly, and from that point on, the service was impeccable. The staff provided white-glove service, attentive and professional without being intrusive. Our water glasses were always full, and every need was anticipated. The speed of service was surprisingly quick, with our dishes arriving at the perfect time. The full bar offered an impressive selection, and the cocktails were expertly crafted. As for the food, the menu is fantastic and showcases a passion for authentic Italian cuisine. Every dish is fresh and made-to-order, and the flavors were simply divine. The pasta was perfectly al dente, the sauces rich and savory--it was clear that great care and quality ingredients went into every bite. We had such a memorable evening with friends, and I can't recommend this place enough for special occasions or even just a beautiful dinner with your significant other. Michael's Italian is more than just a restaurant; it's a complete dining experience that delights all the senses. We're already planning our next visit. A truly delicious and delightful experience from start to finish! Oh, valet parking is highly recommended and appreciated read more

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10/10 if there were more stars I would give them. Walking into Michael's is like taking a step back into time. You're greeted as soon as you walk in the door and within minutes from being sat there is a waiter there to welcome you and hand you your menu. Then you'll embark on a culinary journey. A large and daily changing specials menu and classic red sauce joint dishes. Truly a best of both worlds and a place that has something for everyone. Desserts are made at their bakery and do not forget to order a cafe ala Michaels to finish out your meal. There's a reason they've been around since the 60's. If you haven't been what are you waiting for?? read more

Michael's - Wild Mushroom Lasagna - Italian Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Nice venue and very attentive staff. Food was great and having a live pianist was great to hear while having a great dinner. The place is big and spacious. read more

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A true authentic Italian experience in Brooklyn. Michael's definitely loved up to all of its high ratings. The service was great, everyone was really nice. There was never a moment where I felt unattended or neglected. The restaurant is truly a gem with its classic decor. The fried calamari was fresh and the chicken parmesan was delectable. I finished off with a Cafe Godiva which was amazing. Growing up in NY, I hold Italian cuisine to a very high standard and Michael's definitely hit the mark! Highly recommend for delicious and genuine Italian food! read more

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Just about the best italian spot in Brooklyn...from the initial phone call to the amazing food...service.. Ambiance and decor..Michael was extremely gracious as was our server John...top leveling every category..just an incredible experience. BATTS loves this place........ read more