Went on a Friday night, very busy as expected, put our name in and went to get a drink. After only fifteen minutes we got a call that our table was ready, very nice personal touch. The service was very good and the food was great. Not too many selections, they prepare what is in season, we all had pasta and it was made to order and very fresh, very favorable. Will definitely come back, atmosphere is load so just understand that be for coming read more

Fresh, delicious and tasty. However, homemade bread for brunch is just a slice of crusty bread like you'd get from any italian restaurant....and breakfast sandwich with bacon, egg and cheese is really dry and boring - an egg in a dry bun with an almost undetectable amount of cheese. Blech. Everything else though is delicious and interesting! read more

Went back to give the place another try. We were told to expect a wait of about an hour, so we wandered off to have a drink nearby and await a phone call. It was nearly two hours before we were finally seated (with much apologizing from the host - who was just as charming as on our previous visit.) We took our seat and ordered some wine and a meat and cheese plate as we began to peruse the substantially expanded menu. The meat and cheese plate arrived and was much improved from our previous visit altho it took a good 20+ minutes to come out. The balance of our meal was ordered and arrived in a similarly slow fashion but always with a big smile and frequent check-ins. The portions of all the plates were much better and we left feeling satisfied. The mains were over salted but were well cooked and nicely presented. So in conclusion - staff is as pleasant as you could ever wish for but the kitchen still seems wobbly. Food is slow to come out and inconsistent in it's quality. It's been a couple of months since our last visit and things are definitely improving. Keep it up! I will continue to root for them and their charming little spot. read more

One of my favourite restaurants in BK. Fresh, seasonal ingredients and a beautifully engineered menu! I'm fearful that I could be downplaying it, but the honey pie dessert was FREAKING INCREDIBLE. read more

A magical restaurant tucked away in a fairytale setting. The cocktails, wine & negronis exceed expectations. Quiet enough to actually heard your date or friends talk. A friend is an investor in this place but that doesn't stop me from really enjoying this adorable place. There are rumors of setting up a CSA for a local school. read more

Probably my favorite neighborhood spot for a nice dinner. I love how they are tucked away on a residential block in the heart of Boerum Hill. I've been here several times but recently came with my aunt and uncle on a cold windy night. Rucola really hit the spot. The ambiance is warm and inviting and the staff is friendly and helpful. The wait can get long and since they don't take reservations, come on the early side! Food- we started off with some of the vegetable antipasti, specifically the marinated olives, balsamic roasted beets and eggplant caponata. It all went superbly with the great bread they bring to the table. I don't even like eggplant, but they somehow made it so tasty that even I enjoyed it. For the main I got the sardi- a housemade pasta with butternut squash puree, kale and mushrooms. It was excellent. They have tables for small parties and then they have one long table in the center of the restaurant, good for big groups or just family style seating with strangers. Can't wait to go back again soon. read more

Great place to eat and drinks are wonderful. All of the seafood is delightful; I had the whole trout and it was spectacular! And the complimentary bread-yum. The waitress and the bartender here were so nice too; they seemed genuinely happy to serve you! It's small so call ahead same-day to put your name on the list or grab a drink if there is room at the bar. Our wait for 4 on a sunday night was about 20 minutes. read more

I loved this place. My partner and I had our first date here, and then our 6 month anniversary. It's super cute and scrumptious. And then I went in for lunch earlier today. When I asked the server how his day was going he scowled and said "terrible". It went down hill from there, and I walked out rather than try to enjoy myself under is hateful glare. I won't be returning. read more

Consistently one of the best brunch and dinner spots in Boerum Hill. Always impressed by the quality of the food, service and value.

