Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Rucola

    4.1 (604 reviews)
    Open 8:00 am - 3:00 pm, 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM
    Updated over 3 months ago

    Rucola Photos

    Business Info

    RUCOLA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Romantic
    Moderate noise
    Outdoor seating
    Good for groups

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Rucola

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Bad photo of an alright pasta special. Nice ricotta in particular. Decent ragu
    Glenn C.

    This is one of the many Italian places in the surrounding neighborhood and I went here a good while ago with a small group. The staff was friendly and the inside has a nice atmosphere with somewhat dim lighting so my hastily taking photo of a special pasta did not come out well at all. I didn't have a drink though they do have a nice wine selection along with cocktails and a full coffee bar. They gave some warm bread which was tasty. Our shared appetizer was the Chef's selection of cheese, meat and vegetable antipasti for $27. It was a nice mix with Pecorino, Salame Napoli, Prosciutto, Eggplant Caponata, Castelvetrano Olives, Pickled Fennel, and I believe one other meat and one other cheese along with a jam (I believe fig) and some toast points. The portion size was decent and it would be good to split between two or three people with the pickled fennel being a unique option with the caponata being good quality. We enjoyed it overall and it went well with the general bread along with the toast points. My pasta was a special of the day so I don't have an exact description but it was a ragu of some type with some ricotta on top and I presume it was around $28 or so. I remember the pasta texture being alright (could have been more al dente) and the flavor was pretty good. Compared to other pasta places in the area, I think Gersi has better quality pasta and there's other spots which charge less or have bigger portions which are just as good quality if not better. The food was overall good/decent. Nothing particularly over the top to justify the price point outside of the neighborhood and design.

    Sally L.

    Walked in around 5:40pm and were seated right away. The restaurant filled up by around 7pm. The restaurant is dimly lit Ordered the rigatoni, fusilli, and burrata. The burrata was refreshing and relatively good. The bread was warmed up. The pasta took quite a while to come out. The rigatoni was quite salty due to the meat. The fusilli was on the sweeter side, but not bad. These were the only two pasta options on the menu. Would not recommend ordering the rigatoni. Overall a really average dining experience.

    Country Breakfast
    Sally X.

    A really lovely setting in Brooklyn for brunch. I met a friend for lunch on a Tuesday about 2:30pm, an hour before closing. The waiter was very friendly and let us sit at the corner restaurant by the windows. We both had the escarole salad with tuna. Delicious! I ordered a mocktal which showed up lte so he comped it. A very nice gesture! Great place for brunch/lunch.

    Alan S.

    Few can deny the charm of these sections of Cobble Hill and Clinton Hill in the late evening, when the canopied streets get dark and are lit by the occasional candelit corner restaurant. Rucola is one such moody establishment, and even if we had some qualms about the food, the vibes are undeniably pristine. We shared the sweet potato salad and the pesto garganelli. My favorite bite was the breaded goat cheese in the sweet potato salad, which I distributed over the greens to lend a bit of decadence. The pasta didn't leave any strong impressions - perhaps only a bit of enjoyable crunch from the asparagus.

    Charcuterie plate
    Scott J.

    What a fun spot to grab drinks and dinner! We came here to celebrate with some friends through a recommendation and it did not disappoint! This place has such a cool ambiance. The drinks were on point and service was outstanding. My only regret is that I don't live locally, because it would be my Friday night go to. Thanks for a great evening!

    Desserts
    Spencer S.

    Pretty good restaurant in Boerum Hill. Would allow yourself some time to get seated as the restaurant doesn't get take reservations. Maybe have another local bar lined up to wait at. Food was great. Ambiance could be a little better - tight quarters, kind of loud. Staff was nice and helpful on the menu. We ordered the following: Squash and trumpet mushrooms Brussels sprouts Potato croquets with caviar - very very good Duck breast - very thin slices but good Rigatoni bolognese - average/below average. No depth in flavor Butter sage casarecce - pretty good Apple pie - very good Biscotti with chocolate chips - dry but good with the cappuccino Tequila cocktails - excellent Negroni was good Ordered a Barolo if I recall that was very good Great spot and would come back if there wasn't a huge wait

    Pepper pasta
    Susie L.

