Hands down, the best chicken scarpariello! Cocktails are spot on! Calamari fritti are perfectly seasoned and don't forget the fried zucchini and potato croquets. All ingredients are fresh, servers are professional and the family runs a beautiful restaurant with authentic Neapolitan dishes. These evening I had the chicken franchese with spinach-chicken was so tender and the sauce was PERFECT! read more

A "must visit" when I return to the old neighborhood. My wife and I go there every year after we have our taxes done. It is a great way to spend the refund. read more

I know I have previously written a review. But I'm just so motivated now to say it again. Brought some people to the restaurant last night. Every single thing was perfect!!!! everybody loved it!! I mainly a vegetarian, but somebody ordered the chicken scaparall. it was loved!!! I had some of the potatoes and peppers and sauce it was in. I have to say it was absolutely spectacular. I had the eggplant Parmesan, which was absolute best always great there. Someone else ordered it veal scallopini, which he absolutely loved pastas clams. Everything's delicious and very high level!!! Whoever's in that kitchen putting out this really knows their stuff!!!!Cocktails perfect!!!! Thanks Peter!! vibe in restaurant always great and staff is the best!!! read more

Really good food. Quality and presentation. Also service was A-1. Only complaint was Portions are small. The antipasto and calamari appetizers were minuscule. The entrees (both of us had veal) were also small. The carafe of Sangria lacked fruit except for one lonely slice of orange hanging down the edge. Usually I look forward to the apple slices that are soaked in the sangria. Not this time. Almost everyone at other tables were regulars. Waiters were hugging and kissing customers as they are all friends. Nice atmosphere. Price wise, felt expensive. Overall a 3. read more

Old school Brooklyn restaurant all the way ! Good menu great service and very good food. We went to dinner with my son and his fiancé and liked it so much. We wound up looking rehearsal dinner there and it was a huge success. Definitely recommend this place. read more

I live in Weehawken NJ. I was back in Bklyn and I forgot about La Palina and how amazing the food is here. This is old school Italian at its best. Amazing quality restaurant. Will be back read more

This place sucks. I usually dont write reviews but I dont like how they treat ppl here. We booked a table for 6 but I dont know they gave our table to another party. Not sure if it was because we weren't Italian or what but they decided to give our seat to a group of Italian and then they stuff my party in a corner that was made room was 3 or 4 ppl and gave our seat to the other group of Italian. Also we had to wait for another 30 mins. The owner asked me are you sure you want to leave. I said yea I dont want to sit in an uncomfortable or unwelcome place. Never coming here. No wonder why this place isnt doing well. read more

I'm from California, every time I'm in the area I have to eat at this place. Food is top notch and service is always quality. Don't pass it up it's a must try for Italian food lovers like myself read more

First time here & totally pleased! The place is beutiful and the service was impeccable. We both agreed that these were the best mussels we ever had -the gentleman next to us, when he heard us ordering mussels told us we were in for a treat. Both main dishes were excellent and the prices are very reasonable for the quality of the food and service. Only one regret-it is a very small menu with limited choices but we'll definitely be back! read more

This old school Italian is a hidden gem. Excellent baked clams and spiedini alla romana. Classics are delicious.

Old school romantic Italian restaurant, one of the last few still left in this part of Bensonhurst. Service was impeccable! And the quality of the food incomparable! Forget the boogie Manhattan gangsta places. Come here where you'll get individualized attention and a great meal! read more

Was on my list for a long time. My overall reaction is not impressed. Stuffed mushrooms oreganata were good. Had spinach in them for a different kind of stuffed mushroom. Baked clams were good but I've had better. Shrimp fra diavolo with linguine was passable. Nothing great. Sauce nothing to write home about My friend had the pork chop with side of spinach. She said also it was good but nothing amazing. Desert your standard tortoni Decaf coffee eh. The side of French fries and pot croquettes which they said was on the house looked and tasted like it was left over from the day before ! read more

See all

A wonderful fine old Italian restaurant with terrific food, a unique family run environment of three brothers, great waiters and a terrific brother bartending! Be sure to order a round of his home made pistachio liquors...none better! Step back into the way Restaurants used to be and enjoy this gem!! read more

