Loved. True neighborhood place. Seemed like all locals, from big hair shiny dress lady to the t-shirted family. Felt like we'd stumbled onto a place others outside the area didn't know about. The chicken parm is worth calling out. Memorably delicious - not just the sauce and cheese but the actual chicken itself was somehow delicious. (I don't expect all that much out of a pounded chicken breast but this one sold. They must do something to it. Although it was left thicker than I'm used to). But the accompanying pasta was also memorable - not just spaghetti with gravy poured over but al dente and chewy and seemed prepared separately. It would have been good on its own. Got the pork chop with hot and sweet peppers. One of the best I've had. So good. Everything else was great too. Garganelli with broccoli rabe and sausage that together made the sauce. Got two of the specials. Loved the bolognese arancini and mozzarella en carrozza as starters. Our waiter (who may also have been an owner) is from Palermo, which made it feel both true Sicilian and Italian-American. The menu features both. As an outsider who doesn't live in Bensonhurst I'll be back to the neighborhood and will probably bring others who live a place like this that they'd never find on their own. read more

Always 5 Stars! I came here with a friend who was visiting from Singapore as he loves Italian food. He lived in Bay Ridge for many years until he moved about 12 years ago. I decided to bring him here as every experience has been AWESOME! Pasquale greeted me from a distance by name and was happy to see us. It's amazing that with so many customers Pasquale will remember your name and prior conversations. That's true customer commitment. The restaurant is beautifully decorated to give you that home an Italian feel. Great prices, amazing Italian food and service. Every member of their staff was great There is nothing that could have been done better. They brought out some complimentary olives, Romano cheese and bread. It was hot out and we were not the hungry so we skipped the usual appetizers. For entrees we had the rigatoni with vodka sauce and grilled shrimp. We also had the Branzino which is always cooked to perfection. For desert we had gelato. They have so many choices, will generally accommodate any food request you make, and have a great selection of wines, beer, and liquor. I highly recommend them and will continue to come back as often as I can. read more

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came back for the 2nd try Ambiance - not too bad, there are 2 dining rooms. the outer room have 2 tables next to the bar, the main dining room is in the back of the restuarant, can see the kitchen. Service - friendly, but the serves doesn't speak much English, was having a bit miscommunication, especially when ordering the portion was not explained much in details so when the bills come we really paid the price. Food - it was pretty good. got the pork this time $45. pretty good. but definitely over price for a pork chop. read more

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What a gem this place is! Food is consistently delicious and service is so attentive and welcoming. The ambiance is so clean and pretty. If you want high quality Italian food this is the place. We had the calamari, pizza margherita, pasta norma, pasta with sausage and broccoli rabe. They have a great selection of beer and wine to match your taste. This is our go to place in Brooklyn. It is one of the last authentic restaurants for Italian Food in this neighborhood. read more

Perfect authentic, family friendly Italian restaurant in the heart of Bensonhurst. The food was outstanding. Service was excellent. Vibes were great. read more

Il Colosseo - Italian Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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- good service - good wines - good cocktails - good pasta - good prosciutto and mozz - very good shrimp diavalo read more

Came here on a Tuesday evening and the restaurant was busy. The restaurant was beautifully decorated with Christmas decorations. There's two dining areas. We were seated outside of the main dining area. We made a reservation. The table was ready for us but there was no staff/hostess and the bartender was on the phone. We saw three staffs and all greeted us but none of them asked if we needed help. We had a party of 7 and everybody was there standing by the door waiting. We ordered the appetizers first cause we were not ready for the entree. We were ready for the entree went the appetizers came but there were no staffs to take our orders. All the staffs were in the main dining room. We wanted swordfish, but no swordfish. We changed to branzino but the staff came back to tell us no branzino. The food was good. I understand it's a busy night and it might take longer for food. Nobody came to check in on us as we dine. read more

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Had our mom's birthday in the backroom with all her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The service was excellent and the big portions of food were delicious. Thank you so much Pasquale, Ali, Antonio and Elia!! Your staff is amazing and made a party of 25 very happy. read more

Had an incredible meal with along with the best service from Nico, Pasquale, and Antonio! The calamari and veal parm were tremendous. Then the tiramisu and espresso made it solidify that Il Colosseo was the best place I've eaten at in Brooklyn. Nico made some killer drinks too and provided excellent conversation. I will be eating here many times in the future. read more

We had our Christmas luncheon here and everything was wonderful. The manager, Pasquale, was very helpful and polite, making sure everything ran smoothly. The waitstaff was friendly and attentive, the food was excellent, and the restaurant was beautifully decorated for the holidays. A great experience all around--highly recommended! read more

Il Colosseo - Pork chop - Italian Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Hello. My family has been going here for over 30+ years. Service was great when the father ran the business and continues after his passing from COVID. His son runs the business now and has made a great neighborhood Italian restaurant better. Menu has been thinned out from when the father ran things. Menu has new and "classier" dishes now. If the son is reading this, I have one request. Pasta Alla Frank Sinatra stayed on the menu from your old menu. Can you bring back orrigetiee with broccoli, rabe and sausage please? Thank you. Highly Recommended Italian restaurant. read more

Il Colosseo - Pasta Bolognese - Italian Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Colosseso is amazing! The food, the service, the staff! We celebrated my daughter's first holy communion saturday May 2nd! With 59 guest Colosseo staff did not disappoint! They made sure to keep everyone happy and fed! One of the best italian restaurants in brooklyn! A special shout out to Pasquale for keeping everything running smoothly! Thank you! read more

The food is great and love it is close to home. Everyone very nice! Great neighborhood spot!

