Ortobello Restaurant

My Lovely wife and I had a spectacular dinner at a Bensonhurst hidden gem called Ortobello Restaurant, a 50 year old Italian restaurant everyone drives by. Fortunately, we got there just after it opened, because it filled up fast. We started off with garden salad that came in a garlic-rubbed wooden bowl along with an incredible aged balsamic reduction. I had unbelievably fresh baked clams (Steamers and Littleneck) while my wife had a Caprese salad with milky fresh mozzarella, garden fresh basil, roasted red peppers and perfectly ripe tomatoes, drizzled with aged balsamic reduction. Next, she wanted to know if she could have rigatoni with vodka sauce (not on the menu), to which she was told "why couldn't you?" I had a huge, exquisitely tender veal parmigiana with homemade marinara and a side dish of perfectly cooked penne. It was one of my top ten meals of all time. If you go, bring cash and don't be in a rush because everything is cooked to order. It's a family owned place and the family loves what they do. It shows in the service and the wonderful food.

*Cash Only*A hidden gem in Bensonhurst. After visiting Italy, I wanted to eat some real Italian food back in NY. Ortobello was very close to the food I had in Italy. Ordered the fried calamari, the veal parmigiana, the penne alla vodka with shrimp and the ricotta cheesecake for dessert. I wasn't a big fan of the cheesecake, but everything else we ordered was amazing. The portions were very generous. The staff was extremely friendly. Definitely coming back, highly recommended!

Walked pass this resturant so many times and just didn't notice that there was an italian resturant LOL. My friend's family decided to ordered take out from here and got the seafood salad $38 and stuffed mushrooms $18. The seafood salad was so delicious! It had mussels, shrimp, calamari, squid, clams, bits of chopped garlic and celery and lemon juice. Would definitely get it again!

For a real authentic Italian experience, come eat here. As soon as I arrived, you're welcome to an old school charm in this hole in the wall family restaurant. The space fits less than 10 tables, so it's quaint and busy.To start off, we got some complimentary bread that was nicely toasted. It went perfectly with the soft butter. We were starving, so we finish all the bread before our meal even arrived, but we got more bread so I could dip it into my pasta sauce --so good! For my main entree, I got the Ravioli Alla Vodka ($21) while the boyfriend got the infamous Pollo Parmigiana ($28). I'm not much of a ravioli person, but I had to try the vodka sauce here because it's so popular. Definitely opt for the vodka sauce when you come here. I noticed a few more options on their specials, which I wish I asked about earlier because they sounded delicious too. For the pollo parmigiana, it was humongous. This isn't something I'm usually into, but it's a solid dish. Overall, the food is delicious but it gets a bit overwhelming after awhile.Even though we were stuffed in the end, I knew I wanted to try their Homemade Ricotta Cheesecake ($14). Unfortunately, the texture was off for me. I was hoping it was more creamy and smooth, pass on that for me. Either way, it was a delectable meal. Such a great find in the area that feels like home. The service and people working here were also super friendly.

It was not too long ago that Italians dominated the Bensonhurst scene, with Italian bakeries, restaurants, and pizzerias across 18th Avenue and 65th street. Depending on where you lived was your go-to for each of them, with their own personality, character, and dishes that were brought to the forefront of every meal. Ortobello Restaurant is one of those restaurants that represents that test of time perfectly.From the 1970's lamps, to the ten or so tables at the restaurant, to the intimate menu, to the large portions, Ortobello is a relic. The food is delicious too, to the point where you will be full for hours and need a takeout bag because the portion is more than expected. The sauces are clearly homemade, the pasta probably too. I can tell the meat is tenderized because of how thin it is. If it were a thicker cut, I think I would be full, but the leanness of the meat allows for a more generous intake rather than to save it for later.Thankfully, it is a short walk from the Bay Parkway station on the N train, and they accept credit cards at a smaller higher premium. However, there is no price on a time capsule restaurant like this. Before the Asian community expanded in, and the Italian community slowly declined, this restaurant is an excellent representation what Bensonhurst was, and hopefully can still be, even if it is for just one night.

Update, been coming here for years and wanted to update my review with some photos of the amazing food I receive here for takeout. Thanks Ortobello. Old-school comfort food for sure! Always great food.

One of my favorite restaurants in brooklyn. Totally old school Italian food. The food is great and they give huge servings. The service is impeccable. The place truly is a throwback. Don't be shocked by the decor. It's all about the food!!!!

This little hole in the wall, that has been here since 1974 has the most fantastic and authentic Italian food this side of Italy. They only have 9 tables, very simple decor, not fancy, not a romantic date spot, you come here for the Food. I was blown away by the dishes I saw coming out. This is how I remember my grandparents cooking... simply the best of the best. If you're Italian you have to come here to be brought back to those Sunday dinners with the family. I believe you can't go wrong with anything you might order because they're masters at what comes out of the kitchen, old world recipes carried down from each generation. Shout out to Andy the owner, what a great guy carrying on with his dad's recipes. Don't forget the Italian ricotta cheesecake, homemade and outrageously delicious. True Foodies will love it here. Only open for dinner, leave time street parking only. Ciao

The diversity and quality of food, and service was excellent!! A very nice and accommodating staff. Brian Long Island

Good and plentiful variety of Italian favorite dishes.Simple and comfortable decor .