Ortobello's

- 6401 Bay Pkwy, Brooklyn, NY 11204

For New Yorkers seeking that classic, heartwarming "old-school" Italian dining experience, **Ortobello's** stands out as a beloved, decades-old gem right on Bay Parkway in Brooklyn. Located at **6401 Bay Pkwy**, this family-owned establishment is far more than just a place to eat; it's a culinary institution in the neighborhood, a true representation of authentic, comforting Italian cuisine rooted in generous portions and a genuinely **Cozy** atmosphere. Customers often describe the vibe as feeling like you are eating at a relative’s house, with an inviting ambiance and staff who are noted for being friendly and welcoming.

Ortobello's specializes exclusively in a wide-ranging menu of traditional **Italian restaurant** fare. The offerings span all the classics, from hearty pasta dishes like Gnocchi Sorrentino and the incredibly popular Ravioli Alla Vodka, to substantial main courses featuring Veal, Chicken, and fresh Seafood. The reputation of this spot is built upon the quality of its **Comfort food**—dishes like the immense Chicken Parmesan are frequently praised. Patrons also rave about the exceptional bread served before the meal and the famous **Homemade Ricotta Cheesecake** for dessert. Whether you are a **Local**, a visiting **Tourist**, dining **Solo**, or celebrating with **Groups** and the whole **Family**, Ortobello's is a destination where you should come prepared to eat, as the portion sizes are consistently described as huge—often enough for two people or for guaranteed leftovers.

***

Location and Accessibility

Ortobello's is conveniently located at **6401 Bay Pkwy, Brooklyn, NY 11204, USA**. This address places it firmly within the vibrant Bensonhurst/Mapleton area, a neighborhood in Brooklyn rich with culinary heritage and local activity. Bay Parkway is a major street, making the restaurant easily identifiable and accessible.

For visitors traveling by car, the restaurant offers an advantage typical for this part of Brooklyn: both **Free street parking** and **Paid street parking** options are available nearby. While the interior is described as being on the smaller side, accommodating around 40 people, it provides a highly sought-after intimate setting. The restaurant is well-equipped for all dining situations, offering **Dine-in** table service for the full experience, as well as efficient **Takeout** and **Delivery** options for those who prefer to enjoy their massive portions at home. Patrons should note that the atmosphere is **Casual**, meaning there is no strict dress code to worry about when planning their visit for **Lunch** or **Dinner**. Due to the venue's popularity and small size, **Dinner reservations are recommended**, and the restaurant does accept them to ensure a timely seating, especially during peak hours.

***

Services Offered

Ortobello's offers a comprehensive array of dining services, emphasizing traditional table service alongside modern convenience for the New York clientele.

• **Full Italian Menu & Table Service:** Offering a dedicated menu for **Lunch** and **Dinner**, complete with **Table service** for a relaxed, full-course dining experience. The menu includes **Appetizers** (e.g., Baked Clams, Mozzarella Carozza), **Salads** (e.g., Arugola salad, Caesar salad), a variety of **Pasta** (e.g., Linguine with Clam Sauce, Tortellini Bolognese), and main courses of **Veal, Chicken, and Seafood**.
• **Beverage Program:** The restaurant provides a selection of **Alcohol**, including **Beer** and an acclaimed **Great wine list**, perfect for pairing with classic Italian dishes. They also serve **Coffee** and **Comfort food** classics.
• **Flexible Order Fulfillment:** Customers can choose from **Dine-in** for a leisurely meal, **Takeout** for a quick pickup, or **Delivery** for the ultimate convenience right to their Brooklyn doorstep.
• **Event and Group Dining:** The establishment is noted to be suitable for **Groups** and provides **Catering** services for those looking to bring their generously portioned Italian feast to larger gatherings.
• **Family Accommodations:** Clearly marked as **Good for kids** and **Family-friendly**, it is a welcoming place for all ages to enjoy a traditional meal.

***

Features / Highlights

Several distinct features contribute to Ortobello's reputation as an essential Brooklyn Italian dining spot.

• **Extremely Generous Portions:** This is perhaps the restaurant's most notable feature. Dishes are consistently described as "big portions" and "extremely filling," often amounting to 1.5 to 2 times the size of standard servings, providing incredible value and guaranteeing leftovers.
• **Old-School Brooklyn Charm:** The ambiance is celebrated for its **Cozy** and "old school vibe." The restaurant has been around for decades, providing a nostalgic, authentic, and intimate setting that transports diners away from the city's frantic pace.
• **Signature Dishes and Food Quality:** Key highlights include the famous **Chicken Parmesan**, praised as being "amazing" and "humongous," the creamy **Ravioli Alla Vodka**, and the fresh, highly-recommended **Baked Clams**. The pre-meal bread, often served with butter, is also highlighted as being exceptionally good.
• **Excellent Beverage Selection:** The establishment boasts a **Great wine list** to complement the rich Italian flavors, offering guests the ideal pairing for their meal. Additionally, the availability of strong **Espresso by the pot** is a perfect way to conclude the substantial dinner.
• **Homemade Desserts:** The **Homemade Ricotta Cheesecake** and **Homemade Tiramisu** are standout items, particularly the cheesecake, which is praised for being moist and delicious—a rare treat that often sells out.
• **Fast and Efficient Service:** Despite being a small, busy establishment, the service is frequently described as **Fast service** and the staff as "friendly and welcoming," enhancing the dining experience.

***

Contact Information

To arrange a reservation, place a takeout order, or inquire about catering services for your next event, please use the following contact details:

Address: 6401 Bay Pkwy, Brooklyn, NY 11204, USA

Phone: (718) 236-9810

Mobile Phone: +1 718-236-9810

***

What is Worth Choosing

For the discerning New Yorker, Ortobello's is worth choosing because it embodies the unpretentious, high-quality, and generous dining experience that Brooklyn Italian restaurants are famous for. It is a genuine local landmark that prioritizes flavor and portion size over modern culinary trends.

What makes Ortobello's truly stand out is the combination of **Quantity and Quality**. You are not simply paying for a meal; you are investing in a feast. The gargantuan portions ensure that every dish, whether it’s the **Veal Parmesan** or the custom-made combination of Tortellini and Penne Alla Vodka with Shrimp, provides tremendous value, often resulting in a second, equally satisfying meal the next day. This is a crucial consideration in a high-cost city like New York.

Furthermore, the **Authentic, Cozy Atmosphere** solidifies its appeal. This is the antithesis of the fleeting, high-concept Manhattan restaurant. Ortobello's offers a consistent, warm, and authentic setting where **Locals** gather. The recommendation to combine the high-quality complimentary bread with the leftover sauces—known in Italian-American culture as 'fare la scarpetta'—is a testament to the richness of the sauces and the deep, communal connection the food fosters.

Finally, the convenience of accepting **Reservations** for **Dinner**, the available street parking, and the offering of a **Great wine list** all contribute to a seamless, enjoyable, and memorable night out, proving that this family-owned spot is a must-visit destination for anyone craving the taste of true, red-sauce Brooklyn Italian cooking.

Ortobello's

6401 Bay Pkwy, Brooklyn, NY 11204, USA