Food: 5/5. The buratta appetizer was fantastic as well as all of the pasta dishes we had. Additionally the branzino and the chicken was really good Service: 1/5. We had a reservation at 7:30 and did not get seated until 8pm. The host was not good and the service was very slow. The waitress did not even ask us what to drink until 15-20 minutes after we were seated. read more

Love the Baby Octopus. The Fava Bean and whole grain salad is also a favorite! Great atmosphere. Good beer.

Came down all the way for brunch cos it was highly recommended by a friend. Ordered the traditional breakfast and the eggs in a cloud. Overall, the food was really REALLY good. The bacon was delicious, the potatoes were yummy, the spinach that came with the eggs in a cloud was AMAZING. Oh of course the eggs in a cloud was very very pretty and very delicious. It is, however, one of those places where the waiting staff look like someone just kicked their dog and the world owes them a bunch of money. While efficient and accommodating, they were however incredibly grumpy and unpleasant. Shudder. read more

Accommodating. Mood lighting. And delicious olive oil. Well those aren't the only things that stood out, but they certainly stood out. They did not have place for my party of five so they made a table (even though it was uneven) so we didn't have to wait. It is refreshing to have great service even in the middle of dinner service on a busy Saturday night. Dim lighting: great for date night, not so much for my grandparents. Food: freaking delicious. Even my dad liked the cuttlefish with pesto sauce (I couldn't even get him to eat calamari before). And I found a new appreciation for olive oil. I don't know, it is just so good. read more

Egg in the cloud was great, I had it without the ham. I could have eating two of them. Seems like more of a family joint for Sunday brunch. Not a lot a drinking going on. And don't forget, cash only? read more

AlMar - Egg Ina cloud, no ham - Italian Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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This restaurant is a gem. The food is simple, fresh, delicious and real southern Italian cooking at it's best in NYC. I am never disappointed here and always want to come back for more. The other night my friend and I shared scallops and oysters to start. The oysters were fresh and delicious and the scallops cooked perfectly! We had a spring salad with barley, chopped vegetables and mint which was so delicious we could have eaten a bucket full! Really! We then had two pastas that were incredible. One was with mussels and the other was extraordinary with a dandelion green pesto and potato. I had never eaten anything quite like it. It was hearty, thick, rich and so delicious! I can't wait for my next meal at Almar. The wait staff is perfect, they don't bother with you, yet are knowledgeable and generous. read more

I've come here twice for Sunday brunch and had really positive experiences both times. I called a couple days before to make a reservation, and even at prime-brunch time in NYC, I had no trouble getting a seat. When I showed up, I was seated almost immediately. The staff are very nice without being pushy, and the atmosphere is rustic and cute. It can feel a little cozy when it gets crowded, but never too terrible. The coffee is great, and unlimited refills are a steal if you're planning on hanging for a while. The first time I came I ordered the Nutella panini (shared) and the Old Fashioned Breakfast. The panini was tasty, but more of a novelty than worth the money for some Nutella on warm bread. The breakfast itself was satisfying without being overfilling. Exactly what I wanted from Sunday brunch. The second time I came (later in the day) the service was a bit more scarce. We had to flag down a waiter to order, but other than that things were fine. I tried the caprese panini. It was perfectly good, though nothing particularly memorable. UPDATE: I came here for brunch a third time and had a far less pleasant experience. The coffee was cold, the milk for my coffee had coffee grounds inside it (or at least what I assume to be coffee grounds...) and my Old Fashioned breakfast arrived cold with two skimpy slices of bread. The service was also lacking; the restaurant was empty at 10am and I still had to flag the waitress over multiple times for napkins and more coffee. Would definitely recommend for a good brunch that's not wildly expensive for the are read more

Our friends gathered here for a surprise engagement dinner. The team was so accommodating, even when the full party arrived in waves (and very late) and allowed us to order as we waited for the couple to get there. The whole team was very helpful and kept the place open as we took pictures and celebrated. Thank you for making the night so special for our friends. The food was great too and the menu was filled with yummy vegetarian options. read more

Absolutely delicious! Had the meatballs, squash bruschette and the roast chicken. So good! Great staff.