    The vibes in this restaurant is truly immaculate!! I would highly recommend this spot for a cozy dinner vibe, especially if you want to lean in real close to your date (hehe) not only are the vibes 10/10, the but the food is sooooo scrumptious. Definitely a favorite local spot in this area

    Whole Roasted Brook Trout
    Deanna G.

    This is a small local restaurant with lots of charm. Great wine and cheese selection. I had the whole roasted brook trout which was phenomenal! I would come back just for that. The only downside is the menu is a little limited and I was kind of disappointed they didn't have any special when we were there. But the food we did share was all very good. I would skip the sunchokes next time.

    Burrata, oofa!
    Julia F.

    If you want to impress a special someone and appreciate small plates of amazing Italian food together, THIS is the SPOT! For starters, every mouth feel you can imagine is present in their burrata with spicy sausage, marinated roasted red pepper, and toasted rustic bread. Follow that with a cacio de pepe made richer by the little fatty bits of guanciale that will swirl around your tongue. Up the ante with their porchetta covered in celery and fennel salad. One of the best pork chops you will ever eat. Close out your evening with an olive oil dark chocolate pudding. It's lighter than you think and beckons to be shared. You're welcome!

    Menu
    Agta B.

    Had a lovely ladies night dinner at Rucola recently. Loved the vibe - simple but cute with lots of wood a wrought iron. Definitely a cute spot. We had some wine and shared a chef selection of charcuterie- it was well paired and enough for 3 people. We also had the brisket and the shells and Brussels sprouts. Everything was well cooked and tasty. Very cute spot hidden away from the hustle and bustle. Will go back.

    Small but mighty
    Jen K.

    This Italian spot came highly recommended to me from one of their regulars. It did not disappoint! Their menu is small, but absolutely everything is divine! Except their arugula salad- there was nothing special about this. In fact, it could have used cheese or more than 1/2 a radish;) Back to the good stuff- your table is very close to your neighbors table... which makes sneaking peaks at what they ordered so much easier;) We were between 2 pasta dishes and we finalized our answer by seeing what the table next to us ordered! The lighting is incredible- everyone looks so sultry! This is a great 2nd or 3rd date spot! In fact we saw a few "early dates" in the restaurant. Good luck to them! I wished I lived closer because I would definitely make this my neighborhood spot. Thanks to my friend Melanie for introducing me- she's a regular here!

    Kieun L.

    A lovely neighborhood spot! My friends and I all live around here and we met up for brunch around 10am. It was quiet, cozy, and charming! The staff was very friendly and helpful. We shared the French toast, salad, and two breakfast plates. The food and coffee were great. I would recommend this place to anyone who wants a peaceful, Saturday morning brunch :)

    See all

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Sam S.
    870
    860
    2537

    4 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Gi G.
    0
    10
    8

    3 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 2
    Love this 1
    Oh no 2

    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    I loved their food.so happy we went here.Plog loves it!There pasta was amazing and the squash was wonderful

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Dawn O.
    9
    44
    33

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Sandy S.
    19
    193
    576

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jenny J.
    119
    16
    26

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Peter D.
    4748
    3621
    14241

    9 years ago

    Helpful 11
    Thanks 0
    Love this 10
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Dyhalma A.
    243
    47
    45

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Katey G.
    2073
    894
    3975

    7 years ago

    Helpful 8
    Thanks 0
    Love this 9
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Lauren R.
    113
    28
    2

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Mala L.
    568
    450
    2393

    9 years ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Shelby Z.
    502
    12
    8

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of V. A.
    232
    48
    0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    The pasta, the vibe and the wine!! Just happened upon this spot because the inside and outside lighting had a perfect glow!!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    13 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Laura A.
    415
    18
    2

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Megan R.
    202
    17
    0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 2 of 16

    Rucola Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Rucola

    Are there gluten free options?