Went here on Thursday night with a party of 3. The service was excellent, as I got there a quarter before 7 and they sat me before the other 2 in my party came. The host was outside and very attentive and friendly. I was offered wine/drinks on 3 separate occasions, which shows the eager staff, but even when they were offering, I never felt like they were pushy. We were able to sit and enjoy dinner at a leisurely pace, and the ambiance was nice. The food it self was excellent. My wife loved her Pesto Pasta dish, and we'll be back for it. I had the Brook Trout, which was a whole fish with olives, lemon, and Parsley (I think?). It was quite good even though I don't like Olives...My favorite dish though was the Fairy Tale Eggplant. Crisp, with capers on top, and the most delicious eggplant dish I've ever had. Def a try! read more

Awesome place, I can't wait to go back! We came in at 10:30 on Saturday night and were told that there would be a 30 minute wait. They offered to take our number and call us but we opted to hang out at the bar. The bartender did not seem to notice us at all while we waited (we were standing, as there were no seats left) and I mentioned this to the owner. He apologized profusely and really made us feel like VIPsafter that. The food was amazing, we had the brussel sprouts, olives, and a special (baked parsnips) which were so good. I ordered the butternut squash salad-it wasn't a large serving but it was delicious. Tip: you can call the day of to make reserverations! read more

I walked back into the apartment Saturday afternoon a bit vexed after watching my team draw a game it should have won. The love of my life said to me, "I haven't left the house yet, we should go out." As we hit the bricks, she continued, "I'd like some good food made from fresh, local vegetables." Now by this she could have meant "let's go to the greenmarket and buy stuff for you to cook" but I was still feeling a bit under the weather from the night before, so I thought frantically and recalled hearing about Rucola because of their proposed a la carte CSA thingy. I had signed up for the email list but only received 3 emails from then indicating that they had items (but they all sounded good: garlic scapes, heirloom beets, and baby lettuces. If only either of us liked beets). Anyway, we walked in to Rucola at 3:45 on a Saturday afternoon. The block was pristine, and the same atmosphere carried over into the restaurant. The place felt both sleek and comfy, attributes that don't often coexist. There was only one other occupied table inside, though four other parties arrived over the course of the meal and the tiny outdoor tables (which were taken when we arrived) turned over as well. But what I really wanted to relate to you was the smell. When we walked in, it smelled so intoxicatingly good that I knew right away we'd hit paydirt. We had eggplant caponata escarole salad a slice of the pizza of the day (capers, mozz, sauce, hot peppers) a slice of the seasonal frittata (cippolini, piave, zucchini) mimosa glass of rose espresso drip coffee The eggplant was great. If I'm not mistaken it had capers, pine nuts, mint, and a little sundried tomato. When my mom makes it she puts in celery and I don't think she uses mint. Usually my mom's methods form my preference, but I think Rucola's version was better. The foccacia that came with it was solid but not spectacular (could have been better if it was warm and a little crispy on the edges). The pizza was also great. The sauce was from cherry tomatoes I believe they said, and it was intensely sweet and flavorful. The cheese was applied sparingly but tasted excellent, and the peppers were even more sparing, which was good because a little went a long way. The escarole was extra fresh and the crutons it came with were nice. The rose, recommended by the server (a friendly blonde lady named Jess [ica?] I belive) was more than sufficient. I thought the frittata was slightly bland, but my wife loved it. The espresso was great, though tiny. This gets five stars because of (1) the high quality of the food and ingredients, (2) the extremely reasonable prices, (3) the seeming intent behind it (emblematized by the CSA idea and the local ingredients, and (4) the virally charming overall atmosphere, including the service and decor. read more

