As a long time operator in the restaurant industry I can be the last person you might want to go out to dine with. I’m very picky concerning not only the food but the overall operations.<br><br>But yesterday I had dinner at Michael’s Of Brooklyn<br>(Ave R in Marine Park) and with God as my witness, it was the best restaurant meal I’ve had in years.<br><br>If you’ve got the time, take the ride into Brooklyn and enjoy a genuine top shelf Italian dinner. We drove in from north west NJ and it was well worth the drive.<br><br>And yes, this is the same<br>“Michael’s Of Brooklyn” as the pasta sauce you see on your grocery store shelves. The factory is under the restaurant!<br>Frank D<br>Eastern Owl Guitars
Italian restaurant
Michael’s
FlatlandsBrooklyn
Flatlands
Brooklyn
The brief
About Michael’s
Upscale Italian eatery from 1964 serving traditional fare in a warm, elegant space with a full bar.
Community Rating
4.7
out of 5
1,706 community reviews
Rating aggregated from community reviews across platforms. Read full reviews on Google or Yelp for detailed diner experiences.
Reviews
What diners say about Michael’s
15 verified Google reviews
4.9
15 reviews
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Lovely experience, delicious food, you could feel the atmosphere of an iconic restaurant. Our waiter had great recommendations for foods and wines, and seemed very knowledgeable. Only annoyances were that we arrived on time for our reservation and wasnt seated for 20 minutes, and that I called in advance to say we were celebrating a birthday and we wanted a candle on our desert and they didnt do it. Not that they couldn't, because there was one other birthdays that night, so idk what happened there. Would go back again.
Awesome place. great food great service wonderful staff what a great time we had .the waiter George was wonderful
I live in Westchester and had to meet some well known friends and musicians here for dinner. It took me almost 2 hours with traffic, but let me tell you, this was a most incredible restaurant. Our waiter Enzo made the experience superb! The food was beyond delicious. Everything we had was fresh and prepared to not only taste incredible, but to equally look just as grand! I may have to try going on a Sunday...perhaps there will be less traffic! 10 STARS!!!!
My family has been coming here for as long as I can remember. Food has been delicious since day one, and service is always 10/10. Thank you to Michael’s for always making our family outing special. We’ll see you next year!
I came here for lunch on a Saturday at 12:30 to celebrate an anniversary and it was an incredible dining experience. This has always been on my list but I knew I wanted to save it for a special occasion. The staff was very attentive and welcoming. The atmosphere started out intimate and quiet since they open at noon. But at 1 pm it became more packed and lively. The food was delicious! Make sure you save room for dessert. This is now a top restaurant on my list and I will definitely be returning!
Some restaurants serve great food. Others give you something more, a feeling. Michael’s of Brooklyn is one of those places that feels like home, history, tradition, celebration, and family all in one.<br><br>Family-owned and operated since 1964, Michael’s has built its reputation on generations of Italian recipes passed down with care and pride. Walking into the restaurant, you immediately feel that sense of legacy. It’s the kind of place where you imagine countless family dinners, celebrations, and long conversations happening over warm plates of food.<br><br>The first time I visited Michael’s was nine years ago. I came back four years later, and recently returned again after five more years. One of the things I love most about this restaurant is that the flavors have remained consistent through time. In a city that changes constantly, that kind of consistency feels special.<br><br>The meal begins with bread, and it’s delicious, warm, simple, and the perfect start to what feels like a proper Italian feast.<br><br>For appetizers, we ordered fried calamari and the Eggplant Rollatini. Both were excellent, but the Eggplant Rollatini was especially memorable. Perfectly prepared, flavorful, and comforting in that classic Italian way.<br><br>For the main course, my husband and son both ordered the Chicken Parmigiana. They absolutely loved it. The chicken was fresh and juicy, and the sauce was perfectly balanced, rich but not overwhelming.<br><br>I decided to try the Chicken Carciofi. It was good, and I enjoyed it, but if I’m being honest, I think pasta might truly be the star at Michael’s. My dish was tasty, but some of the other plates looked even more tempting.<br><br>Then came the real star of the night: the tiramisu.<br><br>Whenever I go to an Italian restaurant, I order tiramisu. I often say, “You shall know them by their tiramisu.” And the one at Michael’s of Brooklyn is, without question, the best I’ve ever had, and I’ve tried more than fifty in different places. It’s light, balanced, not too sweet, and the harmony between coffee and cream is perfect. Honestly, I could write a poem about it.<br><br>The staff also deserves recognition. From the moment you walk in until you leave, everyone is welcoming, kind, and attentive. You feel genuinely cared for.<br><br>Michael’s of Brooklyn is one of those rare places you know you can return to again and again, and the warmth of family will always be there waiting for you.
