Excellent food and an unbelievable ambiance. The place looks great from just the outside but it gets even better from their live piano player and their wine cellar. I have only had their seafood and I must say the seafood antipasti is to die for. The menus says it's for two, but you could usually convince the waiter to beg the chef to make it for one which not only let's you enjoy the whole thing but also lowers the price from $40.00 to $20.00. Their meat dishes are also very good. I have never heard anyone complain while devouring their steak. This might be wrong to mention but their bread is to die for so if going for a light mean stick with that and a salad. read more

We had a birthday luncheon for my mom there. It was pretty decent in décor, clean and the wait staff was very nice -- on the ball!!! The food was good, and since we had about 30 people (give or take), it was amazing that everything turned out good. Usually with some places and big groups, some order gets lost in the kitchen, but not here. The food was pretty darn good too. They provided us with the cake as well, and that was delicious! They also have a full bar. It's worth the trip, especially if you have a group. read more

The food is always great and the staff is very attentive. I have been here several times and I leave full and satisfied every time!

Amazing place, the food is out of this world. I ordered a dish Sunday Dinner, comes with 3 different types of meat, lamb, sausage, and beef cooked in gravy (tomato sauce) with a side of pasta of your choice. This dish brought me to tears. It reminded me of my adopted Nona when she would make this for us. This place is amazing, everything is wonderful and the service keeps you coming back again and again. read more

Ever since my mother got sick, we decided that life is too short and realized that money isn't everything. We started to frequently go to michaels, which is hands down one of the best restaurants in the marine park area. It then became our choice for Christmas Day each year, and we have continued to keep the tradition. The lobster fra diavolo is my dish of choice, however they can make anything you virtually wanted and it's absolutely worth every penny. If you are in the area, this is truly a place you can't miss. The only downside is that the place has no windows! But the live piano music makes up for it! Cheers! read more

Searching for that perfect authentic Italian dinner then Michael's is going to leave speechless .

Food was very fresh and well cooked and organized. Only complain I have we had a party of 18 people and only 1 waiter assigned to the table. He did an excellent job, but it was not enough for such big table where someone wanted something every 30 seconds. read more

Most of the people at the table had the chicken parm as well as the veal parm, overall it was a very good meal, the service was phenomonal.

I am originally from New Jersey / New York area. I bought a jar of this sauce, "gravy", at Jewel in Chicago. The absolute best sauce you can buy in a jar, get at a restaurant, and maybe better than you can make at home. Authentic Italian gravy which I have not tasted outside the New York area in a long time or maybe ever. Try it, www.michaelsofbrooklyn.com/store/product/fresh-tomato-basil. Or buy it at the grocery store!!! read more

Michael's works hard to be good- I've never had anything but a good meal there. The calamari is delicious as is the shrimp parmesan. I'm pretty sure they are doing something to the shrimp to make them so freaking huge- it's a reasonable $28 as half the plate is enough even for a shrimp lover like me. The service is fantastic- they interact without being intrusive and just treat the customer very well. I just went with a co-worker last week and she is still talking about our meal and already has plans to go back. This place is fine dining. You will not leave hungry. Yes it is a little pricy but this is one place I never feel bad about spending my money at. I am thrilled to see them doing so well even in this horrible economy. read more

Growing up in south Brooklyn there is no shortage of Italian food, we Truly know good Italian food. That being said there isn't a large selection of upscale resturants like Michaels around. I have been coming here for most of my life. The people are very sweet and remember you when you walk in, the waiters are very classy and great at timing. They also could have a good conversation with you if you'd like. As for the food ... I am a fanatic for their vodka sauce it by far is the best vodka sauce I've ever had and I have had a hell of a lot. My mother raves about the bacon wrapped scallops (I don't eat pork but she's very picky so that speaks volumes). Everything I've had has been great and I love the almond biscottis that they bring out for dessert they are ridiculously good. Being that michaels also has a bakery there is plenty of dessert options and if you stop over at the bakery make sure to pick up some cannolis. You can't beat this place read more

Wonderful atmosphere, food and service were excellent. The shrimp was done to perfection. Michael was very gracious. Highly recommend.

The food was fantastic. Our service was great. The atmosphere is elegant yet comfortable at the same time. I look forward to going back again soon. read more

Great night out ,the food was delicious. Lots of laughs and Enzo our waiter was fantastic !!

So I have to say I was wrong! For once! My first time here was not excellent, but every time after that has been REALLY excellent! I've been meaning to update this review, but after having many dishes and coming over and over I have to say it is a GREAT Italian restaurant. From the soups to the drinks and specials, everything has been always on point for me! Definitely will continue to come back and enjoy the food and the staff!! read more

If you want to go to a classy place for dinner around the way, this is a good place to try. A bit pricey but pretty good.