If you are going to read this, please do so in totality including the update. This review is more about the treatment of service I recieved then it is about the quality of the food. For what it's worth I'm solely basing the food review on the Chocolate Pudding. Also, I took it to go. I did not actually dine in the restaurant. My experience with the service is really upsetting. I entered into the restaurant about 11pm, which was an hour before they would close. Additionally there was a couple who came in immediately after me, who were seated for dinner so it just to show you that the kitchen was still open. As I entered and moved toward the bar I let the bartender know I wanted to place a to-go order and all I wanted was the chocolate pudding. However, I felt as though that I was not welcome in this establishment, the bartender seemed very standoffish in the manner in which she presented the menu, (flicking it at me). Also, in the manner in which she handed me the bill. When she handed me the chocolate pudding in an 8-ounce coffee cup which wasn't even filled to the top as you can see in the photo. Also, without even so much in a bag without any utensils and without a napkin. Of course I did ask for these things and was told they did not have any. Really? No to go utensils or napkins???. The fact I asked for a bag came with a facial expression reserved for maggots.It really was not necessary. This is a reflection of the ownership. This individual should not be working in service, nor in any person to person capacity. For what it's worth I did tip the bartender 30% simply because I work in service as well. I know what it's like to stand on your feet for 12 hours in a day, but to feel like I was more of a nuisance then a patron. Uncalled for. This establishment will never ever receive another dollar from me again. There is no reason to justify treating someone as if they do not belong in your place of business especially if they themselves are not the owners. I feel really bad that this had to happen and moreover I feel even worse knowing that this has happened to other people, as stated in other reviews. Finally, the chocolate moose was something out of this world and I never thought olive oil and sea salt on chocolate pudding would taste so wonderful, so I appreciate knowing they had a quality delicious dessert item. Unfortunately it will be the last time I ever have it from here again. To the owners: Replace your FOH staff, it will be the best decision you could do for your business. Sincerely, A patron who contributes to your bottom line. Get it? UPDATE The owner of Rucola (Julian) contacted me the following day, and expressed his sincere apology. He also expressed the treatment I received was an isolated incident and not indicative of their standard and procedures. I felt comfortable with our correspondence. I have updated my post as well as my rating to reflect the totality of the decorum, the food, the service and price. read more

Came here for brunch with my girlfriend and some friends - the breakfast hash was one of my favorite dishes from the whole trip! That particular dish had an amazingly rich and savory flavor which certainly hit the spot first thing in the morning! The ambiance was quite nice - mix of quaint with almost farm house feel. Not an overly large. Real fast menu, but from what I saw they do it all very well! Would happily come back for future brunches! read more

WE LICKED OUR PASTA PLATE CLEAN. SERIOUSLY - PLATE IN FACE. The fresh homemade pasta at Rucola is like no other. A total knock-out. If you plan to go, just go to the gym that day and make sure you are aware that you will engorge your face with some of the best carbs in the area. Have a bowl... or two... or three? The last time that we ventured to Rucola the following happened: 1) I ordered the Black Sea Bass (may have been a special), 2) Spouse ordered some unmemorable meat dish, 3) We ate our entrees and unmemorable appetizers and thought bleh - what's the big deal about this place, 4) Table next to us was raving about some pasta dish, 5) We ordered the pasta dish, 6) After one bite each, our insides exploded with WTF - HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE??? The pasta was so simple, few ingredients, but exploded. A Shaman must have done some magic and infused the pasta with the unimaginable. I would give 5 stars if the other food was outstanding. It wasn't. But the pasta??? The pasta is amazeballs. read more

A hidden gem in Boerum Hill! I would have never been able to find this place without Yelp but I'm glad I did. The restaurant is small but when you walk in you feel like your in a old Italian wine cellar, almost underground in a way. It made the dining experience all the better. The menu is short and simple, we ordered the lumache pasta and flank steak. There is nothing worse then over cooked pasta but not here! The pasta was cooked perfectly and each piece of pasta was coated in the delicious sauce, I could eat a shoe coated in the sauce. The flank steak was cooked to a perfect medium rare, my girlfriend refuses to eat bloody meat and she enjoyed this steak. The meat was done perfectly without leaking too much blood. It was a delicious and hearty dinner. We will definitely be coming back for more! read more

Rucola - Lumache - Italian Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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I had my wedding here and it was truly the best. The staff at Rucola made our wedding day run so smooth and we could not have asked for anything more. They took care of every detail. Our guests were raving about the food, drinks and the beautiful and intimate setting! read more

