Cafe Spaghetti

- 126 Union St, Brooklyn, NY 11231

For New Yorkers craving the heart-warming comfort of classic, home-style Italian-American cooking, few Brooklyn spots capture the nostalgic, welcoming feel of a neighborhood favorite quite like Cafe Spaghetti. Nestled in the beloved Carroll Gardens neighborhood, this dual-concept venue—operating as a cafe by day and a cozy Italian restaurant for lunch and dinner—has quickly become a destination for locals and food lovers across the city. It’s more than just a place to eat; it’s an experience that transports diners to a comfortable, unpretentious setting reminiscent of old-school Brooklyn and Naples.

Cafe Spaghetti is the brainchild of Chef Sal Lamboglia, an accomplished culinary talent whose vision for the restaurant is a direct "ode to the classic neighborhood Italian restaurant." This is reflected in every aspect of the establishment, from the intimate, yet bustling, dining room with its wraparound cafe bar to the menu, which is built on cherished family recipes. The focus is on simple sophistication: using high-quality ingredients and traditional techniques to create dishes that are both deeply satisfying and filled with authentic flavor. It’s the kind of place you feel instantly at home, making it an ideal choice for everything from a casual weeknight meal to a special group celebration.

The core of Cafe Spaghetti’s appeal lies in its commitment to these foundational, crowd-pleasing dishes inspired by the Lamboglia family's Neapolitan roots. Diners frequently rave about the signature items that pay homage to the chef's parents—dishes like the renowned Spaghetti Pomodoro, featuring a bright, perfectly balanced tomato sauce, and Patrizia’s Eggplant Parm, a gluten-free version of his mother's recipe layered with provolone and house-made mozzarella. For dessert, the ultra-light and expertly balanced Tiramisu, made nightly by the chef’s Naples-born father, Antonio, is consistently described as a must-try and one of the best in the city. The overall vibe strikes a perfect balance: romantic and cozy for date nights, yet lively and accommodating for groups.

The restaurant's menu is broad, covering lunch, brunch, and dinner, ensuring there is a perfect Italian dish available no matter the time of day. Appetizers, known as 'Antipasti,' and second courses ('Secondi') offer traditional options alongside seasonal specials, all rooted in simple, delicious Italian tradition.

The popularity of Cafe Spaghetti means that reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner, though the restaurant does save space for walk-in guests, maintaining that essential neighborhood feel. The venue’s ability to accommodate a variety of seating preferences, from a quick meal at the cafe bar to a long, leisurely dinner in the gorgeous outdoor spaces, adds to its flexibility and broad appeal for the demanding New York dining scene.

Cafe Spaghetti is centrally located at 126 Union St, Brooklyn, NY 11231, USA, placing it right in the heart of Carroll Gardens, a neighborhood renowned for its picturesque brownstones and strong Italian-American heritage. The location is an easy-to-reach spot within Brooklyn, contributing to its status as a local hotspot.

The restaurant operates six days a week, remaining closed only on Mondays. The hours cater to various dining needs throughout the day:

LUNCH & BRUNCH: Tuesday – Sunday, 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM

DINNER:

Tuesday & Wednesday: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Thursday – Saturday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Sunday: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

In terms of accessibility for all guests, the venue is equipped with a Wheelchair accessible entrance and Wheelchair accessible seating, ensuring a welcoming environment. For parking, options include both Free street parking and Paid street parking in the surrounding area.

Cafe Spaghetti provides a comprehensive range of services to accommodate the busy schedules and varied preferences of New York diners:

• Full Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner service with dedicated menu options for each meal period.
• Multiple dining settings, including a cozy Indoor Dining Room, a lively Wraparound Cafe Bar, a Fully Enclosed Outdoor Space/Front Shed, and a lush, ivy-lined Backyard Garden. The outdoor spaces are often described as perfect for year-round dining.
• Reservations Accepted and recommended for all meal periods (Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner) via platforms like Resy, though space is also kept for Walk-in Guests.
• Convenient options for dining at home, including Takeout, Delivery, and No-contact delivery.
• Private Events and Celebrations can be accommodated, especially utilizing the spacious outdoor and backyard areas.
• Bar Onsite serving a curated selection of Alcohol, Beer, Wine, Cocktails, and Hard Liquor. The bar also functions as a Cafe during the day.
• Family-friendly amenities, including High chairs and a Changing Table, making it a good choice for those dining with children.
• Catering Menu options are available for offsite events.

