Mama Rao's Brooklyn: Authentic Italian Dining and Private Event Venue in Dyker Heights

Mama Rao's Introduce

If you're an NYC local searching for a truly authentic taste of Italy without leaving the borough, look no further than Mama Rao's Italian Restaurant in Brooklyn. This family-owned establishment has been a beloved cornerstone of the Dyker Heights neighborhood since 2001, dedicated to serving generations of New Yorkers what many describe as the finest, most legit Italian food in South Brooklyn. Mama Rao's is not just a place to eat; it's a culinary experience that captures the warmth of a classic Italian home, celebrated for its phenomenal homemade pasta, fresh ingredients, and exceptional service.

Locals rave about the restaurant's commitment to tradition, noting that the food—from the appetizers to the desserts—is consistently fresh, delicious, and fairly priced. In a city where great Italian spots are common, Mama Rao's stands out by delivering a rare combination of refined, authentic dining and a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. It’s an ideal setting for everything from an intimate, quiet date night to a lively family dinner, embodying the essence of a true New York neighborhood gem.

Location and Accessibility

Mama Rao's is conveniently nestled in the vibrant and family-friendly Dyker Heights section of Brooklyn, providing a perfect escape from the hustle of Manhattan while remaining easily accessible for residents across New York City. The restaurant is situated at 6408 11th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11219, USA, right in the heart of a fine neighborhood known for its Italian-American heritage and strong community feel.

The location offers good options for local patrons and visitors alike. If you're driving, the restaurant is a favorable destination as it offers the dual convenience of both free street parking and paid street parking options, which is a major plus in a dense borough like Brooklyn. The venue prioritizes comfort and accessibility for all guests, featuring a wheelchair-accessible entrance, wheelchair-accessible seating, and a wheelchair-accessible restroom.

Beyond the main restaurant, Mama Rao's is part of a charming local enclave. Customer reviews mention a nearby fresh pasta and cheese store, suggesting a truly Italian neighborhood experience reminiscent of Italian enclaves. While Dyker Heights is a destination in itself, especially famous for its spectacular holiday lights displays, the restaurant's location also places it a short distance from other South Brooklyn attractions like the Bay Ridge waterfront area, which is home to the scenic Narrows Botanical Gardens and offers beautiful views of the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge.

Services Offered

Mama Rao's offers a comprehensive range of dining and event services to meet the needs of the diverse New York community:

Dining Options: Patrons can enjoy Lunch and Dinner with full Table service and comfortable Seating in a casual, cozy, and romantic atmosphere. Reservations are accepted, with dinner reservations being highly recommended to secure your spot.
Convenience Services: For those on the go or preferring to dine at home, the restaurant provides Takeout, Delivery, and No-contact delivery options.
Beverage Service: A Full bar onsite offers a wide selection of Alcohol, Beer, Wine (including a Great wine list), Cocktails (including Great cocktails), and Hard liquor.
Private Events: Mama Rao's is an established Event venue known for its elegant party room, often referred to as the Galileo Room. This space is perfect for hosting Catering events, wedding showers, engagement parties, and rehearsal dinners. The party room can comfortably accommodate up to 101 guests standing or seated, providing distinctive service and attention to detail for memorable events. They can also assist with preferred vendors for music, flowers, and transportation.
Dietary and Family Needs: The menu includes Healthy options and is celebrated for its authenticity, fresh, homemade pasta and regional specialties. The venue is Good for kids and provides High chairs.