La Paulina is your old-time neighborhood Italian restaurant. Seemed that people knew each other and had been coming for a long time. The restaurant is large and roomy, and not too noisy. Perfect for large group. One can hear your companions, which is unusual nowadays. Service was both professional and friendly, making you feel at home. As stated, this is a traditional Italian restaurant and the food is traditional- lasagna, eggplant, many types of pasta, pork chop. The fried calamari and garlic bread were outstanding. My gauge of a good Italian restaurant versus an exceptional one is the red sauce. This sauce was better than many, but not outstanding. My taste runs to one that has a little more spices. The prices were standard for current restaurants. While I would recommend La Paulina if you're in the neighborhood, I wouldn't drive to it just for the meal. read more

Simply the BEST!! Their food is always perfectly cooked and excellent service. Pick anything on the menu and it's like your grandmother was in the kitchen sending out your favorite meal. read more

Another great restaurant in Brooklyn nice atmosphere great service. The food is excellent. The baked clams are the best I ever had the fried calamari one of the best. Also, you can't sit at the bar but that's OK. Tables are very comfortable. A nice intimate restaurant with good food. read more

The whole time I was here, I felt like I was a bug that needed to be squashed immediately. From the haughty wait staff, to the busboys, it felt like I did not belong here. It was almost as if they cater to the regulars, which it appears they do. As for me, I was treated like a second class citizen, despite the first class prices of the menu items. That is a shame because the food is pretty good. I got the fried calamari and it tasted fresh and the marinara sauce that comes with it tastes homemade as well. The veal parmigiana also is pretty good along with the side spaghetti. Unfortunately, unlike the calamari, it is a small portion, so I deduct points for quantity. The free bread along with the garlic cheese bread here is not great. I think the bread is stale. That, or it hardens too quickly, likely because of the moisture of the air hitting the bread, hardening it too quickly. They also upcharge for paying with a credit card. Buh. I will not be returning. read more

La Palina is my favorite old school Italian restaurant in Brooklyn! Growing up it was La Palina Joes of Ave u Carolina's, Garguilios and Fiorentinos. Three are still standing. I've done a tour of many of them recently including Nortg Brooklyn's Frost & bamontes but here's what's special here.. The room, updated but classic lots of lore & chairs I remember as a kid still there. The original servers still there & most important the food. Family style potions. Ate: Always great bread Terrific gratis garlic bread Antipasto Fried calamari Good house red Chicken scarpiello Pork chops vinegar peppers Filette de pomodorro over rigatoni Broccoli rabe Housemade ricotta cheesecake The filette de pomodoro is classic with prosciutto & not to be missed ! Scarpiello was super vinegary& was a perfect match to a their house red. The antipasto had the freshest melt in your mouth mozz. The kitchen & the waitstaff are very coordinated & the family loved it!! read more

See all

I can't give enough positive feedback about La Palina. If I could give 10 stars I would. While visiting my daughter I wanted some authentic Italian food and found this place one mile from her home. The minute you walk in it was like being with family. The staff (possible owners?) are so attentive, funny and kind. The food is better than my mom's and my naunie's (sorry mom) which I didn't think was possible. The prices are fantastically fair for the quality and portions given. We started with the calamari which was fresh, delicious & perfect. We ordered 2 meatballs (I wanted to try everything), chicken parm and linguine Alfredo. All were THE BEST I have EVER had. No one makes meatballs like my mom used to and they were better! The chicken was tender and delicious. The red sauce, drinkable. The Alfredo sauce to die for. The BEST. The Italian bread and garlic bread... fabulous! We made a reservation. The place was packed. Vibe was old school, Italian music, buzzing with laughter and chatter. We will be back every time I visit my daughter. read more

See all

Prices are high for the food they are serving, but options are limited for Italian restaurants in the area. (There is another one less than a ten minute walk away, you might be better off going there). Service is fine, food is alright. Just can't get over the high prices of the specialty dishes. read more

Gotta love a place that still makes great old fashioned food in unparalleled style. I used to go at least 2-3x a week until I saw I was gaining lots of weight & I didn't work out enough. Oh well, I guess that's what comes with aging. Their service is also very good & helpful when it comes time to decide which food/drink to have because they're all just too good. Oh well, that's about all I can say; these days I can walk there, & not worry if I can get parking! Oh, I'm serious when I say that their food always hits the spot! read more

Welcoming environment- responsible service and enjoyable menu- visited many times and never had a bad experience

Best fried calamari in the universe, house salad just like Grandmas. Sunday sauce should be every day. Fun and talkative staff, fantastic Super Bowl party! read more

