Rucola Reviews

Enjoyed the food, enjoyed the BYOB wine and just loved the overall movement and business of this restaurant. Feels really authentic and a fun place to be. Enjoyed everything.

The five of us opened the place at 9:00a.m on a Sunday. The two staff members were extremely pleasant as they continued to open up. Coffee came out quickly and it was good and hot. Yogurt with fruit and their granola is excellent and a good value. My husbands breakfast sandwich which was a pork style sandwich was also good. The venue was quite busy by 9:30a.m. as it is obviously quite popular.

We had two pasta dishes and the striped bass. All were tasty, delicate and well presented. The wine (verdicchio) was very good at a fair price, and the house digestif offered a fine ending. The setting was very pleasant, the service hit just the right balance of professional with a slight touch of friendly.

In my opinion Rucola is a neighbour gem. The food is fresh, tasty, well cooked & serviced by friendly professional people. We had a pasta dish, the crudo (amazingly fresh) the 1/2 roast chicken & the whole trout. Also managed to share the choccie pudding, divine!!! All meals were outstanding. We washed this all down with a great bottle of pinot gris.... busy on a Sunday night so be prepared to wait a little.... Smith Street is a couple of blocks walk away & there are a few bars there to have a drink or 2 whilst you wait........

This was arguably one of the best chicken meals I ever ate. The way it was baked, simply delicious. I saw that most of the people order salads, it was also very good, but maybe not stellar. Service was also good and quite fast, considering the crowd. Also try the desserts. A bit of complaint: the place is so small that people were sitting shoulder to shoulder, which is surely not comfortable or private. But it is not for private dinners, but to enjoy food.

Good, simple breakfast Nice service with delicious food Good quality Cozy place Typically American, located on the corner

Stopped in with 3 colleagues on a Tuesday night for dinner. This is about 1/2 mile from Metrotech offices where we were working. We were seated right away with menus. Pluses - nice selection of wines by the glass; delicious focaccia for the table; interesting and delicious salad selection; yummy house made pastas; tasty trout. The desserts were fabulous with a unique twist and I especially loved the chocolate pudding. Opportunities- our waiter was a bit distracted (food runner was great!); no ice for the water (and it was a warm night) Overall, I recommend a stop in. I will be back next time I'm in Brooklyn!

Moved daughter number two up the street--stopped by for two visits--lunch and breakfast. Lunch was good--shared antipasto, asparagus salad, Caesar salad and meatball special--post move-in beer and cocktails cold, and service hospitable. Breakfast next morning--veggie scramble, egg sandwich, country breakfast--was enjoyed by the family ensemble--the waitstaff--a one woman team at the beginning--treated us and known guests with equal warmth and professionalism. You are never surprised by who you see in Brooklyn. Hope this becomes a regular haunt. Bravo!

Area is great. Very quiet. Food is average and service is slow. Recommended for a local dinner. Otherwise nothing special

I've not been inspired to rave about a restaurant in Brooklyn since first visiting Mile End or catering my daughter's wedding with Roberta's Pizza. Rucola exceeded expectations with food preparation, quality ingredients and excellent service from hostess to wait and serve staff. They do not take reservations except for large tables and it is a small restaurant but I advise to call or go early--we at at 7:30 on a Friday night. We loved the fresh vegetables in everything: shared 3 appetizer/starters -caponata, carrot & bulgar/yogurt appetizer and veal (SPIEDINI is what they call delicious anchovy wrapped in fried veal) and shared a side of fresh corn and a fried dorade fish with vegetables. All these dishes were perfect and so fresh. Our fish entree and corn arrived perfectly hot and on time. It's not easy for a kitchen to get the timing right for so many tables but they did. Glass of excellent wine (nebbiolo); we could not eat dessert (they do have pie from Four and Twenty Blackbirds pies in Brooklyn) but we did take home the most amazing chocolate chip cookies for $1 each that I had after breakfast. We can not wait to return. Located on corner of quiet Brooklyn street and if you have to wait it's going to be outside or a very crowded small bar. The wood floor and ceiling make the acoustics excellent at least when sitting on the side tables of the restaurant.

I don't think I can ever order pasta anywhere again. Rucola definitely set a near benchmark. We had both handmade pastas - one vegetarian, one with meat. The noodles were al dente but something beyond that - a richness, a chewiness? They change the pasta offerings daily, but if I were eating there again I would just order all of the options for the table. The fish dishes were better than the chicken dishes (got a little dry), but overall a memorable meal. I should add that the wait staff, while sporting the requisite hipster duds, tats and hairdos, were very real, warm and gracious.

Met friends from Manhattan this evening and it was such a wonderful experience. Rucola is off the beaten path in a quiet neighborhood and is the perfect setting for this 5 star restaurant! The pasta was amazing as were the scallops but the star of the evening was the chocolate pudding with sea salt and olive oil, it was truly the perfect finale’

Our family of 10 gathered together recently for brunch at Rucola. The staff was very accommodating for our large group. The food and the service were wonderful.

Ate here for second time and was really excellent. As soon as we walked in super welcoming, sat us at table for 4 even though our friends were late. In fact, turned out our pals were half hour late and they were totally cool. Ordered everything they recommended and were really happy. Cocktails, apps, and entrees all delicious. Def going back.

Why did we wait so long to check out Rucola? The food was really great, heads and shoulders above most other places we've been in the Bococa area of Brooklyn.The service was knowledgable and attentive. The server recommended a really wonderful bottle of wine at an extremely reasonable price point which is now one of my favorites. Highly recommend this place. Only con is the extremely "cozy" seating, especially if seated at the long center table, as we were. Luckily the patrons on either side of us were not annoying in the least. Definitely recommend Rucola!

We went to the Nets game on Sunday and found this Rucola through Yelp! The stellar ratings are justified. It is a corner location and very cozy inside. Rucola was packed with cool happy people sitting at the bar and all the tables. The six of us had a quartine of wine, shared an antipasto plate (the accompanying bread was awesome), chicken liver mousse, arugala salad, cod - good but had very light flavor, spaghetti with clams - excellent, and whole trout (deboned). After a round of coffee/tea and shared desserts, the bill only came to less than $400 with tip. When we left there were about half a dozen people standing waiting for tables so this was only downside - space. Also very dim lighting.