    What are must gets here for dinner!?

    Everything.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Italian 155,932 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Ammazzacaffè

    Ammazzacaffè

    4.3
    (406 reviews)
    2.8 mi
    $$

    I've been back multiple times since my first visit and always get the Reginette and another pasta…read moredepending on my mood for our entrees. We came for dinner today and got lucky because the Sunday only special (Chicken Parm) was available so we ordered that and I decided to switch up my usual to the Spaghetti. My boyfriend loved the Chicken Parm and it comes on top of Vodka Pappardelle which was also delicious and the Spaghetti wasn't too heavy even though it was cream based. I wish they sold the Vodka pasta separately as an entree because I would order that as an entree on my next visit. Another fabulous dinner at Ammazzacaffe!

    Really a 3.5/5. The drink and one of the appetizers were great, but the entree was disappointing…read more Sunchoke - interesting for sure. The sunchokes and apples are tossed in a creamy and slightly herbal dressing. Burrata - really great. The eggplant base is richly spiced and tart to complement the rich and creamy burrata. Gemelli - disappointing, and the only vegetarian option. The goat cheese totally overwhelms the dish, so you can't taste the pesto at all. The texture on the noodles was perfect at least. Passion project - delicious drink with notes of passion fruit, chocolate, and some spices. The others in my group also had the duck (which they found to be a bit overly loaded with duck fat) and the reginette (which they enjoyed). I'd love to see a more balanced vegetarian main course make it on the menu sometime. The bill for 4 people came to nearly $230 after tax and tip.

    Photos
    Spaghetti bottarga
    Spaghetti bottarga
    Mini Martini and Caviar bump
    Mini Martini and Caviar bump
    Reginetter with pork ragu

    See all

    Reginetter with pork ragu
    Piccola Cucina Casa

    Piccola Cucina Casa

    4.6
    (74 reviews)
    0.1 mi

    I never left reviews but this restaurant just stole my heart! This is officially best Italian food…read moreI ever had!!! First time here and will be back again and again 20000%

    Piccola Cucina Casa Brooklyn delivers the rare kind of meal that makes you rethink what a…read moreneighborhood Italian spot can be. The room is small and romantic, homemade pasta hangs in the front window, and the whole evening felt less like dining out and more like being invited into someone's family table in Florence. We started with the fritto misto, a well executed mix of fried fish and vegetables, alongside an insalata caprese that let fresh tomatoes, burrata and basil speak for themselves. From there we went family style, which is really the only way to do it here. The bucatini cacio e pepe was as much performance as dish, mixed tableside directly in the cheese wheel. The fusilloni di Gragnano from Puglia paired scampi with burrata, cherry tomatoes and arugula for a bright, briny plate, while the tagliatelle verdi brought a rich wild boar ragu finished with fresh black truffle. The two standouts, though, were the agnolotti ossobuco with veal sauce and pecorino fondue rounded out with thyme and lemon, and the lasagna Bolognese. That lasagna, layered with meat ragu, tomato and bechamel, may be the best I have ever had. We paired the meal with a bottle of Salvioni 2022 Rosso di Montalcino, aromatic and beautifully matched to the food. The space is cozy and intimate rather than sprawling, so a reservation is a smart call. Everything else, from the food to the atmosphere to the sense that someone's nonna was cooking just for us, made this one of the most memorable meals in NYC. We would return without hesitation.

