Companatico

- 421 Van Brunt St, Brooklyn, NY 11231

Companatico stands out in Red Hook, Brooklyn, as a distinctive restaurant that brings the authentic, simple, and high-quality flavors of Italian street food and artisanal baked goods right to Van Brunt Street. Positioned within one of Brooklyn’s most unique and character-filled neighborhoods, Companatico focuses its culinary identity around one key element: exceptional bread. The philosophy here is that the bread, or the foundation of the dish, is the protagonist, with all other ingredients carefully curated to complement it. This focus elevates what might traditionally be considered a casual meal into a true gastronomic experience for local New Yorkers.

The restaurant's specialty centers on Roman-style preparations, prominently featuring the Pinsa Romana and the Schiacciata Sandwich. For those unfamiliar, Pinsa Romana is a variation of pizza with a distinctive, highly-hydrated dough that results in a lighter, crispier, and easier-to-digest crust—a delightful change of pace from traditional New York-style or Neapolitan pies. Similarly, the Schiacciata Sandwich, known for its unique bread, offers an authentic Roman sandwich experience. This commitment to specific, high-quality Italian food concepts is what makes Companatico a genuine destination for Brooklyn residents seeking authenticity.

Beyond its focus on artisanal bread and authentic preparation methods, Companatico maintains a welcoming and casual atmosphere suitable for the Red Hook neighborhood. It serves as an excellent spot for diners looking for quality Italian ingredients without the formality of a full trattoria. The menu emphasizes a curated selection of D.O.P. (Denominazione di Origine Protetta) ingredients—a certification that guarantees the quality, origin, and traditional preparation of food items—underscoring the restaurant's dedication to an authentic Italian experience.

Companatico caters to a diverse range of dining occasions, offering service throughout the day including lunch, brunch, and dinner, along with convenient options for takeout and delivery. Its location on Van Brunt Street places it at the heart of Red Hook's dining scene, serving as a popular neighborhood spot where both food quality and convenience are prioritized. While currently undergoing a hiatus to perhaps retool or refresh its offerings, the core concept remains one of Brooklyn's most exciting takes on Roman-style cuisine. New Yorkers who value fresh ingredients and a masterful execution of simple, classic Italian concepts will find Companatico a compelling choice once service is fully resumed.

Location and Accessibility

Companatico is located in the vibrant and distinctive Red Hook neighborhood of Brooklyn, specifically at 421 Van Brunt St, Brooklyn, NY 11231, USA. Red Hook is a charming waterfront area known for its industrial aesthetic, cobblestone streets, and a unique sense of isolation from the rest of the borough, often described as being notoriously difficult to access via traditional subway lines.

Given Red Hook's mobility challenges, New Yorkers accessing Companatico often rely on alternative modes of transportation. The neighborhood is accessible by various methods:

• Ferry Service: The NYC Ferry system offers a convenient and scenic route to the neighborhood, often a preferred choice for visitors.
• Bus Service: Local bus routes connect Red Hook to subway stations in neighboring areas, making public transit feasible, though often less direct than other parts of Brooklyn.
• Cycling and Vehicle Sharing: Due to the transit limitations, services like bike share and car-share are crucial for accessing the area. Customers should be prepared for a slightly longer journey via public transit.

For those driving, street parking can be found, though it varies by time of day. The unique nature of Red Hook means it doesn't suffer from the same density of parking challenges as central Manhattan or other high-traffic parts of Brooklyn, but drivers should still plan accordingly.

In terms of on-site accessibility, while specific information on wheelchair accessibility is not publicly detailed for the restaurant, the availability of seating, restrooms, and a counter service setup suggests a standard level of operation. A notable and welcome amenity is the allowance for dogs in the outdoor seating area, making it a great stop for local pet owners.

Services Offered

Companatico offers a comprehensive range of dining services to meet the demands of a modern New York clientele, catering to various needs from quick snacks to full meals.

• Dine-in Seating: Patrons can enjoy their meals in the restaurant's setting, offering a space for lunch, brunch, or dinner.
• Counter Service: The availability of counter service facilitates a quick and efficient experience for guests seeking fast delivery of their food.
• Takeout and Delivery: The restaurant provides multiple options for off-premises dining, including standard takeout, full delivery, and the convenient curbside pickup option.
• No-Contact Delivery: Recognizing the preference for safety and convenience, Companatico offers a specific no-contact delivery service.
• Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner: Service is offered across all main mealtimes, including a dedicated brunch menu, ensuring options are available throughout the day.
• Catering: The establishment offers catering services, making its Pinsa Romana and Schiacciata sandwiches a unique and delicious option for parties, events, or corporate gatherings.
• Coffee Service: Essential for the New York crowd, the availability of coffee is listed among their standard offerings.
• Dessert Service: A selection of desserts is offered to complete the Italian dining experience.

Features / Highlights

Companatico's appeal to the savvy New York diner is built on several key distinctions and amenities:

• Authentic Roman-Style Cuisine: Specializing in Pinsa Romana and Schiacciata Sandwiches, the restaurant offers a unique Italian culinary niche not widely available elsewhere in the city.
• Focus on Premium Ingredients: The use of D.O.P. (Protected Designation of Origin) ingredients ensures a standard of quality and authenticity, appealing to food enthusiasts.
• The Bread is the Protagonist: A clear and unique philosophy where the quality of the bread—the Pinsa and Schiacciata dough—is prioritized, setting the foundation for every dish.
• All-Day Dining: With offerings for brunch, lunch, and dinner, Companatico is a versatile and reliable choice at any time of day.
• Family-Friendly Amenities: The restaurant is good for kids and thoughtfully provides a changing table in the restroom, a crucial amenity for families dining out.
• Pet-Friendly Outdoor Space: Dogs are allowed in the outdoor seating area, which is a major draw for local residents enjoying the waterfront neighborhood.
• Convenient Off-Premise Options: Offering curbside pickup and no-contact delivery highlights a commitment to modern convenience and safety for the busy city dweller.

Contact Information

For inquiries, service information, or to place an order for delivery or takeout, you can reach Companatico at the following:

Address: 421 Van Brunt St, Brooklyn, NY 11231, USA

Phone: (917) 677-0050

Mobile Phone: +1 917-677-0050

What is Worth Choosing

For a true taste of what Companatico offers, New Yorkers should focus on the restaurant’s core specialties that highlight its dedication to authentic Roman fare. What is unequivocally worth choosing here are the Pinsa Romana and the Schiacciata Sandwiches.

The Pinsa Romana, often described as an ancient form of pizza, is a must-try. Its unique dough, made from a blend of flours and a long leavening process, results in a base that is significantly lighter and airier than traditional pizza, yet deliciously crisp. Trying one of their Pinsas is the best way to experience the restaurant's central culinary concept.

Equally essential is the authentic Schiacciata Sandwich. The customizable nature of this sandwich, combined with the focus on D.O.P. ingredients—which ensures the meats, cheeses, and other fillings meet stringent Italian quality standards—allows diners to build a simple yet incredibly flavorful and high-quality meal. The Schiacciata bread itself is a Tuscan flatbread, which provides the perfect, unique vessel for the curated ingredients.

Beyond the main attractions, the coffee service makes Companatico an ideal spot for a quick break or a post-meal digestivo. For Red Hook residents and visitors, Companatico offers an escape to Rome through its commitment to the highest quality of simple, honest Italian food. Choosing to dine here means prioritizing fresh, authentic ingredients and a masterful execution of artisanal Italian baking.

Companatico

421 Van Brunt St, Brooklyn, NY 11231, USA