Got the cheese plate and a couple drinks on a late Saturday afternoon. Food and service were good. Place fills up very quickly and WAAAAYYY to many screaming babies. Ruined it for me. read more

My evening at Rucola was a long time coming. The first time I tried to go there a private event has the whole place blocked off. The second time I tried to go there we were kindly told there was a 2 hour wait. No thanks. The 3rd time we tried to go, there was a 2+ hour wait. Maybe we should have gotten the hint, and stopped trying to go on the weekend. So, on a pleasant Thursday evening we trudged down the hill to Boerum hill, ready for the crowds. Thankfully, there were none. But, this time we were inside! The minute you walk inside it's like you've entered a little oasis of rustic Italian joy. The lighting is perfect, and everyone is just so calm and welcoming, I was entranced. The food was perfection. Everything delicious and fresh, and beautifully presented. Highlights include the house made spaghetti with clams, and the chocolate pudding. but really, i can't pick a favorite item. I just can't wait to go back so I can try more. The drinks were delicious too. Creative cocktails, and an excellent wine and even beer selection. When I was younger my mother used to tell me that you can tell a really good restaurant by their bathroom. And, if I were to only rate Rucola on their bathroom they'd get 5 stars. Why? It was a fantastic bathroom. Painted steel blue, it even smelled nice....and there was plenty of paper towels and soap to go round. Definitely ranks in my top 3 restaurants. I am in love. read more

This place is a Boerum Hill staple - and unfortunately, selfishly speaking, everyone knows about it (which means getting a table during peak dinner hours is tough to do). Tucked in a the corner of the neighborhood, it's off the beaten path of Atlantic Ave and almost blends into the residential brownstones surrounding it - easy to miss if you don't know its there. The owners have nailed a unique vibe that suits its surroundings perfectly: super charming, cozy, rustic feel that plays well to its farm-to-table menu. The only downside to Rucola is waiting to get seated - it's a small restaurant with very little standing area, so call in advance; they don't take reservations (unless you're a party of 5+), but they'll put you down on a waitlist so you can manage around it. read more

Server was pretty rude and weirdly passive aggressive. The host seemed nice, but the food wasn't amazing. Because of the server, I won't be coming back. read more

Ok how beautiful is this restaurant? It's like something out of a movie. This nondescript exterior tucked away in a barely trafficked corner (at least for me) and then you walk through the doors and it's gorgeous, romantic, cozy, and understated all at the same time. Arrived early and waited for my friend at the bar. Got the Reiner cocktail, which was very refreshing and quite strong. Really like their extensive cocktail and wine list. I had the brisket dish and it was delicious. It was perfectly cooked and seasoned and was plated atop a yummy parsnip puree and topped with a Brussels sprouts salad. Huge portion too, I barely managed to finish it. My friend enjoyed her trout dish as well. Service was also great throughout. The server was extremely attentive and didn't mind that we took a while to eat because we were busy catching up. I will definitely return. read more

Here's one of those times I schlepped out to Brooklyn and forgot to complain about it! So, my co-worker and lady friend Ricca was having a birthday party. She lives in Brooklyn, is very VERY pro-Brooklyn, and this was a constant drain on our friendship. But since it was her birthday, and since my other co-worker and lady friend Jill R. sent me special e-mails just to make sure moi would be attendance, how could I say no? Well, I guess by opening my mouth and making that one consonant sound that forms the word, but I decided to acquiesce, suck it up, and take one for the team. This place was cute. Dark, intimate... things I like in a place where I ultimately spend my evening. But it was loud. Loud as in, you cannot here what the person next to you is saying unless they are screaming on the inside of your earhole. I'm getting a migraine just thinking about it. I know I complain about loud places a lot, but this place... ugh. It was one of the top 5 worst. The food was good, but the weird style of "everyone take whatever you want" was a little haphazard. As was the bill when that finally came. As were cocktail orders that took a little bit too long to come in. I think this place might be fine - good even - if it was for lunch or a weekday evening they weren't getting slammed with 50 people, but the night I went? I didn't really have a good dinner. Might try this place again, but not any time soon. read more

This is an excellent neighborhood gem in Boerum Hill! We went for Friday night dinner and the meal was delightful from start to finish. We tried three cocktails which were all great. The burrata and beet salad was divine and we also enjoyed the carrot soup which was a special of the evening. My companion loved the trout main while I had the special ricotta agnolotti--the ricotta was so good inside the pasta. We will definitely return for another delicious meal! read more

Time to add Rucola, a wonderful little restaurant hidden away (but extremely popular) in Brooklyn Heights, to my list of favorite Italian restaurants. The wait for a table was over two hours long but we were lucky and got bar seats much quicker. To be honest, I preferred the bar over a table - it's a much more intimate experience with the restaurant staff and those you're dining with. Almost everything was notable. Deliciously marinated mushrooms, thin slices of hot coppa and a surprisingly affordable quartino of very decent red wine (we had the "Ceregio" 2011 Sangiovese for $14). The highlight for me were the two pasta entrees. Shells (Fall squash pureè, broccoli rabe, Pecorino Romano, black pepper, $15) and Tagliatelli (Veal breast ragù, tomato, Grana Padano, $16) both cooked to a perfect al dente and with wonderful, rich, but not overpowering sauce. The Bourbon Pear Crumble ($6) from a famous Brooklyn pie shop called Four & Twenty Blackbirds with a side of whipped cream was an outstanding finish. No question - I'm coming back. read more

Love it! Great food and atmosphere! Would definetly go back again Had red wine and a delicious rigatoni. The cost was ok! Good for the place, better then my expectations read more

Rucola - Italian Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Very, very delicious. And thanks to the superbowl, easy for our group of 4 to snag a table. We shared an antipasti plate-which I'd highly recommend. While others ordered mostly pasta items, I went for a combination of veggies and the soup. The soup was good, and the vegetables were amazing. Perhaps one of the best brussels sprout dishes I've tried. I also snagged a few bites of the husband's roasted carrots and thought they were equally delicious. I'm not usually a cooked carrot person, but these were so nicely roasted & seasoned that they tasted more like sweet potatoes than carrot. Yum. Chocolate pudding to end, and we left happy. We'll be back soon! read more

This review is way overdue, because we went to Rucola back in November, but luckily I still remember how much we enjoyed brunch! The best part? The sweet potato gratin. I realize that sounds weird - and we weren't sure what to expect, but we could've just gotten 5 of these and eaten them and been happy. The sweet potatoes are cooked perfectly (with tons of butter) and spiced very well. I can't do it justice by describing it, but just know that you should try it. We also got the bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich, with the bacon on the side (because my boyfriend doesn't eat it). The sandwich was very good, but the bacon is definitely the best part :) For the sweet part of the meal, we got the nutella french toast. The portion wasn't as big as I would have liked, but how can you go wrong with nutella french toast? The chopped hazelnuts are a unique touch -- I recommend it! The atmosphere was perfect - and exactly what we expected in Brooklyn :) We sat at the end of a long, communal table. Everyone was friendly and laid back. The light fixtures and wood tables were great. I definitely recommend Rucola for brunch - I'd go all the time if I lived nearby! read more

Comfy, cozy, rustic feeling, and pleasant people. Rucola is a great place to stop in and just enjoy yourself. The decor is unique and the cauliflower was incredible. read more

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Stayed at the Marriott a few blocks away, found this gem and will come back again! Quaint, small and delicious! Price is right and food is FRESH!!! read more

