Red Gravy

- 151 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Welcome to Red Gravy, a cherished Italian restaurant nestled right here in the heart of Brooklyn, New York. For those of us who appreciate the soulful, comforting traditions of Italian-American cooking, particularly the kind of food that celebrates Sunday family feasts and slow-simmered sauces, Red Gravy is a destination that truly stands out. More than just a place to eat, it is a culinary experience inspired by the recipes and heritage brought from the shores of Southern Italy to the vibrant blocks of South Brooklyn.

Red Gravy offers a professional yet friendly atmosphere, designed to evoke the warmth of a traditional Italian home. With a focus on high-quality ingredients and classic preparation methods, this restaurant manages to be both sophisticated for a special occasion and approachable for a regular weeknight dinner. It proclaims 'PASTA, SALUMI, and VINO' in bold letters, setting the tone for a meal centered on authentic and hearty Italian fare. The interior, featuring wooden ceiling beams, exposed brick, and thick plank floors, provides a cozy and welcoming backdrop to your dining experience in Brooklyn Heights.

The cuisine here is a beautiful homage to Southern Italian traditions, with a seasonal menu that also incorporates daily specials paying tribute to classic Italian-American dishes, like pasta and meatballs, or sausage and peppers. The restaurant aims to serve the surrounding residential neighborhoods—Brooklyn Heights, Cobble Hill, and Boerum Hill—by delivering a high-quality culinary experience that honors the simplicity and richness of Italian cooking. It’s a true local gem for New Yorkers seeking a taste of authentic Brooklyn Italian.

Location and Accessibility

Red Gravy is conveniently situated on a decidedly commercial stretch of Atlantic Avenue, making it a visible and easy-to-find spot in one of Brooklyn’s most historic and beautiful neighborhoods. The central location provides excellent access for local residents and visitors alike.

Address: 151 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA.

The restaurant is positioned to serve the communities of Brooklyn Heights, Cobble Hill, and Boerum Hill, placing it within easy reach for many Brooklyn residents. While specific, detailed information on physical accessibility (such as ramp access or accessible restrooms) is not publicly detailed in available snippets, its location on a main avenue often suggests reasonable urban accessibility. Customers who require specific accommodations are always encouraged to call ahead to ensure their needs can be fully met for a comfortable visit.

Services Offered

Red Gravy provides a well-rounded dining experience with several key offerings to enhance your visit, whether you're looking for a celebratory dinner or a casual neighborhood meal.

• Full-Service Dining: Enjoy a complete sit-down meal featuring Southern Italian-inspired cuisine.
• Alcohol Service: The restaurant offers a selection of cocktails and wine to complement your meal.
• Dessert Options: A homemade dessert menu, often prepared by a pastry chef, is available to finish your dining experience.
• Special Menu Features: Dedicated specials, like the famed “Sunday Gravy” family-style dinner, are a prominent weekly feature.

Features / Highlights

What makes Red Gravy a standout destination for Italian food lovers in New York City are its unique culinary features and dedication to traditional Italian-American cooking principles.

• The Signature "Sunday Gravy" Feast: This is arguably the restaurant's most famous offering, described as a three-course family-style dinner. It typically begins with items like olives and arancini, followed by a salad, and culminates in the eponymous red gravy—a slow-braised meat sauce featuring sausage, meatballs, lamb ribs, and a beef short rib braciole, served with housemade pasta.
• Authentic Southern Italian Influence: The menu is directly inspired by the culinary traditions of Southern Italy, focusing on fresh, bold flavors and ingredients, with a strong presence of seafood, chili pepper, and citrus.
• Arancini (Rice Balls): Described by customers as excellent, the miniature rice balls are noted for being crispy on the outside with molten smoked mozzarella inside, and they are considered "worth a visit" on their own.
• Daily Italian-American Specials: Beyond the regular Southern Italian menu, the restaurant pays homage to classic Italian-American fare through a daily rotating special (or piatto del giorno), such as pasta and meatballs on certain days or sausage and peppers on others, allowing for variety and recognition of neighborhood favorites.
• Homemade Desserts: All desserts are homemade by a dedicated pastry chef, ensuring a fresh and high-quality sweet finish to the meal.
• Warm and Inviting Atmosphere: The space features wooden accents, exposed brick, and is described as having a touch of warmth, offering a comfortable and relaxing backdrop for dining.
• Attentive Customer Service (Generally): While service experiences can vary, the commitment of the owners and managers to visit each table and ensure customer satisfaction highlights a strong dedication to hospitality.

Contact Information

If you are planning a visit or need to inquire about reservations or menu specifics, you can contact Red Gravy using the following details.

Address: 151 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA

Phone: (718) 855-0051

What is worth choosing

For New Yorkers seeking a true taste of old-school, quality Italian-American cooking with a sophisticated Southern Italian base, Red Gravy is a compelling choice. The single most worthwhile experience to try is their signature Sunday Gravy meal. This is not just a dish; it's a generous, multi-course feast that encapsulates the spirit of the Italian-American Sunday dinner, featuring slow-cooked meats (meatballs, sausage, braciole, lamb ribs) simmered in a rich 'red gravy' and served with homemade pasta. Customers consistently rave about the authentic, homemade quality of the food, noting that the meat has been simmering all day "just like grandma made."

Beyond the main event, the Arancini are a must-try appetizer, praised for their crispy texture and molten, smoked mozzarella interior. For main courses, items like a thick, perfectly prepared Berkshire Pork Chop served with farro and apricot mostarda, and expertly executed Lamb Chops showcase the restaurant's skill with high-quality proteins. The commitment to homemade food, from the pasta to the desserts prepared by a pastry chef, sets Red Gravy apart from standard Italian eateries. It provides a dining experience that matches the caliber of fine dining with the comfort of a beloved neighborhood spot, making it an excellent choice for a memorable meal in the Brooklyn Heights area.

In a city overflowing with Italian options, Red Gravy carves out its niche by honoring tradition and focusing on quality, slow-cooked comfort food. It's a culinary staple that is well worth seeking out for any local looking for an authentic and satisfying Italian experience.

Red Gravy

151 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA