Aurora Brooklyn

- 70 Grand St, Brooklyn, NY 11249

For nearly two decades, Aurora Brooklyn has stood as a beloved fixture in Williamsburg, a neighborhood landmark evolving alongside one of New York City’s most vibrant areas. Established in 2003 by Italian friends, this Italian restaurant and bar fills a critical niche, offering innovative regional Italian cuisine that focuses on traditional comfort food executed with exceptional quality and a high respect for seasonality. It is a true Brooklyn gem, renowned not just for its food but also for its distinctive atmosphere that successfully blends Tuscan-styled dining with the modern, cozy, and upscale vibe of North Brooklyn.

The experience at Aurora is built on authenticity and commitment to quality ingredients. All of their pasta, bread, and desserts are made on the premises daily using fresh and seasonal components. They prioritize the sourcing of high-quality goods, including imported cheeses like mozzarella di bufala and burrata from Italy, as well as locally grown organic produce and hormone/antibiotic-free meat and fish. This dedication to the foundational elements of Italian cooking ensures every dish, from the simplest appetizer to the complex entrée, is fresh and bursting with authentic flavor.

The ambiance is consistently praised by local New Yorkers as a major highlight. The interior features a rustic and charming dining room with exposed brick walls and high ceilings, creating a cozy and romantic atmosphere. However, the real showstopper is the beautiful vined patio and garden area. This space is described as one of the most intimate places to dine in the city, open-air during warm months and fully enclosed and temperature-controlled during colder months, ensuring the perfect “al fresco” experience year-round. This unique garden dining option sets Aurora apart, offering a tranquil, picturesque escape from the often frantic energy of New York City.

The staff is frequently mentioned in reviews as being incredibly attentive and kind, helping to make the entire dining experience seamless and memorable, whether you're there for a special gathering or a solo dinner. It is a spot that perfectly balances a casual, friendly approach with an upscale dining standard, cementing its status as a must-visit in the Williamsburg culinary scene.

Location and Accessibility

Aurora Brooklyn is ideally located at 70 Grand St, Brooklyn, NY 11249, USA. This address places it squarely in the heart of Williamsburg, a dynamic and highly accessible neighborhood for residents across the New York metropolitan area.

The restaurant prioritizes accessibility, making it a welcoming destination for all patrons.

• The establishment offers a Wheelchair Accessible Entrance, ensuring ease of access from the street.
• The interior features Wheelchair Accessible Seating to accommodate guests comfortably at a table.
• A Wheelchair Accessible Restroom is available, demonstrating a commitment to full inclusion.
• For drivers, Free Street Parking is available, a valuable amenity in a busy neighborhood like Williamsburg.
• The location is easily reachable via public transportation, making it a convenient choice for New Yorkers across Brooklyn and Manhattan.

Services Offered

Aurora offers a comprehensive range of dining services and experiences designed to cater to a diverse New York clientele, from casual lunchers to those planning major events.

• Full Dining Service: Available for Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner with Table Service.
• Reservations Accepted: Reservations are recommended for all meal times—Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner—due to the restaurant’s popularity.
• Takeout & Delivery: Convenient Curbside Pickup, Takeout, and No-Contact Delivery options are offered for enjoying Aurora at home.
• Outdoor Dining: The celebrated Garden and Patio area offers a beautiful, intimate space for al fresco dining.
• Full Bar Service: A Bar onsite providing Alcohol, Beer, Cocktails, Hard Liquor, and an extensive Wine List.
• Catering: Professional catering services are available for private events, both on-site and off-site.
• Private Events & Weddings: The space, including the enclosed patio, can be reserved for events, accommodating large and small groups, and is a popular destination for weddings.

Features / Highlights

The restaurant is celebrated for a combination of its exceptional culinary focus and its distinct social and environmental commitments.

• Authentic Handmade Pasta: All pasta is made in-house daily with organic semolina flour, including signature dishes like Pappardelle with red wine-braised oxtail, Taglierini Cacio e Pepe, and Squid Ink Cavatelli.
• The Stunning Vined Garden: A truly unique and romantic feature, the patio is partially covered with ivy and twinkle lights, serving as a picturesque, tranquil space for dining year-round.
• Commitment to Quality Sourcing: Focuses on Organic Dishes, sustainably grown local produce, and meats/fish free of hormones and antibiotics, elevating the standard of "comfort food."
• Exceptional Beverage Program: Known for a Great Wine List that focuses on Italian regions and indigenous varietals, often featuring organic and biodynamic wines, plus Great Cocktails.
• Diverse Culinary Offerings: The menu provides a wide selection including Healthy Options, Comfort Food, Vegetarian Options, and creative Small Plates like the must-try Arancini and Octopus appetizer.
• Inclusive & Welcoming Vibe: Identifies as LGBTQ+ owned and Women-owned, offering a Gender-Neutral Restroom and a Transgender Safespace, appealing to a broad and inclusive New York crowd.
• Highly Praised Desserts: Known for a Great Dessert menu, including Tiramisu and Valrhona Chocolate Cake, often cited as the perfect end to a date night.

Contact Information

Aurora Brooklyn is ready to welcome you for a taste of authentic and innovative Italian comfort food.

Address: 70 Grand St, Brooklyn, NY 11249, USA

Phone: (718) 388-5100

What is Worth Choosing

For the discerning New Yorker, Aurora Brooklyn is worth choosing because it delivers a holistic dining experience that is difficult to find elsewhere in the city. You are choosing more than just a meal; you are choosing an environment. The beautiful garden seating offers a rare, calm, and romantic atmosphere that one customer called a "hidden gem in Williamsburg," perfect for a date night or special occasion. The fact that the garden is enclosed and temperature-controlled means this feature is enjoyed regardless of the unpredictable New York weather.

Culinary enthusiasts should choose Aurora for its steadfast commitment to making nearly everything from scratch. The homemade pastas—especially the rich Pappardelle with red wine-braised oxtail, a highly ordered item, and the outstanding Squid Ink Cavatelli—are consistently hailed as fresh and flavorful. The menu strikes a fantastic balance between classic Italian comfort food and contemporary, healthy twists, utilizing organic and seasonal ingredients to ensure every plate tastes vibrant and considered.

Finally, supporting Aurora means supporting a business that is actively inclusive, identifying as both LGBTQ+ and women-owned. The combination of its warm, attentive service, celebrated cuisine, stunning garden space, and high standards of hospitality makes Aurora Brooklyn an essential experience that truly captures the essence of refined, modern Italian dining in the heart of Williamsburg.

Aurora Brooklyn

70 Grand St, Brooklyn, NY 11249, USA