    Photos
    Nice room
    Nice room
    Bread service
    Bread service
    Bar area

    See all

    Bar area
    Evelina

    Evelina

    4.4
    (510 reviews)
    0.8 mi
    $$

    So a friend and I decided to dine out on a Tuesday, thinking that most places would be empty, well…read morenot EVELINA. We were able to snag an early seating at 6:30. Note: reservations are not required but definitely suggested!! This place was packed. Every table sat, but a few chairs at the bar. I give this place 5 stars, EVERYTHING was lovely! The dim lights, (I love a dark and moody restaurant) noise level, talk-able but good music in the background, food, drinks, service.... all of it TOP NOTCH. Let's get into the deets.... I ordered the Portia cocktail... if you like Mezcal, you should definitely try this one. Smoky and a little sweet, it was a delicious drink We order Pinsa Bianca for appetizers, the bread, roasted peppers and whipped ricotta all made for a light but delish start. We then dove into the rib-eye (for 2) DELICIOUS ! One of the best steaks outside of a steakhouse I have had. The marbling gave it great flavor, salted well and the perfect char on the outside, it was accompanied by French fries and broccolini. All a great addition; The broccolini was surprisingly not too bitter which was nice. To round it off we ordered their version of a Lemon tart! It was the perfect level of sweet and tart! Yummmo Overall a great place for dinner, run don't walk, you won't be disappointed! You'll thank me later

    I recently had dinner with friends at Evelina and had a nice experience. We started with the…read morezucchini blossoms, which were okay, and the fritto misto, which was delicious. The calamari and shrimp were perfectly crispy, although I wish the portion included more than two shrimp. For drinks, I ordered the Lavinia, and it was excellent--a refreshing blend of tequila, lime, orange, and a nice touch of honey. For my entrée, I had the grilled pork chops, which were cooked perfectly. The pistachio gremolata added a unique burst of flavor that really elevated the dish. My friends ordered a variety of pasta dishes, which I tried and tasted good, and everyone enjoyed their meals. We ended with dessert and tried both the traditional tiramisu, which was very good, and the budino--a butterscotch pudding with pistachio gelato--which completely stole the show. It was absolutely amazing. Overall, a great dining experience, and I'd definitely return.

    Photos
    Evelina
    Evelina
    Burrata, Asparagus, shaved Bottarga

    See all

    Burrata, Asparagus, shaved Bottarga
    Bamonte's

    Bamonte's

    4.0
    (535 reviews)
    2.8 mi
    $$

    my experience at Bamonte's was amazing!! the food, environment and service was 10/10 here. my…read moresister was dairy free and they catered to her preferences and never forgot about it! the bread, chicken parm, eggplant parm and pasta was amazing! the prosciutto and cheese here was of quality too.

    Oh the old school thrill of an old school beauty of an establishment like Bamonte's!…read more I just love this place so much! I can't say enough great things about the decor the ambience and imagining all of the past goings on in this restaurant. It's been watching over Brooklyn for well over 100 years now! That in itself is a Herculean feat! From what I was told it was very popular with the mob as they say... And that's why the kitchen which is at the very back of the restaurant has full glass windows so that you can see exactly what's going on in there. I guess some of these mob guys were paranoid and rightly so consider considering their history. I arrived with my friend on a Wednesday evening about 6 PM and there were some scattered tables but by 7 PM it was mobbed (pun intended ) in there!! our waiter was affable and patient and a quite enjoyable fellow. As a sidenote, you will not find any female servers they are all male which l lends to the old school vibe in my opinion. My friend ordered the lamb chops with broccoli Rabe. He enjoyed them but did mention that though they had great flavor one of them was slightly tough... It happens... My meal was pasta with Bolognese sauce with a dollop of fresh ricotta on top. It was delicious actually the sauce was excellent. I would've liked to have a different pasta shape but they did not have it. No biggie. I could really say the food was very good but it was not excellent but for me that was not an issue as I fell in love with the place itself. The service was excellent and the ambience was fantastic! I would definitely return again and I highly recommend it if you have never been you must at least go one time!!

    Photos
    Interior
    Interior
    Breast Chicken Parmigiana
    Breast Chicken Parmigiana
    Fried Calamari

    See all

    Fried Calamari

    Rucola - italian - Updated August 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...