I have loved the food, and the restaurant is incredibly popular, but the noise level at night makes conversations IMPOSSIBLE. (somewhat better at lunch, and way better in the morning). So many hard surfaces so the noise of diners + music is not absorbed anywhere and the result...I can't go back.

Went as a party of 6 on July 4th. Food and service were excellent. We shared several appetizers and had steak, sea trout and pasta as our entrees. Nice wine. Our only complaint is the noise level. It’s a small place and it was full, so the volume got loud. Next time I’ll try a normal weeknight and hope for a quieter evening.

Went here for a lunch. Ambience is good, and the place was a bit loud. Food took a while to come. my escarole salad was good, but for $12, had just greens, some nuts, cheese and dressing. The sandwiches my family ordered were also smallish and had no accompaniments. Food was tasty though. their desserts of the day are supposed to be good but our almond cake was a bit on the dry side....

Service with a smile from hard-working solo waitperson. Perfect country breakfast in Brooklyn. Farm to table fresh, home made.

We had dinner here with some friends. It was a great experience because we split a bunch of dishes and got to try a lot on the menu. Everything was delicious. The best was splitting a couple apps (the carrot salad was incredible) and the pastas, bc they are worth trying! Can't wait to go back!

Great option in Boerum hill, convenient location on Dean Street. Service is friendly and quick, and the ambiance is quintessential Brooklyn date night. We were able to walk in on a Friday Night without a reservation or wait. Food quality is great - enjoyed some crispy calamari and well executed hanger steak. The “house made” pasta left a little to be desired (sorry Nona), it was straight up bland.... but the chocolate pudding for dessert should not be overlooked. Reasonably selected and priced wine list. We’ll be back!

The food was very good actually...we had the home made tagliatele and some crispy potatoes and also a glass of rose wine...all for 55$ :) we will definitely return, and also in a nice neighborhood.

If you love meat based butter dipped delicatessen, this is the place for you. Diet conscious folks and Vegetarians best served elsewhere. Very (almost too) cozy setting. Must reserve. Will no doubt create long lines like other neighboring magnet restaurants.

I chose this restaurant because of others reviews. No one mentions that it is incredibly noisy! So it is not the place for an intimate dinner or for children. People are tightly packed in which gives it the feeling of a large party. The ambience could be improved by some acoustic softening. We sure didn't need the music. The menu is small, inventive and interesting. The portions are small and big eaters will be disappointed. The cocktails were delicious, the trout and bass were slightly overcooked, the bread was fabulous, the green bean salad was great, yummy brussel sprouts, pork tenderloin was scrumptious, chocolate pudding was differently yummy, apple pie came cold which was disappointing. The bill was almost $600 for 6 people including a $70 bottle of wine and tip. We enjoyed the experience but were relieved to be out on the street where it was less noisy!

We had a very good breakfast: tasty pasta and good avocado toast. Coffee could be stronger, is OK though. People very friendly as well as fun, great bluesy music, really nice interior.

We ate there on our first evening in Brooklyn having just arrived from the UK. The restaurant is very cosy in a quite street setting in Boerum Hill, Brooklyn. The staff were very friendly and happy to accommodate my wife's wheelchair. We ordered Arugala salad, Burratta, Branziono, Risotto and Campanelle. On the whole it was very well cooked, if slightly over salted, well presented and very tasty. Will return next time we are in the area

Rucola is a restaurant that serves Northern Italian fare in a candlelit, rustic setting. The prices are reasonable and they also serve breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week. Located at 190 Dean Street in Boerum Hill, Brooklyn this gem sits among the Brownstone buildings and serves an eclectic crowd. The music had a soothing R&B, pop, and rock vibe. The dining is casual and reservations are recommended for parties of five or larger but they are very accommodating regardless of size. But what makes this place special is the food. They maintain a small, seasonal food, wine and cocktail menu using the freshest ingredients. And they are not afraid to bring the flavor to every item on the menu. They mix flavors in ways that I would not imagine but works perfectly. For dinner I enjoyed a salad of roasted sweet potatoes with black mission figs, shaved fennel, pickled peppers and ricotta salata. OMG, I could eat this everyday. My entree was chicken with sweet potato crema, cabbage, roasted pearl onions and chicken jus. No knives required. Everything was incredibly tender. For dessert I finished with a chocolate pudding with whipped cream, olive oil and sea salt. That's right, olive oil. Don't ask me how it works it just does. It was a party for the mouth from beginning to end. Combine all of that with friendly, attentive and knowledgeable service and you have one of my favorite places to dine. And don't forget to visit one of my other favorite places, their sister restaurant, Metta.

Cozy, interesting, busy, attentive, delicious. Late night supper walking distance from our inn 3B. Corner table in front was quieter and cozier. Food was delicious. Cheese and meat platter 'chef selection' was shareable for 4. Portions after that less shareable for so many, better for two. Apple dessert was not good that night but they took off bill as we didn't eat it and made a poor ending better by giving us their cc cookies gratis - which everyone loved!!

My husband and I just got home from our dinner at Rucola. It's been getting great reviews and has been packed every other time we tried to dine. It was wonderful. We shared 2 appetizers, scallops and the carrot salad. Both were delicious and included some unexpected touches like pancetta with the scallops and farro with carrots. Next we had a pasta and a fish dish. Again both perfect and full of interesting flavors. Of course we had dessert. The pie was amazing and the panna cotta also yummy. Service was excellent. Ambiance spot on. Glad it's in the hood. We'll be back.

This is the only restaurant I have ever been that makes me crave carrots. The pastas are fantastic and the main course are original.

Get here early as the place was bursting by 7pm midweek, and they take bookings only for parties of 5 or more. Everything's a little cramped, but the efficient and easygoing staff make you feel comfortable. The menu is restricted to a few dishes - always a good sign as you know everything will be cooked to order. Not everything works, but the dishes are varied and inventive, using interesting ingredients, viz duck breast on red quinoa with roasted asparagus - delicious. The wine list is not restricted to Italian. It's not cheap, but you certainly get what you pay for. A great neighbourhood restaurant.