I could spend 10000 characters writing about my Dinner at Michael's with my entire Italian family but I will not. Lets just say, for a table of 10 Italians to all say this was the best Italian dining experience they've ever had, that says something. Advice: Get anything. It was all fantastic. I had the Lasagna, and a side of the spinach. Try not to fill up on the olives, bread and cheese. Good luck because the cheese is fantastic. The wine was great, the dessert was great, and Enzo made us all feel very welcome and shared some great conversations. The whole ambiance of the place makes you feel like you walked onto the set of Goodfellas, except no one gets shot. Easy 5 star rating. read more

A very classy, romantic place to have a date or a special occasion dinner. Great service and food.

Excellent food and service. There are definitely regulars making it a return spot for sure read more

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

It's can be a 2 hour drive for us but so worth it. Food is amazing and staff is very attentive. Expect to spend a decent amount, prices are $20-30 for an average entree but the food and service are worth it. Twelve people at the table and not a single complaint. One dish was covered in mushrooms which the menu didn't specify and they brought a new dish out very quickly. Lobster bisque is best I've ever had. The classics are exceptional and don't think twice about experimenting with other dishes because they are also phenomenal. read more

Great dining experience. The food is delicious and the restaurant on the whole is a great family dining experience. I'd recommend this place for parties or group gathering. read more

All I can say is WOW! My fiance Matt took me here in December. The interior is elegant and beautifully decorated for Christmas. The waiters are professional but the food is what really stands out. Classic Italian dishes with amazing specials. Nice waiting area by the bar. Large parking lot with valet so no need to worry about Brooklyn parking. Great family run business. The owners Fred and Michael both came up to us at different points throughout the night adding that nice personal touch. Definitely recommend and will certainly be going back. I noticed on the way out they sell their sauce in jars, can't wait to try that as well! read more

The fellas there know me as the guy that has the porterhouse for 2 for 1. What can I say? I love this place. It's such an old world classic - I hope they never change! The charm of this restaurant is so appealing. The chef really loves what he does - and it shows! My love is the bacon wrapped scallops - and the porterhouse for 2. My friends enjoy the Chicken Parm. The bread basket with salami and Parmesan cheese is top notch too. I have no complaints about this place. Make a reservation! They get very busy (A good thing!) read more

5 stars for the great service! The super polite waiter remembered everyone's orders aside from the bunch I ordered to share family style (we had 9 people) and also gave us a free dessert on the house that my cousin inquired about! We also embarrassingly asked for a box to take the complimentary almond biscotti to go since they were so yummy and were given an extra box! Aside from that, the food was really good and the ambiance is really nice. I especially liked the penne with tomato & basil sauce and the calamari. The portions of pasta weren't as big as I expected, which is really a good thing. We were able to finish everything we ordered, which is always a happy accomplishment. And to end the dinner, we had 5 (+1 free) desserts, of which the warm cookie with vanilla ice cream and profiteroles stood out to me the most. :) read more

Never been to Michaels of Brooklyn, but bought their Sauce in a local store here in Texas. I am a misplaced New Yorker who seeks the old country again, born and raised in Howard Beach, but know Brooklyn very well! Especially Whikoff Avenue, you are on my list to visit in June, your sauce was great!! Even saving the jar for a decoration piece! read more

Can't say enough about this place. My family has been coming here for generations. The food and service are fantastic. The ambience is comfortable and the parking isn't bad in that area on a Sunday afternoon if you decide to pass on the valet. read more

Excellent spot. So glad we found it. The service was great. The food arrived miraculously fast and was delicious. The crowed was mostly big groups my wife and I enjoyed it though I think we were the only couple there and the rest were groups. The place looked big enough that you might not have to make a reservation. We just walked in and I am glad we did. read more

Amazing place to eat. I have been here for dinner and for parties. The food is amazing. The service is great. The food is fresh and the place is clean. The last time I was here it was for a repass. They set up with a huge table and served us meat and cheese to start. We then had a salad and pasta and then choices of chicken, steak, or fish. I had the chicken. It was two huge chicken cutlets with Michael's homemade tomato sauce and cheese. It was fried perfect served with mixed vegetables. For dessert it was cookies and pastries from their bakery. Oh my goodness. It is very expensive to eat there but it's well worth it. Private parking lot with valet. This is a must go to place while in Marine Park. read more

I've been going to Michaels now for about 8 years since I moved into the area and I get all my take out from them they have an amazing chicken cutlet parmesan it melts in your mouth I still haven't went inside to sit down and eat but the atmosphere is great from what I can see when I go inside everybody so friendly and the food is good I highly recommend you to take your family or your wife for an anniversary or a date to Michael's Italian restaurant and that's the woods they have Michael's bakery right across the street which has the best chocolate covered strawberries I highly recommend themyou won't be disappointed read more

I have passed this restaurant numerous times and have shopped in there bakery at least once a month for the last 10 years but never tried the restaurant. This past weekend I decided 5ocgive it a try and I'm happy I did. The food was superb, I was pleasantly surprised by all the appetizers and entrees. Do not leave with out trying the dessert it was like Crack. The hot chocolate chip cookie with ice cream was out of this world. The waiter was excellent it was a packed house and he had many tables but was still attentive. After not trying this place for a long time I will definitely return for dinner shortly. read more