My friend and I came here for brunch at 10:30 on a sunday before we explored around dumbo. The location is really great! Just a few minutes from the subway and from the famous shot of the manhattan bridge. We both got the eggs in a cloud (not going to post a picture since theres already so many). Overall the dish was really good, but the egg whites were a bit much. I could only eat half of it. I really liked that the spinach wasn't overly seasoned or too oily either. I also got the endless coffee, which is a really good deal if you drink 2 cups, but I do think the coffee could be a little stronger. read more

Super cute atmoshpere and good food at a reasonable price (especially for Dumbo). It get's packed for a reason ..especially at brunch! Attentive server and efficient service. I would definetly go back. read more

Great staff. The food is priced on the heavier side but it was flavorful. Very open floor plan and nice ambience.

Got the Al Mar at the Al Mar and it was perfect. The service was also GREAT, very friendly staff. Will be back for another brunch.

My husband and I ate dinner at AlMar last night and enjoyed the ambience, the food and the gracious service immensely. We especially appreciated the friendliness and attention of our server, Lena, who was very attentive and accommodating. Thank you for the wonderful experience. Joan and Reg Lankford, Olympia, WA. read more

Came here for brunch. The Egg in a Cloud was amazing! The egg whites are like meringue, they practically melt in your mouth; truly heavenly. The only reason it gets a 4 instead of 5 is the service is a little cold, not bad, just not very friendly or warm. read more

AlMar - Egg in a Cloud - Italian Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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Went to Almar for Valentines day. Service and food are 5 star. this is my neighborhood spot that I frequent often. I decided its time to share it with the world. Eating here is like going to Italy with the warm staff, rustic décor and fabulous food you can't go wrong. its high end food in a relaxed atmosphere. with great music ! Alfredo really knows how to turn up a dish. If you are in Dumbo and don't eat here you are missing the best thing this neighbor hood has to offer..... and as you know Dumbo is not short of attractions. read more

Great brunch spot. Friend and I loved the egg cloud and the AlMar. Great service chill vibe. Go early.

The hanger steak is some of the best steak I've ever had. Is it a little pricey, yes. $38 for hanger steak and salad is probably $6-8 too much but boy it's damn good. The rest of the food/place is really nice. Wet right under Manhattan bridge you get a true NY experience in a date night style restaurant. Food has been really good every time we've been, nothing has really disappointed. I would highly recommend if on a date or just wanting a great meal. I never hear this place mentioned amongst the best restaurants but it's a low key gem. read more

I was so happy with my experience at Almar! My group of three went on a Wednesday evening with no reservation and didn't have to wait at all. The aesthetic and atmosphere of the restaurant were so cool and cute and they had old movies playing on a projector up against the wall. The service was great! All three of us cleaned our plates (we each got a different pasta dish and they were all delicious). The meals were reasonably priced. Great dinner! read more

Went for brunch, it was quiet. Had the eggs in a cloud, it was really good. The egg dissolves in your mouth. The potatoes were on point, evenly crispy. Pancakes were fluffy and soft. The eggs purgatory was alright, it needed more bread for the suace. The Almar was good. The waiter was nice and helpful. read more

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Mediocre to low end. Not Italian culture at all. They would rather make the $10 than making sure you had a good experience. The food was not special. Would not recommend to groups bigger than 4. Really patronizing. When we complained about an establishment related problem, the owner proposed us not to pay the tip for the waiters. Then we told the owner that this shouldn't be taken out of staff's payment, the owner just didn't want to hear it. They don't even care about their staff, so disappointing. read more

this guy is the real thing... Al is from Italy, (like me) and his dishes brought me back to my childhood. Delicious combinations! and I am "Pescatarian" no meat no fowl. When I am on the East Coast I make a point of visiting this place! read more

Good seafood with great atmosphere. The salad was excellent as well. Sorbet of the day was coconut, my favorite. Went well with an after dinner coffee. Highly recommended. No typical hustle bustle of the city. read more

My 2nd time here and still excited to try a few things. Had the beet salad, a fish special & Gelato for dessert. Don't forget to pick up a fresh cup of coffee after your meal, SO good read more

This was absolutely one of the nicest restaurants I've been to in Brooklyn for a celebration dinner. The service was excellent, the appetizers prepared just perfect, cocktails and meal all done to perfection. Our waiter John was so attentive and we had a big group. Even the manager stopped by our table to make sure we had everything we needed. Desserts were all superb! read more

We had a little tea and chill here. Cash only, which is kind of annoying, but a nice place.