I hate to give this rating to the #5 restaurant but it is what it is. I do recommend you go there and experience it yourself. Some of the staff members were friendlier than others but no one was rude. It’s a relatively small place that seats about 40 including the bar. The center of the restaurant has a long table complete with bench seats. Low stress environment that was very lively. I found the menu to be different but not weird. As an example, I never had potato and salt cod (baccala) soup with an egg on top in a tomato base ... it was very good. We started with a variety of cheeses (some better than others). There are four main entrees on the menu; pork, chicken, striped bass and brook trout and a couple pasta dishes. We ordered the chicken, pork and striped bass. All three were tasty however the portions are small so don’t come too hungry. Note that the boneless pork came out with some pink in it so be aware in case you like it cooked through. The roasted side of parsnips read better on the menu then it tasted … did not finish them. We also had a few beers ... recommend the Anchor Steam porter. For a party of three the tab was $220 including tax and tip and we were not quite sated. Worth stopping by if you are in the neighborhood … street parking is hit or miss. Also note that there is one bathroom … it was clean and the first one that I ever went into other than my own home with real candles lit! If they had the NY Post and a cup of coffee available I would be really thrilled ... lol!

We had a cross section of the lunch menu. Stick to the Caesar salad. Also skip desert. Drinks were good but a glass of rose-$15- ridiculous Bake pasta rigatoni was burnt, dry & flavorless. The portion was miniscule with chopped esparagus. But only chopped stems . N guess how much?? $17 Hopefully dinner is better but beware. I wish I could be more positive.

My husband and I were going to the Billy Joel concert at the Barclays Center on New Year's Eve and wanted to eat at a nice place not too far from there. Rucola was the perfect choice. The chef had designed a five-course meal with or without wine pairings, and the restaurant had three seatings: 5:30 PM, 8 PM, and 10:30 PM. By the time we finalized our plans, we were too late to reserve a table, but we were able to reserve two seats at the bar. We went for the meal with the wine pairings. The food was spectacular, the wine voices were perfect, and the portion sizes were just right. I included some pictures, so you could see the presentation. We left full and happy (and really enjoyed the concert, too). My husband said it was the best overall meal he has ever had in his life. Since this was part of my Christmas present to him, I now have major cred at home! :>) Keep in mind that this is a small neighborhood restaurant. Especially on a busy night like New Year's Eve, the seating/waiting situation was not for the faint of heart. But that did not take away from our experience in the slightest. The staff is wonderfully nice. I was able to make the reservation by email using information from the restaurant's website (which was very helpful), and the entire experience was very pleasant. Based on my experience with this reservation and meal, I would go back to Rucola any time. It's on my list of NY's best restaurants. It's a short subway ride into Brooklyn from most parts of the City, folks (and worth it to go to Rucola).

This is a great Italian restaurant, a bit small and often noisy but with a great buzz about it. You often have to wait 30 mins for a table

Very nice brunch in Broolyn, with local products and nice menu! Plates size are perfect not too big not too small! Love the cozy decoration

The food is wonderful. The staff is friendly and helpful. The place is charming. However, the noise can be unbearable during the peak of business. We just go there off peak and have the best food in the best possible atmosphere!

It was our first time and from the street the restaurant looks hopping. And it is. The big windows give it a real connection to the pedestrian traffic outside and a truly neighbourhood feel. The long tables - community style - mean that you are packed in and perhaps not about to have an intimate conversation with your squeeze - if that is what you were shooting for. But if you love the noise, the buzz of a packed place - and the squeezed in nature, you will LOVE this place. The food is really good here. The chef and the entire kitchen spend time making sure the food is just right - and we found the prices very reasonable and the quality exceptional. It is a great place for sharing - and the wine list was modestly priced but a great selection. Dinner for four with wines was around $240 - and we had plenty of food, dessert and coffee. There are lots of restaurants to choose from, but it is really nice to go to a place with a solid reputation for being consistent as well as excellent. Rucola excels in both departments. I would come here for dinner once a week if I could; it just makes you feel great.

Brick walls, mason jar light covers, and communal tables adorn this small Italian restaurant tucked away on a quiet corner in Boerum Hill. I visited for the first time on a Friday night with my boyfriend, surprised at how crowded it was despite the 20-degree weather and snowy streets. They had rap music playing which threw me off a bit - that, plus the odd decor, what vibe is this restaurant trying to achieve? "Brooklyn", my boyfriend quickly reminded. Ah, of course. Typical Brooklyn locale. We were sat in the middle of a communal table, sandwiched between a party-of-7 birthday and a trio of friends. It was so loud! We had to shout at each other. Eventually we moved to a couple of empty stools at the bar for easier conversation and breathing room. The food was good. We started with the Bibb Lettuce salad tossed with toasted almonds, smoked feta, and preserved lemon-wildflower honey vinaigrette, which was delicious! For entree he had the Beef Short Rib with herb spaetzle, savoy cabbage, and roasted turnips. I had the Lumache, a homemade pasta with roasted mushrooms, fontina Valle d’Aosta, and rosemary breadcrumbs. We found the short ribs to be a bit dry, and the pasta didn't taste fresh. When i see "homemade pasta" on the menu, I expect a fresh, doughy pasta, which this was not. Despite our nit picky critiques, we did enjoy the dishes. The real reason we came here though was because they have Four & Twenty Blackbirds pie on the dessert menu. Their pie of the day was a chocolate pecan pie with whipped cream - delicious. Service was fine. If it weren't so disruptively loud and crowded, I would have enjoyed it more.

This place is my favorite place to dine in the world today 7/20/17... the portions are appropriate... not Americanized-overly large... but just right and sooo tasty!

We were fortunate enough to snag the beautiful window table for our special party of four on a very busy Monday night and enjoyed a wonderful dinner...we found the host and waitstaff warm and friendly and we started with a tasty New Rider cocktail, shared the roasted carrots and soup du jour, which were quite delicious and followed with the roast chicken, skate, and both homemade pasta dishes....all were beautifully seasoned and tasty and not a morsel was left. We enjoyed desserts and the bustling neighborhood crowd. Hope to return soon.