The artichoke appetizer was phenomenal. I had the bone in veal Parmesan. THERE ARE NO WORDS! I usually try to choose a new dish when going to a restaurant for q second and third time. This helps me determine if I truly like the restaurant or just got lucky with one great dish. Next time I go to michael's, I will be ordering the bone in veal again! Yum read more

Appetizers amazing, lobster was perfect, and our waiter was incredible. The entire staff was very attentive. Always a good spot for a nice evening out. read more

Why is Michael's Restaurant at Nostrand Avenue and Avenue R not recognized as a top-flight Italian restaurant? Is it because it's located outside of the fashionable Brooklyn Heights/Park Slope neighborhoods where no reservations, tight quarters, and indifferent atmosphere win accolades? Michael's is spacious, elegant, and comfortable with table spacing that permits civilized conversation. It has a private dining room downstairs facing its glass wall wine cellar (a collection of thoughtfully chosen, equitably priced wines). This room sits 20 comfortably -- maybe 24 if they're very friendly. It also has a catering hall that can serve about 250 people. A valet-attended parking lot rounds out the physical plant. It's impressive, but it's not what sets Michael's apart. What sets Michael's apart is the insight of its owners, the quality of its food, and the attitude of its staff. The second-generation brothers, Freddy and Johnny Cacace have taken their father's vision and refined it. It's been at the same location for 40 years. The restaurant's conventional menu offers the expected array of Italian dishes lovingly prepared and handsomely presented. But it's in the "Specials" portion of the menu where the restaurant really shines. The "Specials" is populated with interesting, savory dishes some with international influences. There's an intriguing chunky crab salad blended with tropical fruit; a crunchy dish of pulpo, olives, onions, and garlic; succulent veal or lamb ossobucco; baby sardines with just a hint of olive. And the best salmon we've eaten anywhere. (Maybe it's because Johnny buys the entire salmon fresh and fillets it himself.). These are only a few of the creative, tantalizing choices. These "Specials" change frequently, which is important because Michael's has a large contingent of frequent customers. We're among them, eating there a couple of times a week. Johnny runs the kitchen, although he's regularly seen in the dining room checking the customers' satisfaction index. Freddy greets customers and oversees the dining room. Somewhat casually but continually, he ranges around the room chatting with customers, assuring that they are content, yet keeping a vigilant eye on staff performance. Some of our favorite moments during a busy time are watching Johnny or Freddy (or third generation Michael, who is engaged in the business and shows no weakening of the bloodline) pitch in to rearrange tables, bus tables, flick table cloths, open wine bottles--and generally perform every necessary task, that only owners who live the business do. In the past several months we've eaten at least once at Scarpetta, Perbacco, Centro Vinoteca, Del Posto, Esca, Fiamma, Babbo, and Felidia. We mention this not to boast but to establish our passion, perspective, and palates for Italian food. These are all extraordinary (and expensive) restaurants with much to recommend them. But Michael's deserves a best-in-class award as a Brooklyn neighborhood restaurant read more

Actually 4.5, because for a neighborhood restaurant, it's a bit pricey.. Anyway, the food here is excellent, great array of breads, meats, cheeses and olives to start you off, a HUGE menu, w/tons of pasta selections, excellent seafood choices, and an excellent grill (one of the best t-bone's I have ever eaten) after a few visits, my family has become "family" w/ the owners and staff at Michael's, and I recommend it to anyone wanting to go to a nice italian place close by... read more

THE BEST BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP! Really good pastas, my husband loves their lamb dishes. They always have good specials, you must check it out! read more

Michaels will never let you down. They have the best food. A wine list with amazing selections and prices that fit everyone's wallet. The staff and owners always aim to please. read more

Michael's is my favorite restaurant in Brooklyn,NY . The food is amazing, no matter what you order you can not go wrong. The interior is cozy and elegant, the staff is amazing and helpful. The bartender makes perfect drinks. They have a great wine list too. I can not wait to go back! read more

Dining at Michael's of Brooklyn is something everyone should experience. Undoubtedly the best Italian restaurant for miles around. It is a very elegant place - from the white linen table cloths to the well dressed wait staff. Once seated, your experience begins a variety of bread items and and complimentary olives, cheese, and sopressata. The menu is chocked full of the best Italian food you will ever eat - and plentiful - from pasta dishes to meats and seafood. Something for everyone's taste. The dishes are well prepared and plentiful. The wait staff is fantastic. Very knowledgeable, attentive, and professional. While all of the staff is excellent, we favor Enzo. He is a master of his trade and also worth experiencing. If you are looking for quality in a welcoming atmosphere, Michael's never fails to deliver and it is worth the price to enjoy this gem of a restaurant. read more

Took my mother out for dinner, decided to check Michael's out. We were very pleased with the food and service. hostess Maria , was great, checking frequently to see if we needed anything. Will go back soon! read more

We attended a buffet at Michaels Restaurant for an engagement party and the food was very good. Although, it was more of a catered style in the back room of the restaurant with a dance floor and all - it turned out to be a nice place. It's probably their standard buffet dinner which they offered, however, everything was fresh and had a quality taste and presentation. We are going to come back to this place and check it out as regular paying customers. read more