Others reviewers of this overpriced dump are probably paid by the restaurant. In addition to the food being terrible, they charge 4% for the use of a credit card marketed as a "technology fee." Gross misrepresentation. Skip, as there are many others restaurants in NYC read more

Excellent pasta and ambience. Love the warm decor and feel of this place. A little in the higher end as far as pricing goes but the food is fresh and delicious and the quantities are pretty generous. Will definitely go back especially for their pesto pasta. read more

Definitely worth the trip across the Brooklyn bridge!Located in quaint neighborhood that is easy to navigate with street parking. The ambiance, service and food were just right! read more

Have been here a couple times just to stop and get a drink / iced tea at the bar but I love it there! The bartenders / waiters are always super nice, the place is really cute and it's a great location for wandering around Dumbo. read more

Alfredo and Marcello are great hosts, the place is really cool, the food (from the bruschettas, to the pastas, to the rabbit and the mussels... my god) and the wine selection is outstanding. The portions are even too big and well priced. JUST GORGEOUS! read more

Wow ... simply wonderful Was here last night and enjoyed everything. All the food was top notch fresh and delicious. Apps - had meatballs, crostini's, brishetta and some cheese all perfect Diner had pasta and ribs also perfectly prepared and yummy... Service was great, cant wait to go back... My only complaint was the seating, I am not a fan of sitting on a bench with no back ... especially while enjoying such a fabulous meal read more

Love this place. Have been here multiple times with friends and always have a good time. Ambiance in the evening is charming, it's quiet enough to carry on a conversation without shouting, and the food is delicious. The service is also great. There was a minor glitch with my order that was probably as much my fault as the waiter's. He fixed it immediately and comped me a glass of wine as an apology, which was not necessary but was appreciated. The owner also sent over a round of limoncellos to end the evening. Many of the negative reviews seem to be tourists who are upset with the prices. Listen, I wouldn't complain if everything were somehow $10 cheaper but hey, it's New York. The prices here are completely in line with nice restaurants in Brooklyn heights/ cobble hill/ park slope. read more

Stopped here for lunch ... decor is cool.... good service ... food was good... I ordered the turkey burger .. it came with small potatoes.. before my order was brought out , the waitress came to me to say they ran out of the bread for the turkey burger, I thought this was odd being that it was 1 in the afternoon... but she offered to give Me pumpernickel bread instead... I took it .. burger was good .. nice little place to grab a bite read more

Not sure how this place has 4 stars. Deserves no stars at all. The 4% credit card surcharge is outrageous, credit card companies, on average,charge 1.5% and only Amex charges 3.5%; these people are definitely pocketing the difference. The food is bland, the staff is rude, and menu is not for an "Italian restaurant". I do not recommend this place to anyone. read more

Came here for a Saturday brunch and while we waited for our food we caught decent size roach crawled across the occupied bench seating along the wall. Three stars for decent food and service. read more

This place has such great vibes. Went yesterday and was really hoping for a great brunch. Was unfortunately very disappointed. The service was very slow (came to the table once) and our food was cold. Could never even complain because they never came back to check-in. Had the food been warm would have been great, but overall left very annoyed and disappointed. read more

