Flora

- 1021 8th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215

Introduction / Overview

For New Yorkers seeking a culinary journey that transports them directly to the sun-drenched shores and verdant hills of Southern Italy, Flora in Park Slope, Brooklyn, is an essential destination. Far from being a generic "Italian restaurant," Flora is a dedicated Southern Italian eatery, specializing in the rich and distinct flavors of Campania, particularly the Cilento region. This commitment to a specific regional cuisine, emphasizing simple, high-quality ingredients sourced directly from Italy, is what sets Flora apart in the competitive New York dining scene.

The story of Flora is one of genuine passion, rooted in the American dream of its founders, husband-and-wife duo Emiliano Cammardella and Rossella Episcopo. Hailing from Cilento, they opened Flora with the vision of creating an "embassy" for their culture, design, and food. The restaurant’s philosophy is centered on the Mediterranean diet, a tradition so respected that Flora has been named a UNESCO “Ambassadors of the Mediterranean Heritage and Diet in the World” at the United Nations. This high praise is complemented by its recognition from one of the world's most prestigious culinary authorities: Flora was added to the Michelin Guide in 2023 and, critically, was awarded the Bib Gourmand distinction. This accolade signifies that Flora offers "exceptional cuisine" at "moderate prices," making high-end, authentic Italian dining accessible to the Brooklyn community.

The dining experience at Flora is characterized by an atmosphere that is at once casual, cozy, and trendy. The interior blends modern charm with rustic touches, featuring exposed brick and warm lighting that creates a sophisticated yet welcoming ambiance. The menu, spanning Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch, and Dinner, showcases the sophisticated simplicity of Campanian cooking. Standout dishes like the famous Ravioli bottarga e limone highlight the kitchen’s focus on creative expression and authentic technique. Furthermore, Flora has adopted a rare and noteworthy approach in the New York market by operating as a gratuity-free restaurant, incorporating service costs into the menu prices, a practice that aligns with the founders’ desire to provide a transparent and European-style dining experience.

Location and Accessibility

Flora is conveniently located in the lively and family-friendly Park Slope/South Slope neighborhood of Brooklyn at 1021 8th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215, USA. The restaurant is situated along Eighth Avenue, an area well-known for its charming brownstones and independent shops, offering locals and visitors a great spot for dining after exploring Prospect Park or the surrounding avenues.

The location is easily accessible for New York residents. While not directly next to a major subway hub, it is a manageable walk from several subway lines, connecting it to Manhattan and other parts of Brooklyn. For drivers, the area provides a mix of both Free street parking and Paid street parking, which is a significant amenity in this highly sought-after neighborhood.

In terms of physical access, Flora is designed with consideration for all patrons. The restaurant offers a Wheelchair accessible restroom, making it a welcoming and accommodating space for guests with mobility needs.

Services Offered

• Full Dining Service: Available for Dine-in with full Table service, spanning Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner.
• Outdoor Seating: Guests can enjoy their meals and the Park Slope atmosphere with available outdoor seating.
• Takeout and Delivery: Providing options for enjoying Flora’s authentic cuisine at home.
• Reservations Required/Accepted: Given the popularity and Michelin recognition, reservations are strongly encouraged for both intimate dinners and group gatherings.
• Comprehensive Beverage Program: Offering Alcohol, Wine (with a focus on Campanian bottles), Beer, and Cocktails.
• Full Range of Offerings: Menu includes Small plates, Comfort food, Healthy options, Organic dishes, Quick bites, and dedicated Vegetarian options.
• Diverse Payment Methods: Accepts Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments for seamless transactions.
• Gratuity-Free Model: The restaurant operates with an all-inclusive pricing structure, eliminating the need for tipping.

Features / Highlights

• Michelin Bib Gourmand Recipient: Recognized by the prestigious Michelin Guide for delivering excellent food at a moderate price point, a major distinction in New York City.
• Authentic Southern Italian Cuisine: Specializes exclusively in the uncompromising flavors of Campania and Cilento, utilizing high-quality ingredients sourced directly from Italy.
• Gratiuity-Free Policy: A rare and progressive feature in NYC, simplifying the dining experience with menu prices that include service.
• Cozy and Elegant Vibe: Known for its attractive, light-filled, modern interior with rustic elements, described as a charming spot with a high-end feel.
• Signature Pasta Dish: Highly praised for the Ravioli bottarga e limone—bell-shaped pasta filled with imported ricotta di bufala, finished with bottarga, lemon rind, and breadcrumbs, a dish gushed over by Michelin inspectors.
• Imported Desserts: Features spectacular desserts, most famously the delizia al limone, imported weekly from an award-winning pastry chef on the Amalfi Coast (Sal De Riso), offering a genuine taste of the region.
• UNESCO Recognition: Named “Ambassadors of the Mediterranean Heritage and Diet in the World,” underscoring the authenticity and cultural significance of the food.
• Owned by Cilento Natives: Founded by a husband-and-wife duo, Emiliano Cammardella and Rossella Episcopo, whose personal connection ensures uncompromising authenticity.

Contact Information

Address: 1021 8th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215, USA

Phone: (347) 844-9480

Reservations: Reservations are required/accepted and highly recommended, especially for dinner and weekend brunch.

What is Worth Choosing

For a first-time visitor to Flora, the experience should focus on the dishes that best exemplify the restaurant's celebrated Campanian and Cilento heritage. These are the items that have earned the restaurant its Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition and its reputation among discerning New York foodies.

To start, a selection from the Aperitivo menu is highly recommended to appreciate the quality of imported ingredients. The Tagliere di salumi e formaggi ($37.00) offers an excellent sampling of high-end Italian cured meats and cheeses. For a focused appetizer, the Focaccia e Bufala affumicata ($18.00) provides a taste of authentic Italian preparation. The Polpette in salsa di melanzane ($21.00) also offers a flavorful, comforting start, although the overall richness and portion sizes should be considered for the subsequent courses.

The core of the Flora experience lies in the Pasta section. The Ravioli bottarga e limone ($31.00) is arguably the must-try dish. This simple yet sophisticated plate, praised by the Michelin Guide, showcases the high-quality imported ricotta di bufala and the unique combination of savory bottarga and zesty lemon, offering a refined taste of Campania. For seafood lovers, the Spaghetti a vongole ($31.00) is another classic Southern Italian choice, while the Fusilli Cilentani al ferretto ($30.00) provides a sense of the region’s traditional pasta shapes.

Among the Secondi, the Baccala' alla Cilentana ($35.00) is a worthy choice for an authentic main course, featuring salt cod prepared in the Cilento style. For a deeply savory experience, the slow-cooked beef stew Cappello del prete all'aglianico ($39.00) promises profound flavor, though be aware that the dish may sometimes be served without a side, a characteristic of European plating. Guests may wish to order the Parmigiana di melanzane ($27.00) as a vegetable-focused main or a hearty side.

Finally, do not skip dessert. The delizia al limone is imported weekly from the famous Amalfi Coast pastry chef Sal De Riso. This dessert, described as a "bite of sunshine" by Michelin inspectors, is a guaranteed authentic capstone to the meal, even if some patrons prefer a locally made sweet. The combination of its authentic Campanian cuisine, elegant atmosphere, and the transparency of its gratuity-free model makes Flora an essential and highly worthwhile dining choice in Park Slope.

Flora

1021 8th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215, USA