Talk about excellent Italian food, Rucola beats out many other high profile restaurants. Situated on a corner in a residential neighborhood in Brooklyn (Boerum Hill), one is lucky to get a table in this relatively small venue. It is lively with an upbeat vibe. You feel that the diners feel lucky to have a table since reservations are only taken for large parties. The pasta is perfectly al dente with ingedients that are mouth-watering. A very nice wine and beer selection is offered and the waiter we had offered recommendations and could readily explain the menu items. Nothing pretentious here except a willingness to please. One of our party had the mussels which he devoured as among the best. It was very pleasing to start off with 3-cheese selection and 3-vegetable tray. The folks who run Rucola have a real gem as does this neighborhood. Only shortcoming is finding parking and risking not being able to get a table. But this is a 5-star restaurant.

Our first visit last night will not be our last! Every dish from the antipasti to dessert was well prepared and much enjoyed. We were a table of four visiting from San Francisco, Connecticut and New Jersey and all wished we could take Rucola home with us. The wait staff is friendly, helpful, and delightful. The variety of dishes is just right. Prices are good. Our entrees were vegetarian pasta, chicken, and two different fish dishes. Our table shared every vegetable side: pickled fennel, Swiss chard, maple Brussels sprouts, fried cauliflower, roasted beets, and glazed parsnips. Yes, we ate them all and still found room for desserts: dark chocolate pudding, cranberry and sage pie, and a heavenly panna cotta. The wine suggestion was delicious and the Kolsh on tap was fine. You just can't go wrong with your order. We arrived at 9:30 on Friday night and it was bursting at the seams, but after a moderate wait, we were seated at a nice table and enjoyed hearing the noise level ebb. Next time we'll go early or late, but there will definitely be a next time!

Came in for dinner with a booking. This is a very busy and cosy restaurant, though the food is great and the staff go out of their way to look after you. Probably a little too cramped for my liking, though an enjoyable experience nevertheless.

Beautiful residential location. Cute decor. Friendly and efficient service. Ridiculously reasonable prices. And oh, the food...! I went with a group of 6. I had the roasted carrots. Delicious and different. Several of us had the risotto special...red wine, sausage and treviso raddicchio. One of the most delicious and perfectly prepared risotti i've ever had. We were all swooning. Every bite had a slightly different flavor...lemon, thyme, fennel, sausage, etc...We all tasted each other's dishes and all were superb. Servings seemed a bit small, but we were full by the end of dessert...which was also delicious. A black-bottom oat pie...oh, alright, I confess...I had 2 desserts...shared the chocolate pudding with olive oil and salt. Very different and delicious. This might be my new favorite place. Can't wait to return!

Wasn't able to go for dinner, so made a trip for lunch. The food is unique, bright, and flavorful. I will be back for dinner!

Tiny , quaint, nestled on a quiet , pretty street of trendy refinished Brownstones.True to other reviews, an emergency cell phone call or ladies room trip means tables must be slightly slid over to get outside.HOWEVER,doesn't matter, even when easily packed house,its quiet and peaceful.The workers are unbelieveably unobtrusive with excellent service. We tried the eggplant appetizer, amazing!, bread amazing, waiter, brilliantly knowledgeable about descriptions of wine,dishes and knows every ingredient and makes excellent suggestions. The only! thing that would prevent me from returning is the extremely limited menu.Loved the place! the portions are quite small on main dishes.

This is a small restaurant on Dean Street which is always busy. Best to arrive early for dinner to get a seat. The short rib beef is excellent and the wine list interesting.

Very nice atmosphere for a small and intimate place. Food was very good, try to homemade pasta. Service was excellent.

We finally parked our car and were heading to one of our favorite old school Italian restaurants when we spotted Rucola. It looked very pretty and had an interesting well priced menu. It was early and we were quickly seated. This restaurant doesn't take restaurant doesn't take reservations for parties of less than 5. All tables were full by 6:30pm. The food was delicious. We had the chick pea soup, the eggplant tapade, fluke crisp, lucinette pasta in a wild mushroom sauce and dorado filet with four sweet mussels. Apple pie from 4 and 20 Blackbirds for dessert. I loved this meal and can't wait to eat here again.

My brother and I were in the area on a Saturday night and just stopped in to this small, neighborhood restaurant. It was very crowded, a gentleman came over and told us that there would be a 45 minute wait for a table, but we could sit at the bar once space freed up there. He estimated that would be about 10 minutes. 10 minutes later he offered a table to a couple sitting at the bar, but they decided to stay at the bar, so he gave us their table. He couldn't have been nicer, which we found was the case with everyone working there. It is a limited menu, but it was clear that everything they served was delicious. We had their salad special, which was very fresh and perfectly seasoned and their chicken main course, which was tender and cooked and seasoned to perfection and had just the right amount of greens and cheese. It melts in your mouth. We also had broccoli as a side dish, also terrific. Service is on the slow side, because all items are clearly prepared per order, not in advance, however it is a pleasure to sit there, relax and enjoy the evening. It is also a bit noisy, but not intrusively so. A very enjoyable dinner experience.

The avocado and tomato sandwich was good - the food was great but they didn't seat us for ages and then it took much too long for them to bring the cheque. The food came quickly though and the coffee was strong and excellent. A little less impatience and more tender loving cAre would have been appreciated.

Great little hidden away restaurant filled with locals and some of the tastiest food in the area. Everything is seasonal, reasonably priced, and tasty. Staff are great and decor is gorgeous.

Cozy restaurant, enjoyed the decor and romantic ambiance. However the food is salty, a hypertensive person should not enter. Had way better Italian food elsewhere. As an onephellia, the vast selection is great however the cost of a bottle can set you back. Average glass is $16. Local neighborhood restaurant, no reservation required but can def get busy.