Features and Highlights

The enduring popularity of Mama Rao's among New Yorkers is built upon several distinctive features that set it apart as a premier dining destination:

Authentic Homemade Cuisine: The restaurant is highly praised for serving legit, traditional Italian food with an emphasis on dishes made from scratch, including their homemade pastas, sauces, and desserts like their famous lemon drop cookies (as per customer testimonials).
Premier Private Event Venue: Featuring the dedicated Galileo Room, Mama Rao's is a trusted choice for small to mid-sized celebrations in Brooklyn, offering a refined space for up to 101 guests for rehearsal dinners and special events.
Exceptional Service and Atmosphere: Patrons consistently highlight the friendly, welcoming, and attentive staff, with many noting the fast service and warm, family-owned vibe. The atmosphere is described as Cozy, Romantic, and Casual.
Diverse Menu Offerings: The menu is extensive, ranging from classic Antipasto like Baked Clams and Fried Calamari to satisfying Pasta dishes such as Rigatoni Bolognese and Linguine in Clam Sauce. Main Entrees include premium items like Grilled Rib Eye Steak and Veal Chop Milanese, ensuring options for every palate.
Great Desserts and Beverages: The restaurant is known for its Great dessert menu, featuring classics like Tiramisu and Limocello Flute. The Great wine list and cocktail selection are perfect complements to any meal.
Inclusivity and Community: Mama Rao's is a space where everyone is welcome, proudly noted as Family-friendly, LGBTQ+ friendly, and a Transgender safespace.

Contact Information

For reservations, private party inquiries, catering orders, or general questions, please use the contact information below.

Address: 6408 11th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11219, USA

Phone: (718) 745-2269

What is Worth Choosing at Mama Rao's

For New Yorkers who appreciate traditional, high-quality Italian fare, Mama Rao's offers a compelling, reliable choice that transcends the typical "run-of-the-mill" Italian spot. The primary reason to choose Mama Rao's is its unwavering dedication to authentic, homemade quality. In a city full of restaurants, the ability to enjoy pasta that is made fresh and a sauce that tastes like it was prepared by a seasoned Italian matriarch is truly a standout feature. One customer emphatically stated that the freshness of the pasta and the meat in the sauce for the Rigatoni Bolognese was "truly delicious," echoing the sentiment of many who describe the food as "unbelievable."

Beyond the food, the private party offerings—centered around the dedicated Galileo Room—make it an excellent venue for significant family milestones like engagement parties, birthdays, or an upscale rehearsal dinner for groups up to 101 people. When planning a special occasion in Brooklyn, having a venue with an elegant ambiance, an extensive party menu, and an attentive staff that treats you like family provides invaluable peace of mind. The fair pricing and generous portions, as noted in reviews, also solidify its reputation as a place that delivers true value for a phenomenal dining experience.

Whether you are seeking a cozy, romantic dinner with excellent wine and cocktails, a hearty lunch, or a professional, spotless setting for a group celebration, Mama Rao's consistently exceeds expectations. It remains a cherished, multi-generational favorite in Dyker Heights, and for any local, it is truly one of those hidden gems you simply "have to try."

Mama Rao's Menu

Antipasto
Fried Calamari $19.50
Served with a spicy marinara or spicy chipotle.
Antipasto Freddo $31.20
A wonderful combination of Italian specialties including prosciutto di parma, fresh mozzarella, marinated olives, artichoke hearts, and hot stuffed peppers.
Fried Zucchini $16.90
Zucchini chips fried and served with a mild marinara sauce.
Shrimp Casino $27.30
Three jumbo shrimp stuffed with jumbo lump crab meat, spinach, flavored bread crumbs, and wrapped with bacon.
Baked Clams $20.80
Served 6 to an order.
La Grigliata $23.40
Grilled octopus, grilled calamari served over arugula salad, and covered in an Italian dressing.
Mini Meat Balls $20.80
Five mini meat balls stuffed with fresh mozzarella and covered with a delicious marinara sauce.
Crab Cakes $20.80
Three jumbo lump crab cakes served with shrimp, mixed salad, and covered in lobster cream sauce.
Carpacio Di Manzo $31.20
Cured filet mignon thinly sliced served over baby arugula salad, topped with shaved parmigiano cheese, roasted pine, nuts, and finished in a fresh lemon herb dressing.
Mozzarella Carozza $19.50
A gilded and crisp carriage made of sliced bread enclosing the precious creaminess of mozzarella.

