Michael’s

- 2929 Avenue R, Brooklyn, NY 11229

Introduction / Overview: The Legacy of Michael’s, a Brooklyn Institution

For New Yorkers seeking the quintessential "old-school" Italian-American dining experience, Michael's of Brooklyn stands as a legendary institution. Since opening its doors in 1964, this family-owned and operated restaurant, now in its third generation of the Cacace family, has cemented its reputation as a cornerstone of the borough's culinary landscape. Located in the Marine Park section of Brooklyn, Michael's is far more than just a restaurant; it’s a destination for celebration, tradition, and an authentic taste of home-style Italian cooking elevated to fine dining.

The atmosphere at Michael's is a deliberate throwback to a more elegant era, featuring a warm, historic, and upscale environment. Guests are greeted by wood-paneled walls, chandelier lighting, and classic white linen tablecloths, often complemented by the sophisticated sound of a live piano player. This setting, combined with highly professional and attentive service—waitstaff often wear suits or uniforms—makes it the ideal choice for a romantic evening, a major family anniversary, or a sophisticated power lunch. The focus here is on classic Italian comfort food—dishes made with love, tradition, and fresh, high-quality ingredients, often resulting in generous, family-style portions that ensure no one leaves hungry. The restaurant’s commitment to quality is also evident in its internationally known, nationally sold, and jarred tomato sauce, which is cooked and packed right at the source, testament to their heralded family recipes.

This commitment to tradition and excellence has made Michael's a beloved spot, frequented by local Brooklynites and known city-wide as a true gem for exceptional red-sauce fare. The dining experience is lauded not only for its phenomenal food but for the genuine, welcoming hospitality that makes every guest feel like a regular.

Location and Accessibility

Michael's Italian Restaurant is located at the heart of Marine Park in South Brooklyn, offering New Yorkers a chance to step away from the Manhattan bustle and into a neighborhood famous for its deep Italian-American roots.

Address: 2929 Avenue R, Brooklyn, NY 11229, USA

While a little deeper into Brooklyn, its accessibility features make a visit seamless and stress-free, a detail New Yorkers always appreciate. Parking in this part of town can be a concern, but Michael's has taken this into account. Guests benefit from complimentary parking options, including a free parking lot and free street parking, in addition to the highly convenient option of Valet Parking.

The venue is designed to be welcoming to all patrons, adhering to high standards of accessibility. The entire establishment is Wheelchair Accessible, including the entrance, parking lot, restrooms, and seating areas.

For those planning their visit, reservations are highly recommended, especially for peak times. The restaurant’s popularity often means there is usually a wait for walk-ins, particularly for dinner, brunch, and lunch services. Therefore, reserving a table in advance is the best way to ensure a smooth and timely dining experience at this Brooklyn staple.

Services Offered

Michael's of Brooklyn offers a comprehensive range of services designed to accommodate various dining needs and occasions, reflecting its status as a full-service, upscale New York dining destination.

• Onsite Dining: Enjoy the full, elegant experience with table service in a historic, romantic, and upscale atmosphere.
• Dine-In Options: Available for Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner.
• Reservations: The restaurant accepts and recommends reservations for all major dining periods—Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner—to manage its high volume of visitors.
• Takeout: Classic dishes are available for convenient pickup.
• Delivery: Customers can enjoy Michael's authentic Italian cuisine in the comfort of their own home.
• Catering: Services are available for special events and larger gatherings.
• Private Dining Room: Ideal for intimate parties, corporate events, or large family celebrations.
• Full Bar Service: A complete selection of Alcohol, Beer, Hard Liquor, and expert Cocktails.
• Extensive Wine List: Featuring a great selection of fine Wines to complement any meal.
• Dessert Service: A wide array of in-house made desserts, including a full dessert menu for takeout.
• Payments: Accepts Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and NFC Mobile Payments for modern convenience.

Features / Highlights

Michael's distinction in the competitive New York dining scene is built upon several core features that consistently impress locals and visitors alike.

• Family Legacy Since 1964: A multi-generational, family-owned establishment that has maintained a high standard of authentic Italian tradition for decades, a rarity in NYC.
• The "Veal Smash Job": A local specialty and signature dish of the house, which is a breaded-and-fried veal chop topped with melted mozzarella and their famous house sauce. It’s a must-try.
• Award-Winning Sauces: Home of the only nationally sold pasta sauce that is cooked and packed at the source, reflecting the quality of their red-sauce fare.
• Elegant & Historic Ambiance: Features white tablecloths, wood paneling, and an upscale, cozy, and romantic atmosphere, often enhanced by live piano music, making it perfect for special occasions.
• Impeccable Service: Renowned for white-glove, professional, and attentive table service, ensuring a memorable dining experience.
• Generous Portions: Known for serving hearty, family-style portions that provide excellent value and often result in delicious leftovers.
• Comprehensive Menu Variety: Offers an immense selection of classic Italian-American dishes, including an impressive list of hot and cold appetizers like Fried Calamari and Burrata, over 20 Pasta Dishes (from Baked Rigatoni Vodka to Linguini Vongole), and a full range of Entrées encompassing Veal, Chicken, Seafood (such as Fried Lobster and Chilean Sea Bass Roasted), and a dedicated Grill section with premium steaks like the T-Bone Steak and Filet Mignon.
• Exceptional Dessert Program: Highlights include a great dessert selection with items like the Hot Chocolate Chip & Vanilla Ice Cream and a variety of cakes and Italian pastries.

Contact Information

To plan your visit or make a reservation at this esteemed Brooklyn fine dining location, please use the contact details below:

Address: 2929 Avenue R, Brooklyn, NY 11229, USA

Phone: (718) 998-7851

What is Worth Choosing

For New Yorkers craving a truly authentic, high-quality, and classically elegant Italian meal, Michael's is unquestionably the right choice. It is a one-of-a-kind establishment that blends the generous spirit of family-style Italian cooking with a sophisticated, fine-dining presentation.

For the Traditionalist: You must try the "Smash Job," their legendary Veal Chop Parmigiana or the Veal Chop Milanese, a dish that has garnered national attention. Any of the pasta dishes featuring their famous red sauce, like the Baked Ziti or Lasagna, will also deliver on the promise of classic, comforting flavors. The Sunday Dinner, an entrée offering, encapsulates the spirit of the restaurant.

For the Seafood Lover: The extensive menu includes fresh and appealing choices like Grilled Pulpo, Lobster Crepe, Shrimp Fra Diavolo, and the exquisite Chilean Sea Bass Roasted, proving their expertise beyond the red-sauce canon.

The Experience: Beyond the food, what makes Michael's stand out in New York is the complete dining package. From the white-glove table service and the romantic piano music to the cozy, historic atmosphere, the restaurant delivers an experience that is both celebratory and deeply rooted in tradition. It’s perfect for those seeking a romantic date night, a large family celebration, or an impressive venue for a business meal. When New Yorkers talk about a legendary, old-school Italian meal that’s worth the trip, Michael's of Brooklyn is always at the top of the list. It is an enduring legacy that continues to define great Italian-American food in New York City.

Michael’s

2929 Avenue R, Brooklyn, NY 11229, USA