Had dinner here with friends on Saturday. All, from the lady who answered the phone to take my reservation straight through to all the folks who cleared off our table, we're all a joy to deal with. I specifically requested a table out of everyone's way so we could talk, as we hadn't seen each other in a long time. They gave us a beautiful table right at the entrance, in a corner full of windows. Amazing location! While the menu is limited, our selection were delicious. The portion sizes may not have been large, but no one cares whenyou're eating FRESHLY MADE PASTA. Let me say that again, freshly made pasta!!! Everyone was an odd how simple and delicious it all was. I think I skipped over the delicious drink selection. Both are traditional and the drink specialties. All great. Dessert was the masterpiece. I know this sounds strange but I pick the restaurant because of their having homemade ice cream and espresso on the menu. I love Affogato!!! I wish I could marry her. I digress. Unfortunately, the waitress said that the homemade ice cream that night was a sorbet. An item to which I could not throw espresso on top of and have Affogato. The waitress asked us to wait a moment and went to the kitchen. Upon returning, she mentioned that she'd spoken to the chef who just so happen to have just enough coffee ice cream to satisfy our desires. We had Affogato... with coffee ice cream. Heaven!!! It was not cheap. But it was well worth the price of admission. Will definitely go back. Love that it's in a residential area, which gives it a hidden gem sort of feel.

Four of us had lunch there recently. We began with salds that we passed, including a grilled squash salad and a tampenade. Three of us had the zucchini sandwich, a panini and one had the Sloppy Joe. All good, with a nice bottle of reisling to complement. Fine little neighborhood restaurant which we probably wouldn't have known without the help of our son and his wife who live in the neighborhood.

A little off the beaten path (a couple blocks off Atlantic in a residential area), decided to try this place on the recommendation of one of my co-workers. The cuisine is modern Italian. The food was delicious and both my wife and I enjoyed the food. The atmosphere is casual. Service was good. We came early and easily found a table, but it got busy by the time we left. Would definitely recommend.

Couple next to us arrived 15 min after us, was served and almost finished eating before I asked what happened to our order. Ugh. Unforgivably bad service. Also, for mothers day brunch, they had one egg option on the menu - over easy. I forgot that they don’t eat eggs in Italy.

It would be hard to imagine a nicer, cozier more pleasant setting. It felt like we were in the middle of a movie art director's sketch book Food was delicious. Salads, pasta, chicken and fish all perfect. Cute cocktails, solid wine list. Not a single complaint Make a Reservation and go someplace really special.

Visited Rucola twice during our trip to NYC in june 2023. We totally loved the food (had the fusilli twice), drinks (great and large selection of wines, cocktails and more) and service we got. Would definitely come back here next time! Thanks guys!

This is a small, neighborhood restaurant, warm and cozy. The food is unbelievably good and the staff is great. Have the trout, the brussel sprouts and the unbelievable salted chocolate pudding. Makes my mouth water just typing this!

Had a wonderful Valentine's dinner tonight! Service was wonderful wine selection delicious and the food as always was beautifully prepared. Pasta was excellent shared a salad and a pasta with chicken all delicious. Cosy warm and inviting.

My husband and I were looking for a good authentic meal. We go that here. We ordered a pasta and roast and split them. The Brussel sprout Salad was absolutely wonderful! A little crowded, but a good atmosphere.

We came and the place was totally empty, the only reason why was the fact, that they were only opening in about 10 minutes 😊 This place was fully overcrowded within 30 minutes, which made it bit noisy, but ok. Food was delicious and service perfect. We had some troubles with payment, as we were in hurry, but we fixed it somehow. You need to be a bit patient and have enough time to enjoy this place.

This quaint, rustic Northern Italian restaurant is a hidden gem tucked away in Boerum Hill in Brooklyn. I usually don’t trek into Brooklyn but I was at this restaurant for Thanksgiving lunch and it so was worth the trek! And to be honest the subway ride on the Q train from Manhattan was super easy. For Thanksgiving they had a special family style menu. Everything was delicious. I loved the Escarole - the lemon wildflower honey vinaigrette was so flavorful. The mix of cheeses, eggplant caponata, vegetable lasagna were amazing. The main course, delicious. For dessert, you have to have the Four & Twenty Blackbirds Pie of the Day! You will enjoy this restaurant!

Great food, the eggplant sandwich is fantastic. Good beer and really nice setting. Thoroughly recommend.

Four of us, just visiting Brooklyn, tried this restaurant on a recommendation. We went a little early, around 6:15, and were seated immediately. A half hour later, there was a line for seating. The food was excellent, the wine list more than adequate, and the service reasonably prompt. Wine seemed a little expensive, but we found during our stay that this was typical of NYC. The only downside is the noise level.

We ate here on a Friday night, a party of 26. We were served family style, the food was excellent, and that is gospel. I would highly recommend: Escarole, Trout and Chocolate Pudding. They were the highlight dishes.

Tucked a bit away from the busier commercial streets, this terrific little restaurant almost blends in with the brownstone residential area it serves. It was so good, I ate there twice during a recent business trip to Brooklyn. The main reason I returned (and ordered it again) was for their "Little Gems" salad offering. Everything else I had was excellent, but that salad/cold appetizer was divine and memorable. Sweet crunchy baby romaine is the foundation, but perfectly cooked and still warm fava beans, along with crispy fresh, flash fried baby artichokes are generously scattered in along with fresh chervil. A fabulously light, yet complex and interesting house made green goddess dressing was the perfect foil. I don't normally get excited about salads, but this one is pure genius. The chicken liver mousse is subtle and light as a feather, melting instantly in the mouth. All of the various breads and toasts were outstanding. The mussels were outstanding, presented in a delicious broth of white wine, spicy fresno peppers and herbs. The wine list is on the small side, but the selections are all interesting and worthy. Staff was friendly and helpful. I loved this place and will return whenever in the area.

Just back from having dinner here. It was lovely. The food was so fresh & authentic (especially the buratta & the squid tagliatelle!) and the service is understated & efficient in a friendly way. The olive oil ice cream was delicious. A wee gem.

Delicious and innovative italian food, great neighborhood feel, no reservations, but worth putting your name in and walking around for a bit.