The qualities that consistently draw New Yorkers to Cafe Spaghetti highlight its unique blend of traditional excellence and modern neighborhood charm:

• Authentic Family Recipes: The menu is famously built on Chef Sal Lamboglia's family recipes, including his mother's eggplant parm and his father's tiramisu and Spaghetti Pomodoro sauce, offering an authentic taste of Neapolitan-American tradition.
• Acclaimed House Favorites: Must-try signature items include the simple yet perfect Spaghetti Pomodoro, Patrizia’s Eggplant Parm ($27.00), the Meatballs in Sugo ($14.00), and the highly praised Tiramisu ($13.00).
• Exceptional Outdoor Dining: The expansive, picturesque Ivy-Lined Backyard Garden is a major highlight, offering 40 seats in a charming setting, often featuring a decorative blue Vespa and providing an ideal, escapist dining atmosphere.
• Great Beverage Program: Known for a high-quality Wine List and a selection of excellent Cocktails, ensuring the perfect pairing for any meal.
• Atmosphere: The dining environment is universally praised as Casual, Cozy, Romantic, and Trendy, feeling like a "home away from home" and making it suitable for any occasion—from first dates to family dinners.
• Fast and Attentive Service: The service is frequently noted for being prompt, friendly, and attentive, enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Full-Day Service: Operating as a cafe and serving breakfast items like Pain Au Chocolat ($5.00) and sandwiches, in addition to a full lunch, brunch, and dinner menu, offering flexibility throughout the day.

For reservations, inquiries, or to coordinate takeout, here is the essential contact information for Cafe Spaghetti:

Address: 126 Union St, Brooklyn, NY 11231, USA

Phone: (718) 207-6084

For New Yorkers in search of that quintessential, high-quality, neighborhood Italian spot, Cafe Spaghetti is an essential stop. What sets this restaurant apart is the genuine heart and history poured into every dish. It’s a concept that successfully marries the casual, everyday accessibility of a café with the elevated, authentic comfort of a classic trattoria, all wrapped up in a beautiful Brooklyn package.

The true value proposition here is the food's deep connection to family. When you order the Spaghetti Pomodoro ($20.00), you are tasting the chef's father's original recipe—a simple masterpiece. Similarly, choosing Patrizia's Eggplant Parm ($27.00) means enjoying a dish perfected over generations. These personal touches elevate the meal beyond standard Italian-American fare, making the food feel like "Italian Soul Food" as one patron described it.

Beyond the pasta, the antipasti selection offers exciting starters. The "infamous" Rice Balls (Cacio e Pepe, $11.00) and the classic Mozzarella En Carrozza ($15.00) are excellent choices. For a heartier main course, the Chicken Parmigiana, Quattro Formaggi, Basil ($35.00) is a robust and highly satisfying classic.

The atmosphere alone is a compelling reason to visit. Whether you are seeking the romantic charm of the backyard garden, which feels like a mini-escape to the Italian coast, or the cozy, intimate setting of the dining room, Cafe Spaghetti provides a dynamic and appealing backdrop. It’s perfect for a wide variety of occasions, from a productive brunch meeting with dishes like Ricotta Pancakes ($19.00) or Pomodoro Baked Eggs ($17.00), to an intimate dinner that culminates with the famous Tiramisu ($13.00).

In a city saturated with Italian restaurants, Cafe Spaghetti distinguishes itself by honoring simplicity, tradition, and family. It’s a reliable, enjoyable, and deeply flavorful addition to Brooklyn’s dining landscape, ensuring a good meal and a great time for all who visit. Given its popularity, New York locals are wise to secure a reservation to experience this beloved Carroll Gardens gem.

Cafe Spaghetti

126 Union St, Brooklyn, NY 11231, USA