Rucola - Italian Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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The inside is warm and inviting. Every aspect of Rucola (from the milk bottle lights to the framed dried flowers to the beautiful ceiling and gorgeous bar) contributes to the intimate feeling. The wine menu is fantastic. The food menu is phenomenal. They have the best bread I've ever eaten! Our group had the chef's choice antipasti meat and cheese plate followed by three different dinner plates. The trout, the pork tenderloin, and the chicken dinner plates were amazing. We could not have asked for better meals or service. Definitely loved our evening! read more

We went 2 weeks ago. Granted, the restaurant is new and probably has some kinks to work out. But... service was sloppy and the food was mediocre. I got the roasted chicken and while the veggies were nice, the chicken was SUPER dry. Disappointing but not horrible. The really unfortunate part of the meal was the part I was most excited for: the stuffed artichoke appetizer. It looked great when it arrived (25 minutes after we ordered it) but when we tasted it, we both made faces. It tasted... bad. Like spoiled. Not good. Gross, in fact. It didn't taste right. It was strange. My boyfriend's meal was more normal - he got fish cheeks or something like that. His cocktail was good too. We waited over 30 minutes between appetizer and main course. No wonder my chicken was dried out by the time it arrived! Rucola is 3 blocks away from our apartment so I'm sure we'll try it again. But we're certainly not rushing out to eat there. Side note- we did see both Emily Mortimer and Michelle Williams there that night. Either Rucola is a hip little spot or everyone who lives in my neighborhood is just so thrilled to have another option for dinner that isn't Building on Bond or Jolie. read more

Rucola, which mean rocket in italian and is that delicious bitter green leaf used for salads, is pretty amazing. Everything from their iron-clad entrance to all the wood-accented decor--communal tables, vintage delivery boxes, wooden ceiling. J and I decided to join them for brunch this past Sunday and we were not disappointed in any respect of the word. We we so surprised how empty and open the place was on a Saturday afternoon around 1:30ish. For a hot new spot, it is still on the DL (so don't tell anyone!). They are still ironing some kinks. Our coffees took a while to arrive and when they did, the coffees were not made with soy. The waitress apologetically brought us a new one and put it on the house (that was completely unnecessary but awesome). We ordered the brussel sprout salad with a poached egg and a mortadella/speck sandwich. The sandwich was heavenly. Sesame toasted roll with mortadella, fried egg, and speck. GD! The salad on the other hand had an overcooked poached egg and was switched off immediately. I really like this place and think it is special, but they do need to iron those first year kinks. read more

I have to admit that Rucola is hands-down one of my favorite restaurants in Brooklyn, and not just because it is a block away from my apartment, but because it is consistently delicious! The restaurant itself is very small, and you have to prepare to wait if you plan on getting dinner on a Friday or Saturday night. However, they allow you to call ahead or walk over and put your name on the list and they will call you when you're table is ready. As for appetizers, I strongly suggest the speck alto adige paired with the toma della rocca( the soft, luscious creaminess of the cheese is heavenly and they serve it with a side of cinnamon apples= unreal!) Their homemade focaccia is awesome! I appreciate how fresh all of their food is and that every meal is made to order. Every dish I've had off of their dinner menu has been delicious; however, my favorite has to be the rigatoni. It's understated, yet so fresh and the homemade pasta is to die for! As far as lunch goes, the pork sandwich is the way to go! The only negatives for Rucola are that 1. They no longer serve the sloppy joe which was unreal (I still crave it regularly) and 2. As far as brunch goes, the nutella french toast isn't anything to write home about. I was actually quite surprised that they served something that I could've easily made at home (toasted wheat bread with nutella smeared in the middle) and a few hazelnuts on top. Overall, definitely worth going to Rucola over and over again! read more

An out of the way, kind of in the middle of nowhere restaurant that wins points for their full blast air conditioning and rustic decor more than for their food or service. We had weekday breakfast here, which was filling but lackluster. The country breakfast, while a big plate, didn't astound at all: the potatoes were flavorless, the toast was almost burnt, and the smoked pancetta was kind of weak. All in all, an okay breakfast spot if you're in the neighborhood but don't go out of your way. read more

Fantastic, small, intimate, romantic Italian restaurant in a picturesque corner of Brooklyn. First come seating except for large parties. Had a superb baked Cod in a crust of bread crumbs with a pesto sauce on a bed of pearl pasta and Fusilli with a spicy garlic pesto sauce. Superb. First class foccacia bread for an appetizer. close to multiple subway stops and the Barclay Center. highest recommendation, reasonably priced. read more

It was a Thursday night around 7pm, a post-hurricane Sandy night, but it was still busy as always, I called ahead to put my name down and it was going to be a 1.5 hour wait. I was happy I could time my arrival accordingly and not have to wait there. Once we arrived there, there was maybe 15 more minutes of a wait but someone constantly kept tabs on us as to when we could expect to be seated. A good start indeed. Immediately when I stepped inside Rucola, I felt at ease. It had a charming rustic atmosphere that I wanted for my future home! We started off with the cheese platter which was pleasant, moist bread, good cheeses. I got the gnoche for my main dish which came with squash, mushrooms and kale. I also wished I had a bit more sitting/breathing/eating room. I like the sauce, it was a white sauce but it wasn't heavy at all. I did wish there was a little bit more of the mushroom and kale however. Plus, complimentary dessert! Delicious chocolate mousse. Overall, superb service and a wonderful atmosphere. read more

Love the warm rustic vibe. Love the food even more. Started with the Chef's antipasto with cheese and veggies (no meat, no fennel, as they totally catered to our request). Roasted cauliflower was the star of the plate, with a strong supporting cast of 2 delicious cheeses (don't remember which ones), pear jam, roasted beets w/ balsamic, olives, eggplant caponata and warm crusty bread. For entree, we went with Garganelli with tomato-almond pesto, cherry heirloom tomatoes and zucchini--hearty and comforting. Perfectly al dente garganelli tubes were bathed in a slight nuttiness from the pesto, creaminess and a little tang from the tomatoes. Spectacular. Hell, I'd bathe in it too! And when it came to dessert, my friend asked me split one or get two?... Two, duh! My motto: never skip dessert! She was leaning more chocolate, I was leaning more blueberry. Went with the Chocolate pudding with olive oil sea salt & whipped cream. Rich, deep cocoa flavor with bursts of zing from the flecks of sea salt--this ain't your typical Jell-o pudding! It's amazing, as I love a good sweet & salty combo. And the blueberry almond cake with sea salt and whipped cream was tart, airy, not terribly sweet, nutty, buttery... a good balance of textures and flavors and altogether delicious. Drinks were dangerously refreshing as well and simply elevated our already amazing meal. Simply put, it's places like Rucola that are making me fall in love with Italian. read more

The food and the drinks here are always delicious. Clean, highbrow, complex cocktails, and warming, hearty food. Even the asapragus is good. The setting is great - very Brooklyn-edison-bulb-underspoken-chic. The staff may have stepped out the Portlandia Season 2 opener, The Dream of the (18)90's Is Alive In Portland. In the dozens of times I've eaten there, I've found them to be pretty cold. There are a couple of male waiters that will smile back at you or share a kind casual word, but all in all they are concerned with getting your order, capable of answering any and all questions about food and drink with expertise, and only going to have conversations with their colleagues. I once saw a waiter eating the chocolate mousse from a shot glass in the back of the bar and told him it looked pretty tasty. He blushed and joked about being ravenous, then exclaimed about all the great ingredients with true sincere joy. I felt like I'd won a big prize and/or seen a unicorn. I've learned to not take out of towners here because of the indifferent service, but NYers know the deal, and I love taking city types to the beautiful yummy spot. read more

Will definitely go back for whatever is on the menu. They pay attention to all details and it's simply delicious. The staff and venue is very inviting as well. Friends just moved in around the corner and I think we'll be back. Yum! read more