Soups and Salads
Pear Salad $18.20
Mixed green salad tossed with candied walnuts, thinly sliced fresh pears, and covered in a home-made blue cheese dressing.
Beet Salad $18.20
Red and golden beets served over a bed of baby arugula topped with crumbled goat cheese and candied walnuts finished in a honey balsamic vinaigrette.
Arugula Salad $15.60
Served with a home-made mozzarella fresh tomatoes and covered in an Italian dressing.
Shrimp And Quinoa Salad $20.80
Grilled shrimp served over a bed of quinoa, cherry tomatoes, avocados, red onions, and cucumbers in a red wine vinaigrette.
Lentil Soup $15.60
Stracciatella Alla Romana $15.60
Pasta Fagioli Soup $15.60
Waldorf Salad $18.20
Baby organic field greens tossed with crumbled gorgonzola cheese, candied walnuts, and topped with a balsamic reduction.

Entrees
Pollo Pera $33.80
Boneless breast of chicken stuffed with spinach, bread crumbs, prosciutto, and fresh pear wrapped with bacon covered in a rich cognac sauce.
Shrimp Oreganata $28.60
Jumbo shrimp breaded and baked in a white wine lemon sauce.
Kids Chicken Tenders $22.10
Kids Chicken Tenders
Pollo Alla Nina $36.40
Lightly breaded fried, covered in a rich cream sauce with green peas, mushrooms topped with toasted bacon, and bread crumbs.
Grilled Rib Eye Steak $50.70
(18 oz) certified black Angus rib eye grilled to your liking and covered in Mama Rao's Italian dressing.
Scalopini Dello Chef $31.20
Nature veal cutlets layered with roasted peppers and spinach covered with fresh melted mozzarella in a light sherry wine sauce.
Portobello Alla Contadina $24.70
Grilled portobello mushroom, grilled eggplant, roasted peppers layered together with fresh melted mozzarella, and covered in a balsamic reduction.
Pollo Bruschetta $28.60
Lightly breaded fried and covered with fresh melted mozzarella, diced tomatoes, and red onions finished in a delicious Italian dressing.
Branzino Marechiara $33.80
Bones Mediterranean filet sauteed in a light tomato with a combination of mussels, clams, calamari, and shrimp.
Veal Chop Milanese $54.60
Nature veal chop encrusted with panko bread crumbs, parmagiano cheese, baked to perfection, covered with baby arugula, cherry tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella in balsamic vinaigrette dressing.
Salmone Alla Venezia $41.60
Broiled wild king salmon served with asparagus and covered with a fresh herb cream sauce.
Filet Of Sole Capriciosa $31.20
Pan seared flounder filet covered with roasted tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and served over a bed of arugula.
American Lamb Chops (Served 3) $54.60
Covered with a light Italian dressing and with your choice of vegetable.

Pasta
Penne Siciliana $23.40
Sauteed with fresh eggplant in a marinara sauce and covered with a ricotta salata.
Linguine In Clam Sauce $26.00
Red or white sauce.
Gemeli Veneziani $22.10
Short macaroni sauteed with fresh baby spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and white mushrooms in a delicious cream sauce.
Gnocchi Posillipo $24.70
Sauteed in a fresh tomato sauce with melted mozzarella, parmigiano cheese, and fresh basil.
Linguine Alla Strega $22.10
Sauteed with shiitake mushroom, asparagus sun-dried tomatoes, zucchini, scallions in a light garlic, and oil sauce.
Rigatoni Bolognese $23.40
Stuffed cheese rigatoni covered in a delicious meat sauce with a touch of cream.
Orechietti Baresi $23.40
Sauteed with sweet Italian sausage and broccoli rabe in a white wine sauce.
Penne Alla Vodka
Mafalde Mare Verde $23.40
Thick ribbon like pasta sauteed with arugala, baby shrimp, and cherry tomatoes in a white wine sauce with a touch of marinara.