Let me start by saying I live in Brooklyn and think lots of what people consider great in my boro of birth is exasperatingly over rated! But Rucola lives up to the hype! It is a charming room, small intimate with atmospheric lighting. I sit at bars whenever possible and eat and drink, did the same here. I have been at least 4 times and each time the food was delicious and the service perfection...Have eaten the trout...absolutely delicious, fresh and well seasoned, the manila clams....gorgeous served with cubes of foccacia to soak up the breathtaking broth which has a hint of smoky sausage...have never left over even a drop...they could serve this with a spoon and call it Mediterranean chowder! The vegetables are not merely after thoughts but gorgeous, well conceived dishes that could be mains if you are a vegetarian. I am in love with the Brussels sprouts...made with a hint of maple syrup..the huge cabbage salad....OMG! it was love at first sight. The bartenders are very knowledgeable and will pair wines with your meal. The cocktails are also works of art. This place is a gem on all fronts... not your typical nuova cucina restaurant which seem to be the order of the day. Instead, Rucola is a well thought out concept on all fronts. Only drawback is the noise volume can overwhelm. Best to visit on off hours, or just go with the flow...you will not be disappointed!

This is a small restaurant in Boerum Hill. The food is tremendous, and the service was excellent. It is very noisy, though, and in cold weather you will not want to sit near the door, as it does not close easily. But these are small criticisms; I would happily return.

We have dined here before, and were not disappointed. The homemade pasta is scrumptious. And the roasted cauliflower amazing. Along with a good bottle of wine, a perfect meal!

My friend and I had a wonderful Saturday brunch here, with very attentive service, an original menu, and a chance to linger over our meal without being rushed.

I had some excellent red wine and pasta ( Squash Campanelle). Great ambience and buzz. Highly recommended

Like, like, like!!! Very beautiful place and sooo cozy!! The wood decorations were so cool and pretty and the personnel very cautious and well behaved. The bathrooms and all the place were so clean!! I highly recommend it!!

The restaurant is small, but the atmosphere, food and drinks are top notch. Our group of six sat in the front corner and it was cozy. the food was amazing as were the drink.s

We went to Rucola for Sunday Brunch. The corner storefront is lovely, and the decor is eclectic and warm. We had to wait for a table, but enjoyed being outside in a shady spot. Each of us really enjoyed our meal, and I had the asparagus with poached egg dish. Our companion said the dinners were even better, and we look forward to going again when we are in Brooklyn.

My son lives in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn. When my husband and I were here for a recent visit, we went to this restaurant for lunch as my son said he and a friend frequent it often. I entered with no expectation. My son and I had pork sandwiches which were absolutely delicious! My husband had the eggplant sandwich that was also delicious. The restaurant itself was charming and the wait staff was warm, friendly and very helpful with descriptions and recommendations. We will definitely come back again.

This was recommended by a neighbor of the rental house we were in. We showed up for Saturday breakfast and found out it only opened at 10AM so we waited around. The service was friendly so no complaints there. The prices were higher than we were paying the rest of the weekend in the neighborhood. I had the hash browns and salmon which was average. My wife had the French toast which was also average. The toast and jam app was boring and expensive. It was a shock to be charged $1 for a coffee refill. $43 for breakfast for what we ate was no bargain. I would not return again.

Was in the area and found this restaurant through Yelp. Hidden in a residential neighborhood, never would have walked by - but so happy we found this place. Food was fresh and interesting, in a great lively atmosphere.

I was lucky that a friend lives close by otherwise I would have stayed in Manhatten and missed out. This is a great neighborhood Italian. Even on a Monday night it was crowded and lively. The "little gems" salad was a bit sparse on the fava beans and artichokes and nothing special. However, both the house-made pastas were special. Our three mains were all tasty: whole fish, hake steak, and flank steak. With a bottle of pino, this came in at just under $200 for three so not cheap. But as a non-American, this was a wonderful Brooklyn evening.

We went to eat there with our team (we are fencing team), we agree to take the menu as we were a lot…all the 17 people we agree that the food was terrible, salted very very salted, over cooked pasta, the meat from the bolognese was like from a Taco Bell please, the rigatoni turned out to be fusilli…honestly the food was really bad. The worst part of all was the way the treat as, only one waitress with short hair was nice, the guy that served our team with long hair and beard (in case you go there you will know who he is) was extremely arrogant and rood with many of us but the worst part was the girl manager who at the end of the dinner seating at the end of the bar drinking told my husband (who was trying to explain that the food was bad in a nice way) to find some friends to talk to because she was tired and she didn’t want to speak, she left in tears the restaurant shouting…absolutely unprofessional and rude. The 17 people we were absolutely in shock with this behavior. If you want to have a normal or good night I highly recommend you to not go here.

Rucola is filled (always) with bright, well-to-do urban professionals. The downsides: it's noise (except for the two outside tables), and fairly expensive ($40-50 pp without drinks). The upsides: the food is creative, with great sauces, and a large and varied menu. We shared a capponata appetizer, and sides of beans and a stuffed tomato. Our mains were an excellent chicken with chanterelles and a great sauce, and whole trout, expertly filleted and served with black garlic and majoram. Everything was excellent.

Limited menu, but good. items are seasonal and well-prepared. Especially good is the pasta with pesto and seasonal vegetable. They have a nice brunch menu, with eggs scrambled with kale as one of my favorites. Drinks are interestng and varied, too.

This small trendy neighborhood restaurant was quite crowded on the Sunday morning we visited. Fortunately the wait was short. We were seated at the big communal table in the center of the room. The décor is typical of places like this: exposed brick wall, long counter on one side. The Green Juice made up of squeezed kale, cucumber, carrot, parsley, ginger, celery and lemon might sound nutritional but was a bit hard to imbibe. What sacrifices we made for good health. The side fennel sausage was a bit on the salty side. Both the bacon, egg & and cheese sandwich and the roasted pork sandwich were tasty and satisfying, however.

It was my 3rd time here and like it. The atmosphere is very leisure, menu is limited, but what I had was always good. They also have a German beer on tab which I liked. There is not much room and they are always very busy. Unfortunately, they don't take reservation. Fun place, but also very noisy

Rucola's limited menu with straightforward descriptions might disappoint some 'foodies', but the selections were diverse and our party of five all found dishes we would order again in a heartbeat. The petite filet was a favorite, as well as the roasted cauliflower. We ordered the chef's selection of meats/cheeses and antipasti as an appetizer while we waited for a late arrival, and it was hearty and delicious. The drinks were well presented and reasonably priced. The interior was rustic and charming, but quite cramped. Exiting our back corner table took a bit of maneuvering and jostling. The noise level was quite high, and having a conversation was difficult at times, and we found ourselves 'playing telephone' to avoid shouting amongst ourselves. Overall, though, I would not hesitate to recommend it.