Michael’s is old-school Brooklyn Italian at its absolute finest. We go every Valentine’s Day and it never, ever misses — not a single dish, not a single detail. Dress to the nines and settle in for flawless food, impeccable service, and a vibe that feels timeless and electric all at once. If I could give it 12 out of 10, I would. Absolute perfection. 🍝✨
The Valet Parking Is Free! The Ambiance Was Amazing! Our Waiter John Was The Most Respectful And Knowledgeable Person. John Was Very Attentive And Answered All Questions We Had. From The Appetizer To The Dessert Was Irreplaceable. Everything Bursted In Flavor! The Steak And Lamb Was Cooked To My Liking!
My favorite Italian restaurant in Brooklyn. Can consider this my second home. I love everyone here: Michael at the front, my waiter Enzo. Lovely people and superb food!<br><br>Fav dish is the lobster crepe, cacio e pepe, and bone marrow.
Everything was absolutely wonderful. Food was delicious and service was great. We were 14 and it was obvious every dish was prepared with care, with sauces, breading, seasonings just perfect. Can't wait to go back!
We dined at Michaels of Brooklyn on a weeknight, knowing how tough it can be to get same day reservations on the weekend, and I am so glad we did. From the moment we sat down, our server Gregory made us feel like part of the family. His warmth, humor, and attention to detail set the tone for an amazing evening.<br><br>I ordered the Fishermans Platter, which came loaded with lobster tail, pulpo, shrimp, clams, calamari, and mussels, all perfectly cooked and tossed in a rich and spicy fra diavolo sauce over linguini. The flavor was incredible, and the portion was generous enough that I had plenty to take home (and yes, it tasted just as good the next day).<br><br>For dessert, I could not resist getting a cannoli to go, which was the perfect sweet ending, with a crispy shell, smooth ricotta filling, and just the right touch of chocolate chips.<br><br>The restaurant itself has an intimate, classic Brooklyn charm, and the prices are very fair for the quality and portion sizes. Between the food, the service, and the family style hospitality, Michaels of Brooklyn easily ranks among my favorite Italian spots.<br><br>If you love authentic Italian food, this place will not disappoint. I will definitely be back, next time for one of their specialty coffees to close out the night.
Nestled in the heart of Brooklyn, Michael's Italian restaurant is an absolute gem that truly lives up to its five-star reputation. From the moment we arrived, the valet parking made the experience feel effortless and luxurious. Stepping inside, we were immediately transported to a place of old-country charm. The decor is stunning, evoking a classic, elegant feel that's perfect for a special night out.<br>The ambiance was nothing short of magical, with the gentle melodies from a live piano player filling the air, creating a truly romantic and sophisticated atmosphere. We were warmly greeted and seated promptly, and from that point on, the service was impeccable. The staff provided white-glove service, attentive and professional without being intrusive. Our water glasses were always full, and every need was anticipated.<br>The speed of service was surprisingly quick, with our dishes arriving at the perfect time. The full bar offered an impressive selection, and the cocktails were expertly crafted. As for the food, the menu is fantastic and showcases a passion for authentic Italian cuisine. Every dish is fresh and made-to-order, and the flavors were simply divine. The pasta was perfectly al dente, the sauces rich and savory—it was clear that great care and quality ingredients went into every bite.<br>We had such a memorable evening with friends, and I can't recommend this place enough for special occasions or even just a beautiful dinner with your significant other. Michael's Italian is more than just a restaurant; it's a complete dining experience that delights all the senses. We're already planning our next visit. A truly delicious and delightful experience from start to finish!
Amazing father's day food. Special dinner menu but price well worth it with amazing food and typical Italian family-style portions. Brought two bags of leftovers home, including dessert and bread. Great service where waitstaff dropped by constantly to check on us and clear empty dishes. Really impeccable and reflects why Michael's remains our go to place for Italian food.
We had our eye on this place for a while now and were finally able to visit. I believe they have valet on the side of the restaurant but there is street parking right in front of the entrance. Inside, the restaurant itself was very elegant and had a nice romantic vibe. The staff was very polite and professional and service was very good. The drinks weren't very strong at all but came nicely garnished. The appetizers and entrees were good but I will say, we were a little underwhelmed with them still. They just seemed to be described more extravagant than what they were on the plate. We were overall happy with what we ordered but weren't wowed by any means. In the future, I would return to give it another whirl. Perhaps to try other menu items like their pasta dishes.
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Michael’s is listed in the Eat Real Food NYC directory — a curated database of healthy restaurants in Brooklyn, verified with official NYC Department of Health inspection data.