Mama Rao’s Desserts
Limocello Flute $13.00
Refreshing lemon, gelato swirled together with limocello, and presented in a champagne glass.
Tiramisu $13.00
Traditional tiramisu made with espresso soaked lady fingers, mascarpone cream, and dusted with coca powder.
Chocolate Mouse $11.70
A rich chocolate mouse served in a glass cup covered with chocolate flakes.
American Cheese Cake $11.70
A creamy rich New York cheese cake.
Coppa Straciatella $13.00
Chocolate chip gelato swirled together with chocolate syrup, topped with cocoa powder, and hazelnuts.
Tartuffo $13.00
Classic vanilla, chocolate gelato separated by a cherry and sliced almonds covered in cinnamon, and finished with a chocolate coating.

Mama Rao's Details

Service options
Outdoor seating
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service
Great cocktails
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great wine list
Serves local specialty

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Comfort food
Hard liquor
Healthy options
Small plates
Wine

Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Bar onsite
Restroom
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Quiet
Romantic

Crowd
Family-friendly
Groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Tourists
Transgender safespace

Planning
Lunch reservations recommended
Reservations required
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids
High chairs

Parking
Free street parking
Paid street parking
Parking

Mama Rao's Photos

Mama Rao's Location

Mama Rao's

New York Kings County Dyker Heights 11th Avenue

6408 11th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11219, USA

Mama Rao's Reviews

An average rating of ★4.7 from 735 user reviews.

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★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

I reached out to two friends who have been rather busy lately to see if they would be able to make lunch this Saturday. They said that they wouldn’t be able to spare the time to go anywhere too far but if we stayed in Brooklyn they could make it. One of them suggested this restaurant whose food & service were amazing. They got a little carried away with the appetizers & ended up ordering the fried calamari, shrimp oregaganta, bruschetta & arugula salad. All of which were delicious. They had seasonal cocktails as well. I was the only one to try one & went with the whiskey cider which was very flavorful. For my main I had the rigatoni bolognese which was delicious & satisfying. The freshness of the pasta & the meat in the sauce was truly delicious. My friends ordered the linguine with clams & the chicken bruschetta. They both enjoyed their meals. Unfortunately since we went overboard with the appetizers we weren’t able to have dessert. I can’t wait for my next visit. The food & service were a true delight.
September 28 · J B C
All I can say is wow, first time taking my family here. The food is unbelievable priced fairly fresh and portion size is good. So much better then all these run of the mill Italian places in bay ridge. Staff is great, place is really nice and clean, I’ve been missing out for years by not eating here. Everything is home made - they make their own pasta. Last night was easily one of the best meals I’ve ever had. Staff was excellent. Skip the other places and just come here. I can’t wait to come back. This place truly is a hidden gem. Very reasonably priced. One of those places you just have to try!Just had another fantastic meal on Friday night- I had to take my mom to try it.Is it possible to give higher then 5 stars???Food is so good fresh and legit.The staff is amazingThe prices are more then fairThe space is spotless cleanI can see why they been here over 20 years.It’s hard now to find good legit Italian food in Brooklyn. I feel so lucky to have this close by. Such a great place. Full bar and reasonable as wellPrivate party room next doorAnd fresh pasta cheese store to the right, something you would see on Italian enclaves. Just wow. Even all the patrons in the place are all nice, just all around phenomenal
August 15 · Joseph Paduano
The food here was excellent and we had excellent service. The veal here was fantastic. And I just love the Zucchini flowers They were stuffed with creamy Ricotta Delicious
July 25 · Sarah Catalano
Came here to go out for our company/team dinner. Wanted to go somewhere that was quiet, calm, cozy, good food, good service. Amazing choice. We loved it, and majority of the teammates said this was the best location they have gone to so far for our team dinner. Very grateful. Customer service was amazing and food was delicious! It’s a gem in the neighborhood.
August 20 · J H
I had the rigatoni bolognese, by far the best I ever had and that’s my go-2 dish when available where ever I go. Server was really nice and great Italian restaurant vibe over there. I’ll be back for sure!
August 17 · Ammar Lets Get Real