La Palina Restaurant - Out front with our complementary tee's - Italian Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

See all

When I first reviewed La Palina, it was fairly unknown on Yelp. I mean, why would a non-descript old school Italian restaurant off the beaten path in Brooklyn be well known anyway? Since then, people have gradually been writing about how their families still go back, and newcomers have tried it out. Take a look at this listing and compare it to the other old school Italian restaurants that are left. Granted there aren't that many, but La Palina seems to stand out from the rest of the pack. There's a reason for that, and a reason that they've been open since 1930. La Palina is the best old school Italian restaurant in New York City (typed out for dramatic effect). The baked clams are the best I've ever had. Baked clams are my favorite appetizer, and I almost always order them if they're available. Perfectly crisp breadcrumbs, not too big clams, and layers of buttery, salty flavor make these an absolutely must order. Their zuppa di mussels--both red and white--are excellent too. Anything with red sauce is an excellent bet really. The tomato sauce is the best I've had (better than my Mom's), it is drinkable by itself, and it worth living for. Their fried calamari is good, but it is eclipsed by the other options. I even love their small antipasto, which has a great selection of veggies, cheeses and meat. Whatever you go with, get it with a pitcher of sangria. Doesn't taste strong, but it sneaks up on you. My favorite thing to get as a main is their fried veal cutlet with tomato and onion salad; it's a special but I often order it off-menu as well. The key is the quality of the veal which is superb. Other dishes that are great are veal spiedini siciliana, lingiuini with white clam sauce, linguini marechiara (pink clam sauce, off menu), chicken scarpariello, shrimp fra diavolo, anything francese, penne ala vodka (addictive sauce), crab sauce (when they have it), and lobster fra diavolo (when they have it). Dessert is similarly great. Do not miss the Italian Cheesecake, and definitely ask for Sambuca with your coffee. If you don't like La Palina, you don't know shit about Italian food. I'll leave you with that on what was supposed to be my 1,000th review (damned Yelp doesn't count updates the same). read more

Nice restaurant delicious food good service and nice area of town really great restaurant!

Old school, big portions, good service, great food. Old school, big portions, good service, great food. read more

La Palina Restaurant - Veal Spiedini Siciliana - Italian Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

See all

The goat Italian restaurant! Literally anything you order is ridiculously amazingly good. I'd start with the baked clams. I go to the rigatoni filetto Di Pomodoro. I've followed up with a pork chop with vinegar peppers. Boom! The service is excellent and the ambience is impeccable. read more

Old school Italian food. Pure, simple, good. I had the flounder oreganata with a side of broccoli. Service was prompt. Bonus, there is a small valet parking with the restaurant. Street parking is nearly impossible to find. Appetizers and the mixed dinner platter did not bowl me over. Stick with the classics and you won't regret it. read more

Good food , service and atmosphere. I thought it was a bit over priced. have been here three times.

I love this place. Genuine Italian-American favorites and hospitality. And tgey bring the Sambuca with your espresso.

Old school delicious Italian food. Never disappoints. Consistent even after all these years. All dishes are excellent you wont be disappointed. Worth the trip to Brooklyn. read more

Many thanks to Jeff & Jose. Great service. We had so much fun. The kitchen was generous with miscellaneous treats and everything we ordered exceeded my thoroughly exacting Italian standards :) the Shadow family plate is a massive sampling of 3 great dishes in white sauces & there's another sampler with red sauces. The broccoli rabe was perfect. The chicken scarpiello was excellent. I was shocked at how tender the filet mignon was on the shadow plate. Honestly it was across the board very well executed food. Dare I say, way better than Ortobello's. Perfectly seasoned, right where you'd want the flavor profiles. The place itself is traditional old school neighborhood, simple, clean and overall well maintained. Such a pleasant jovial family vibe. Dessert was solid. Chocolate cake & a ricotta cheesecake that would make my grandmother proud. This place will please you, no doubt. read more

See all

There was a gap of about 20 years in between my going to LaPalina from the Early 2000s until May 2022. Let's just say I've now made it a point to dine there every 2-3 weeks on a regular basis. Food is all good, plentiful and enough quantity to feed two with one serving. It's ALSO as if you were visiting your grandmother on a Sunday for a family meal. The ENTIRE staff is friendly, helpful and attentive. If you don't see an Item on the menu, ask and they might have it or make it right there. I usually don't give five stars to anything because no one is perfect. LA PALINA gets five stars from me. Tell 'em ANDY sent you. read more

