One (1) Brooklyn Italian Dinner

[ndukka562]

Hey There!

My Grandpa has requested an Italian dinner in Brooklyn for his Christmas-time visit. I am considering the following:

- Al di La

- Aliseo Osteria del Borgo

- Locanda Vini E Olii

What do people think? Do any of the above really stand out as "special" experiences? Or is there another more worthwhile choice?

Thanks in advance!

[ndukka562]

Would Noodle Pudding and/or Queen be deserving of consideration for this dinner as well?

[jen kalb]

do you know what kind of italian he likes? You know that none of these are southern italian style and mostly will not have red sauce at all, though maybe a ragu.

We like Aliseo - the proprietor is a quirky guy but charming - specializes in foods of the Marche, seemed to have gotten a tad more ambitious in the kitchen on our last visit. Meat and fish dishes. smaller, quieter and much less crowded than the other two places if that is a factor. His pizzeria across the street, Amorina is pretty good (good pastas salads too) and feels very italian also.

I think it was true that being friendly with the owner was a good thing with the original couple (he a Balthazar alum and quite theatrical) that opened Locanda Vini e Olii, but I thought that they had moved on.. dont know about the current situation.

[ndukka562]

Region is not a concern. He doesn't need red sauce and checkered tablecloth Italian.

I've been to Amorina and thought it was serviceable, but not memorable. Is Aliseo a big step up? I have to say its online menu looks pretty minimal. What dishes stood out for you?

[jen kalb]

You know, I wasnt talking about checkered tablecloths....more like the type of food you might get at Frankies Spuntino, Queen (Ive not been) or one of the places in Bensonhurst perhaps reflecting a southern rather than northern style.. Italian is a pretty broad category.
Amorina is better than serviceable in my view - certainly not on a par with the others and crowded with families, not maybe the best for your but its pastas for example taste very italian (good ragu) . I dont think of Aliseo as a destination restaurant with boffo socko cuisine, but one which is always interesting - it seems to me I had some confited fish the last time, daughter had some pork belly - its not impressive but it was good and the wines are well selected. But I wouldnt recommend it over Al di La (to my way of thinking the latter has not very Venetian but amped up, Batali-ized Italian cooking - we like it). Too long since Ive been to Locanda to opine.

[bobjbkln]

Locanda Vini E Olii is definately a special Brooklyn (if not Italian) experience. Food is Tuscan. The Venetian food at Al di La is also excellent. However, Al di La does not take reservations and Locanda does.

[ndukka562]

Yes I'm aware of the no-reservation policy at Al di La. Probably leaning towards Locanda Vini e Olii for that reason. What about the value at Locanda? I've read a lot of comments that it has gotten really expensive. I've also read that if you are not "in" with the owners service can suffer. Is that a fair assessment? If I spoke Italian upon arrival would that help any?