I found AlMar through Chowhound, and booked a reservation for five for my friend's birthday dinner based on the good reviews and the menu. We had an idea it would be good, but every so often, there's that rare, sensual restaurant experience that surpasses most everything you've enjoyed; it is THAT good. This was our experience at AlMar. Four of us arrived at this beautiful, rustic, spacious restaurant, and started off with a plate of very fresh oysters, two different octopus appetizers, an eggplant ricotta bruschetta, and a delightful, reasonably priced bottle of red wine. The octopus special had a tomato based sauce which was mostly just stewed tomatoes and not particularly exciting, however it had been cooked to soft, tender perfection. The other, a grilled octopus appetizer which is a regular on the menu, was accompanied by onions, celery, capers, crisp green olives, and perfectly cooked white potatoes (*just* done, not too soft). This was absolutely delicious in flavor, and had just the right touch of char in the grilling. The octopus could have been just a touch softer, but was otherwise sublime. I could not try the bruschetta (gluten intolerant), but when I asked my companion about it, his eyes rolled back in obvious delight. For the mains, I resisted my initial urge to go with the roasted breast of duck with red wine cranberry reduction, and instead went with the red wine braised rabbit with polenta. As luck would have it, a late-arriving friend sat next to me and ordered the duck, so I got to sample that, too. I'm so glad I was convinced to go against my obvious first choice, but not because the duck was any less amazing. Having tried rabbit on several occasions, I had nearly given up on it as a dish I prefer. This version not only changed my mind, it put me into a state of pure, sensual bliss. The chef absolutely mastered the preparation of this gamy meat and bent it to his will; the skin crisp and dark with the sugar from the wine it was braised in, the meat inside juicy and SO tasty. The polenta was creamy, buttery, wonderful. As for the duck, the slices were buttery soft inside and crispy outside with the sugar from the red wine cranberry reduction, which added just the perfect sweetness to the velvety dark, rare meat. It was accompanied by a lovely mashed squash dish. The birthday girl and her boyfriend split a plate of pappardelle with porcini, cremini, shitake, oyster, royal trumpet and chiodini mushrooms with blueberries (!) and herbs that everyone at the table just raved about. I was jealous that I couldn't taste it. The friend to my left had Penne Alla Pizzaiola, which he said was wonderful. Unfortunately, we ran out of time before our show and didn't have time for desert, but it was a good thing, as we were quite full and warm with wine. It was the perfect evening. I found out later that the chef and co-owner hails from the longstanding Brooklyn Heights outpost Noodle Pudding, which also receives very high accolades. Bring plenty of dough. This restaurant is *CASH ONLY* read more

Came to AlMar because it looked so nice, the specials on the board outside turned out to be just items on the menu. Waited about 35 minutes, which is okay for a Saturday night - but tables were open for 10 minutes, cleaned, before they would seat us or other waiting people- no sense of urgency or willingness to get people in tables, and the place isn't that big either. So, the waiter doesn't introduce himself after 15 minutes, just says, "So, you know what you want?" We order. They are out of octopus, tuna (our top two choices), and a few other things. Soup was bland, candle wasn't lit, had to ask for pepper. Maybe it just wasn't our night. Main dishes were okay. WARNING: I guess it's on the bottom of the menu, but the place is CASH ONLY. All in all, disappointing. The waiter laughed when we showed him we were charged $26 for a bottle of wine when it was listed as $25. What's a dollar here or there? Pretentious or nonchalant, I don't really care, service wasn't good. Bathroom was a mess. ugh! Guess we'll trek back to Astoria next weekend when we have to be in this neighborhood and eat there. read more

Mediocre and expensive. We were also overcharged and left hungry. We were immediately seated on a weekday night. That was nice. Bread with olive oil came out right away. Boring white bread. Ok, fine, next, whatever. Ordered two cocktails at $11 each. They were fine. Ordered the Duck Prosciutto Crostini and was very disappointed by the portion size. Two crostinis with minuscule amounts of duck on top for $12 - or wait - I'm sorry, the bill came to $16 for those. I only noticed when we were walking home and I was remarking on how expensive the meal was. Can I have my $4 back? Entrees were boring. Raviolis were standard. The Linguine with Manila Clams & Broccoli Rabe for $18 was not worth the money. The clams were very tiny. They were Manilla clams so no big expectations, but the portion was also small. The portions needs to double for $18. At the end we were both annoyed to have spent $100 on food and drink and be left hungry. Then to find we were overcharged on the appetizer sealed the deal. The waiter might also learn to not interrupt conversations. Enough to complain in person about? What am I going to cause a scene about portion size in the restaurant? Of course not. But I will be telling others to go elsewhere as the food is overpriced and the restaurant experience does not make up for it. We ended up eating somewhere else afterwards to actually eat. Also, reminder to check your bill to make sure you're not overcharged. Cash only, too, which was a pain. Go somewhere else. read more