Cosy restaurant serving good products well cooked. Interesting wine list including a good selection of Italian wines, we ordered am excellent Cinque Terre white wine.

We chanced to walk by this place on the way to our accomodation. When we had a free evening to try it out, we arrived without a reservation at 7:30. Pretty cheeky. But they have a community table that we two could squeeze onto. Pretty nice. The restaurant is so charming with elegant chandeliers made from bottles. The appetizers included beets and other veggies. Not a vegan restaurant, but accessible by vegetarians and those who still eat meat comfortably. Also,they have a range of wine offerings, all good. Homemade pasta with clams. Lovely panetta for dessert.

A great small restaurant in Boerum Hill. First class service and delicious food. Very nice wine selection.

We had dinner here the night before the blizzard. The food was very good, with some dishes being great (shells w/spicy lamb sausage). Our service was a little lackluster, despite their best intentions. I would give them the benefit of the doubt on it... was probably just an off night. Try to stay away from the door when it is cold. It doesn't shut all of the away as people come and go... can be quite chilly :)

Excellent family meal last night. Seated promptly off the wait list (call ahead to get your name on list). We were given options for seating and service was friendly and fast. Everything was absolutely delicious. The meat and cheese board, the escarole salad (a group favorite large enough to share) and chicken, trout and pasta bolognese were all excellent. Good wine list too. Definitely be back!

I stopped in for dinner after a long day and left feeling relaxed and happy. The roasted sweet potato salad with shaved fennel, figs, and ricotta was a great starter. The roasted whole brook trout was expertly de-boned, lightly stuffed with lemon slices and paper-thin slivers of garlic, and topped with an olive tapenade. I wondered if the trout would be overpowered but it was really delicate—the best trout I’ve had in a while. Friendly wait staff and fellow diners made it a wonderful way to wind down.

We'd been to The Barclays Centre to see Barbara Streisand and need to eat after the concert. We walked & googled restaurants near us that were still open. We came across Rucola by accident really but it was meant to be after a fantastic night!! The staff were great and gave us a warm welcome. The place had a great vibe, low lit & very romantic. We opted for the chefs choice starter which was really good. Then for Entrees I had the chicken breast with a side of asparagus which was a taste sensation. My wife had the ragu pasta which is the tastiest I've ever had!! All washed down with a great Rose wine. And by NYC standards it's virtually free!! Give this place a try it's worth hunting out.

great wine list of Italian wines. Simple dishes with really excellent produce. It is small and crowded, so be ready to be squeezed in. Delicious salads, but pasta was slightly cold. Warm vibe from the staff.

It’s a terrible dinner for me and my friends We arrived the restaurant with a waiter which are very rude with us. And i asked where is the toilet and the waiter Instead of telling me where is it,he point the place where there is the toilet with his eyes. And the food was super salty which all of us couldn’t eat.

Wonderful ambiance and excellent new wave Italian food. We had lunch there amidst new and old residents of Boerum hill.

My wife and I found this place for breakfast while staying in Downtown Brooklyn. Highly recommend! It had a great breakfast choice, terrific coffee! Wonderful friendly service too!

I came here for dinner, had a drink and waited to order my food, but they simply ignored me and did not even come to take my orders; they took orders from other regular customers and talked with them. I had to leave the restaurant without having food, because they finally DID come to me to tell me to get out, although they had NOT come to me to take food orders. Ridiculous. The worst service I have ever had.

What a fun spot to grab drinks and dinner! We came here to celebrate with some friends through a recommendation and it did not disappoint! This place has such a cool ambiance. The drinks were on point and service was outstanding. My only regret is that I don’t live locally, because it would be my Friday night go to. Thanks for a great evening!

We live just a few doors away, so we eat there a lot. It's a VERY popular place, so if you come on any weeknight, expect a wait. On nights when the outdoor tables-for-two are open, it's a bit less of a wait. Food is very "locavore" and the menu includes whatever was good at the market that day. For breakfast I really like the bread and (housemade) jam. Jam also comes with the cheese plate.

The scramble, with broccoli rabe and Grana Padano cheese, was excellent. Service was a bit perfunctory, perhaps because I'm not one of the locals the restaurant likes to think it caters to. But a good restaurant that makes good breakfast is a good thing.

Lovely place with excellent, low-key service and simply amazing food. Truly a gem of a place! The breads are incredible, as are the desserts. The roast chicken is going down as one of the best I have ever had!! Run don't walk.

This is a little restaurant with a select menu of delicious, moderately priced food. The decor is simple and rustic. The waiters are personable. It's an easy walk to the Brooklyn Academy of Music, and it opens for dinner at 5:30pm (and earlier for drinks), so it's a perfect place to dine before a show.

Rucola is a small neighborhood restaurant in Brooklyn. We tried to get in for dinner but it was packed so we went for brunch the next day. We were lucky to get a seat at the bar because again it was very crowded. We enjoyed the lively atmosphere and delicious food. My husband had the Schnitzel which he loved. I enjoyed the eggplant sandwich and my daughter loved the French toast. The menu is not huge but they have a nice variety. They also serve liquor if you enjoy a boozy brunch. I look forward to going back next time we visit Brooklyn!

A party of four including three generations had a splendid meal including four different appetizers and four different entrees. Happily we would order each again. Good beer and wine supplemented our meal. Two shared desserts were a fitting end. Not a spot for quiet intimate conversation. ;-)

Off the beaten path, but only by a block or two, lies a corner restaurant that seems like home (maybe its the barnwood roof). A little tight for the 40 or so patrons that can fit, the atmosphere was friendly, the service attentive, and the food excellent.

This was my second visit to Rucola and enjoyed it as much at the first time. Food is excellent, unique, and always some good recommendations from the staff. Very good meat and cheese platter to start, I had the short rib and it was wonderful. I am sure I'll be back. Only negative is that it is a very small restaurant and the tables are definitely crowded together.