A truly great Italian meal from appetizers to dessert. Delicious and superbly prepared Calamari, mozzarella in carozza and baked clams. Entrees were plentiful, the veal very tender. We were gifted some fried zucchini and potatoe croquettes, which was a very nice touch. Dessert was served with homemade whipped cream. Our waiter, Jose, was attentive and on top of the meal. I would highly recommend this restaurant if you are looking for a good meal. No pretense read more

If you are looking for an old school Italian restaurant, this is the one for you. Open since the 1930s, they serve cuisine that takes you back in time and it's easy to tell the recipes have been in the family for generations. My friend and I were looking for something that would be good, and comforting after a week of craziness in our educational worlds to decompress with a bottle of wine, great food, and great service; that is exactly what we received. We got there early at about 5:30 which was a great time. By 6:30, the place was completely full. The service was extraordinary and all of the old school servers work together to take care of you, each stopping by the table to check on us, clear plates, pour us more wine, etc. Let's talk about the food now. Wow. We started with the appetizer, Spedini Romano. It's layered bread filled with mozzarella in a dreamy anchovy and wine sauce. I have never in my life heard of it before and it was absolute perfection. I will be back again for this appetizer; total game changer. They're accurate in the description of the sauce because it is "dreamy." The oozing mozzarella melts in your mouth and the bread surrounding the cheese is soft and light and soaks up all the sauciness goodness. For dinner, we shared the La Palina Special for two which is chicken parmesan, filet mignon pizzaiola, and veal Marsala. We also ordered a half portion of penne a la vodka because the meal comes with fried zucchini straws and potato croquettes, which were superb but we didn't want to eat so much of something fried. The croquettes were top notch. The penne a la vodka was AMAZING, full of flavor and the penne a perfect al dente. Paired with the chianti we had, it was a perfect meal. They also serve a few slices of garlic bread at the beginning of your meal with a loaf of Italian bread and both superb. The chicken parm, although most would say it's pedestrian, was one of the best I've had anywhere. You know when a place makes chicken parm that is unparalleled, you're in the right place. The filet was cooked a perfect medium rare and mixed with delicious red peppers in a flavorful tomato sauce. The veal Marsala was tender and delicious and was the only thing that could benefit from a little more Marsala wine, but still delicious. This place is the real deal. read more

See all

If you're looking for "Old School Italian Food" this is definitely the place you need to come to. Everything about this place is great, from the valet parking, the waiter service and especially the food. I had reservations for four people, once in the place and seated the awesome wait service started. We started with stuffed mushrooms, fried mozzarella and stuffed clams as appetizers, DAMN were the stuffed clams incredibly delicious. With the appetizers came fresh warm Italian Bread and garlic bread. For our main course we ordered the La Palina Special which consisted of Chicken Parmigiana, Filet Mignon Veneziana, and Veal Francaise. This was enough to feed at least eight people. There wasn't a thing on our main course I can honestly even mildly complain about. Everything I tasted was great, definitely Old School Italian, the kind of food we grew up eating. Another amazing observation was that this place was packed with people waiting outside for seating, then again this place has been around since 1930 and has a deep history in this area of Brooklyn. I definitely recommend this wonderful place if you're in the mood for the "Old School Italian Style Food. read more

See all

Classic italian restaurant hidden in Bensonhurst. My colleague recommended this place. We came on a Friday night for my mom's birthday. There were a few tables but it definitely got filled quickly. They start you with bread and butter. Our server then brought us garlic bread complementary of the house. We order the lemon fish and the ricotta ravioli in tomato sauce. Then we got zucchini fries and two croquettes complementary. The food was no good. The fish was bland. The sauce was too acidic and watery. The ravioli were ok but nothing extraordinary. Service was good. Even though the coupon for a free glass of wine with yelp check expired in 2016, our waiter gave it to us. The reviews are great for the baked clams. If I ever come back, I'll just have that. read more

See all

My go-to place for consistently good food, good service, nice atmosphere, reasonable prices. And valet parking! This place never disappoints! read more

Food excellent. Italian the way it should be done. Service quick and precise. Wait staff anticipates all your needs. Must try before it becomes a memory. read more

Love this place! My family has been coming here for years and it never disappoints. Great food, amazing service and wonderful atmosphere.