I love their Pizza but 2 days ago I had an espresso and a slice of cheese cake, very disappointing. The coffee tasted like instant coffee and the cheese cake hardly had any taste. I suggest the get a lesson in pastry and coffee preparation from nearby Villabate Alba Bakery. Giving 3 extra stars for the woman who served me, she was great. read more

The food, service and ambiance is top notch. We are regulars, and celebrate all our family occasions here. Mille grazie!

Just like Ortobello in the same neighborhood, Il Colosseo is a time capsule from when Bensonhurst was dominated by Italians and their restaurants. As much as I loved the food at Ortobello, I really enjoyed the food here, even if it is pricey. The portions are quite generous, and the food quite tasty. It might take a bit longer to get your food here, but that is quite alright when you can taste the freshness of their food. Freshness is a quality I take seriously in a restaurant, and it comes through beautifully here. Even the free bread tastes fresh, but given it is the summer months I noticed it stales quickly. Maybe it is best to go here when the weather gets colder. They are easily located off of 18th Avenue and only a five minute walk from the 79th Street station on the D train. That alone warrants me to come back for more samplings. Before I left, the hostess asked me if it was my first time here, (it was), and I reminded her that my meal was great. She dropped a hint that on weekends they offer live entertainment, so it gets pretty packed. Good thing I chose to come on a weekday then. I am looking forward to my next visit. read more

Il Colosseo - Pasta Pescatore - Italian Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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Having frequented Il Colosseo nearly a dozen times over the last 10+ years, the expectation and delivery rarely disappoint. A throw back and staple of the Italian American Bensonhurst days, the Colosseo provides a rustic and what-could-be romantic setting with delightful ambiance. The service is top notch and also sets the mood. Regarding the food, portions are ample and taste is authentic. The pasta pescatore always delivers and without issue once again. With a couple of solid Italian restaurants remaining in Bensonhurst, this one should certainly be on your list to check out. read more

Il Colosseo - Pasta Pescatore - Italian Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

It was my first time, party of three. We share a frutta di mare salad, amazing; I loved the branzino served with asparagus and roasted potatoes, the sauce was delicious; chicken francese, mixed veggies and potatoes incredible sauce and the risotto w/mushrooms was perfect. The presentation and the aromas of the food were so appealing. The service, outstanding, Antonio was friendly and professional. The ambiance was nice Italian style. We'll be back for sure read more

First time here. Took a neighbor out for her birthday. Food was fantastic , service was great. Authentic ambiance. Incredible old fashion Italian restaurant. We will be coming back very soon. I highly recommend this place Lou. read more

I've reviewed before but wanted to thank the team here for a magical 50th Birthday celebration coordinated by my Russian-bully of a GF. They rolled with it and as a result my family and hers enjoyed an amazing Italian dinner and celebration. The musical act was exceptional, and at our request nailed many "Rat-Pack" performances we requested. The food was by far some of the best Italian food I've had (shhh...don't ever tell my great-grandmother I said that). I'd like to have maybe some oil and herbs to go with the bread pre-meal, but eh. If you're looking for a classic, yet modern Italian Brooklyn dining experience, this should be on your dance card. read more

We had a great time. We had a few appetizers and deserts and wine. Everything was very good and the service was great.

Great authentic food Got the penne alla vodka and the chicken parmigiana No complaints! Rating : 5/5 read more

Il Colosseo - Penne alla Pasta with Vodka Sauce Chicken Parmigiana - Italian Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Came by again recently for dinner with friends. They made a really nice outdoor shack for outdoor seating. Baked clams-once again..delicious. these clams are decently sized. Not super mini. The breading,oil,, and flavor was just right to not overpower the clam Fungi pizza-mushroom pizza was delicious. Seafood risotto-pretty good Bolognese pasta- decent Had a nice enjoyable dinner outside. Took a really long time to get the check though. We asked them twice for the check, still didn't get one after almost 25 minutes so we ended up walking directly to the counter in front of the restaurant and paid there. read more

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Quiet neighborhood Italian restaurant with a family style. This is my second visit and it never fails me. Everyone is very courageous and inviting. First serves with complimentary semolina bread with butter. Try with olive oil and fresh pepper, you will be amazed. Fried calamari: crunchy and fresh, the batter is not overpowering the calamari Shrimp scampi and bolognese are okay. Overall, it is a nice weekday dinner which is also satisfying. read more

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All the food at this restaurant is very good and excellent. The eggplant roll a teeny is the best I've ever had fried calamari delicious crispy and tasty. Drinks are good and service is impeccable. read more

Ordered the Misto Mare for take out and it came with some octopus legs, two clams, and two shrimps. All this little portion for overpriced $17. Its so overpriced and the quantity is so little. Definitely not worth ordering it. See pictures The other item that I had was a pizza and a pasta. They were all well done, delicious, fresh, and worth it. But the reason why I am giving this review a one star is because they rip off their customers with the high cost of their popular dish Misto Mare and the low quantities that they give out. Either they should lower the price for this dish or increase the quantities that they offer Hope this restaurant stop taking advantage of people with the Misto Mare dish, and I am hoping that you all customers are aware of this ripoff through my review :) read more

Have never left Il Colosseo disappointed. The portions are excellent, and food is delicious. The antipasto options are great and some large enough to be entrees! The octopus is a favorite ! So so good! The pasta amatriciana is amazing! The risotto pescatore is fantastic! Really all around wonderful restaurant and very fair prices! read more

Our Daily News recent Press Tastings in Red Bank & Brooklyn were the very best presentations of Italian cuisines that our reporters have experienced in the entire area. The price is portions and preparations were second to none. I really must try. read more

My wife and I stopped in for dinner because we were close by and we are so glad we did!!! The fried calamari was the best I've ever had. The lobster ravioli with shrimp was equally as good. The service was terrific all around and the atmosphere was both beautiful and comfortable! Go have a terrific meal and enjoy!! read more

What a nice find in Bensonhurst, such nice staff, owner and most of all food Don't miss this one if your in the neighborhood read more

Il Colosseo is my favorite go to for Italian food including pizza in NYC. Bensonhurst BK is always. Spot to find old school Italian joints but I've been coming here for years, and you can't go wrong. Can order drinks or BYOB. Favorite spot to come for an early Sunday dinner after church. Pizzas are all delicious, staff is great, atmosphere is cozy and owners are fantastic. Veal Piccata is a favorite, biancanieve pie, stuffed rigatoni, and always check out their specials. Thanks for existing guys read more

Il Colosseo - Italian Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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This is an underrated gem. The pizzas are delicious, with a dough that especially pops. The customer service is excellent. The staff members were great at explaining things and making personal recommendations. I took my order to go, but I'd like to go back again and dine in because the place looks charming. read more

It's a nice local place to go for a bite to eat. Their pizza is really good and their pastas too! It's pretty inside and they have a side room for parties. read more

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Love this place baked clams octopus and shrimp is our go to appetizer along with one of the beautiful pizzas and I always love the seafood rissotto everything here is always fresh and nothing but class and a great time when we eat here God bless read more

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I've been here before and have enjoyed it. I discovered they deliver to my house so I thought that was great news. Boy was I wrong. The last few times delivery takes so long. The driver even calls you to get you to meet here in the street. She won't even get out of the car to deliver the food. This last time was much worse. The food arrived more than 2 hours later. When I called the girl on the phone had a terrible attitude. I called after an hour and she said she was waiting for the pasta to come out of the kitchen. I ask why if it's already been an hour. She said they are busy with dining. Room guests!! Another hour passes and I call back for more attitude and she just says. Yeah we're busy. Never going to this place again. read more

The waiters are always welcoming and friendly. This is my favorite pasta spot in Brooklyn! I love their mussels and oil pasta! Will visit again. read more

From the service to the food! Everything was great! My mom found this place during the eclipse and we came here today to celebrate her birthday. We were there a couple hours and didn't feel rushed at all. I would come back again. We had the calamari, the pizza with breadcrumbs and anchovies, eggplant Parmesan, and linguine with garlic and EVOO. Everything was seasoned just right. I wanted to try the sacchetti but they were out. I have a friend that lives close by and told her to come here if she was in the mood for Italian food. read more

Definitely coming back. Great food great pizza, pastas salads. Amazing experience the staff was great !!! read more

This restaurant is still in business. A classic here in Bensonhurst. Lorenzo it's owner passed away 6 months ago now is son Giulio has taken over running this great institution. Although the neighborhood has changed through gentrification Giulio still runs business classic Italian style. Food remains unchanged and still delicious. Live music on weekends. New sister restaurant now opened in Middletown New Jersey. My mother who's 82 puts her dentures in and looks forward to eating at this establishment. We ordered Calamari Fritti Vongole Gratinate Spaghetti Aglio e Olio e Peperoncino God Bless Lorenzo Maximilian Southampton NY read more

Just had dinner tonight at il Colosseo! It was a spontaneous dinner as we were in the neighborhood. From appetizer to dessert it was amazing. We ordered the Caprese salad with prosciutto, red peppers, olives tomatoes and the star, fresh Mozzarella!! It was delicious. We had the Rigatoni with Bolognese sauce which was perfectly done. It was served with ricotta on the side. We finished with a Cappuccino and a Tartufo for dessert. Yummy! Our server was Marcos who was friendly, professional and attentive. Everyone made us feel welcome. Thank you for a wonderful evening. read more

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