This place was just packed for dinner on a Sunday night. Our party of six squeezed into a table by the front window in the corner which was relatively protected, but even so the noise level was fearsome. Uncomfortable wooden benches with miniscule leg room made for a somewhat uncomfortable evening. Service was pretty good, although the staff was definitely stretched by the crowds. We all enjoyed our meals, and the food was reasonably priced. Although the menu changes seasonally, a regular in our party says that its structure stays pretty much the same (i.e., two fish dishes, two pastas, choice of cheeses/meats/pickles for antipasto plates, etc).

Quaint, charming and absolutely special and delicious! We had a wonderful brunch this morning. They have superb handmade cocktails that are not to be missed. Two of us had the eggplant sandwich, which was delicious. The other two had the asparagus and egg dish, which was also lovely. We opted into an order his side of the toast with avocado mushed on top. It was terrific as well with a pinch of salt. This is a highly special and memorable place. The people who work here are also lovely.

My brother who lives in NY, took me and my husband here on a Friday night in January. It was packed and we didn't have a reservation, but they found us a spot at the community table within an hour. I was newly pregnant at the time, so I was having to dodge certain foods and this restaurant and our waitress were extremely helpful. We all enjoyed our cheese, meat, and vegetable plate (balsamic beets were outstanding), then we all had the bolognese, which was very good on a cold night. I hope to return in the future when I can enjoy wine with my meal!

I would agree with another comment on another site. This is not truly an Italian spot. Fresh ingredients ok. This is the second try and failed again. This time I tried the fried quail as an appetizer. Think Hooters chicken wings. For entree I had the line caught cod over risotto. Risotto over powered the fish easily and the entree came out on an appetizer sized plate. No point in trying dessert Could not recommend this restaurant.

Great hole in the wall spot with so much charm. The Menu is small but outstanding! Each cocktail is well worth its price. So delicious. A go to spot every time I visit!

Rucola, is a warmly lit and cozy eatery nestled on a corner in a quiet residential neighborhood. The friendly wait staff are knowledgable and helpful. Our waiter reviewed each of the white wines and explained why some worked better than others with our meal. The roasted chicken with spinach and polenta is excellent. The brook trout was moist and well seasoned. The menu is limited but all the meals were well prepared. My only complaint is that the music was loud.

Nice little restaurant. The worst part was the waiting time, 40 minutes or so. But after that we had a very good meal. We had a mixed meat and cheese appetizer, an amazing spaghetti amatriciana (they called it differently, but that is what it was) and a delicious panna cotta with hazelnut and pears. To drink we had a glass of prosecco and a draft beer. We spent 120$ tip and drinks included. I particularly appreciated that they allowed us to cancel a plate (we were full...).

Rucola is a great local eatery with breakfast/brunch to dinner menus with tasty dishes. Simple semi-rustic décor with a small bar and a homey feel. Watch for Brooklyn celebrities (like Ethan Hawke) who are regulars.

Great menu for sharing with a group. The fresh pastas were awesome and the salads super-interesting.

Except for being a bit cramped, this neighborhood gem is worth the wait. The carrot dish is sublime as is the pasta.

A lovely neighbourhood restaurant with very friendly and helpful stuff. Lunch was delicious and price performance ratio was very good. The ambience is designed with love and thought.

A lovely quiet local diner Service excellent - quick friendly and efficient Food beautifully fresh cooked and tasty Coffee a bit stewed (but a regular supply!)

My boyfriend and I stumbled upon this fabulous restaurant completely by chance after attending an event nearby. What a lucky find it was! It was packed when we arrived and we were told the wait would be 30 minutes, so we quickly deliberated - it smelled very good and we liked the atmosphere, so we decided to stay. Max. 10 minutes later we had a table! The pasta was delicious (my boyfriend is Italian, so he knows a thing or two about good pasta!) and the service very friendly and efficient. We liked the atmosphere, the clients were quite diverse, which was nice. As in so many small restaurants in NYC, tables were pretty close to each other, but it didn't bother us. The restaurant is cozy and very tastefully decorated. I definitely plan on going back and would recommend it to anyone looking for good food in a nice setting in the Boerum Hill area!

Very good meal. Ordered from their autumn menu and shared- escarole salad, 3 apps: delicata squash, Brussels sprouts, polenta, then butternut squash shells. A slice of their honey pie for dessert was yummy and not overly sweet. We were very satisfied. Service was good as well. Bustling place. Reservations only for parties of 6 or more.

i havent go for dinner, but lunch was a very disappointing meal. it cost me almost 100 $ for a party of three eating 2 sandwich, 1 salad and a antipasti as a starter. the tuna sandwich MUST be removed on that menu. It is simply a robbery. How can you charge 12 $ for a simple sandwich that you can even do better at your home. Make it better or remove it. Please. Antipasti @ 18 $ is also way to much overprice. Honestly I would give them a chance for the night but for the lunch time its simply failed to impress me. The local is beautiful and the service was very good.

We had a wonderful dinner at Rucola in Brooklyn. The restaurant is cozy and the staff are all attentive. The food was fantastic! We will be returning for another wonderful meal!

We came in for a late dinner on a Friday night. The wait was about an hour however the hostess recommend a bar close by for a drink while we waited, she would call when they are ready for us. Well worth the wait. We came in for a late dinner on a Friday night. The wait was about an hour however the hostess recommend a bar close by for a drink while we waited, she would call when they are ready for us. Well worth the wait. Salad and Charcuterie for starters and Pasta for main. Lovely service and fantastic food. We came in for a late dinner on a Friday night. The wait was about an hour however the hostess recommend a bar close by for a drink while we waited, she would call when they are ready for us. Well worth the wait. Salad and Charcuterie for starters and Pasta for main. Lovely service and fantastic food.

Very expensive with a limited menu, and the food was not good. While the dishes we had were aesthetically pleasant, the food was not good, on both dishes the sauces overpowered the flavored of the pork and the chicken. The place is nice, but when full it is very noisy.

Were recommended this 'farm to fork' restaurant by our hotel concierge. Could not have been more impressed with the food, restaurant and staff. Food was delicious - my boyfriend said probably the best chicken he's ever had! Fantastic cocktail menu - just a shame we were so jet lagged else we would have stayed to sample some desserts!