Nestled deep in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn in New York City sits Brooklyn Roots Italian, a homey restaurant that serves old-school Italian food. Founded by acclaimed Chef Thomas Perone, Brooklyn Roots has become a staple in the Brooklyn community.

Brooklyn Roots is a product of the Covid-19 Pandemic, originally only a takeout and delivery service. Eventually, the success of the takeout business led to Chef Thomas opening the restaurant. Previously the location of Tuscany Grill, Chef Thomas says he’s always wanted to take that location for his own eatery. The restaurant is cozy and homey, with dim lights and music that fits the ambiance. The environment is almost like an extended family, where Chef Thomas walks around to chat with customers while the staff is extremely friendly.

Chef Thomas himself cooks when he’s at the restaurant. He’s there for nearly every shift, making his recipes for the customers. A graduate of the Institute of Culinary Education, Chef Thomas has a background in Italian, Greek, Jamaican, and Spanish food and fine dining. But, his roots belong in Italian food, and that’s where his efforts are put towards now. “I learned the most by messing up and screwing up a recipe and then throwing it out,” he said.

The dishes at Brooklyn Roots are mostly under $30, but the portions are huge! One pasta or entree can easily feed 3 people, with all the recipes having been developed by Chef Thomas. Here are his top picks.

Starters

Arancini

If you don’t know what arancini is, you definitely will after trying this dish at Brooklyn Roots! Deep fried rice balls that are stuffed in cheesy mozzarella, this arancini is just the right amount of crunch and cheese. The dish is best served with the next one coming up on this list!

Pan Fried Meatballs

Pairing these meatballs with the arancini makes an epic combo, with the two different textures together making a truly flavorful bite. By itself, the meatball is perfectly cooked and moist, while drenched in an amazing tomato sauce.

B.R. Burrata

A dish consisting of crispy fried eggplant, burrata, toasted walnuts, and golden raisins, this starter is an array of different textures and flavors that may seem odd at first, but are truly amazing. The hard crunch of the walnuts and eggplant burst with flavor when hitting the chopped tomatoes and soft cheese. Also a plus, the crispy eggplant doesn’t taste like a vegetable at all, so if you’re a vegetable hater, this dish will have you running to get those extra vitamins!

Bread

The bread at Brooklyn Roots is freshly baked, and that is the key to a tasty bread. Perfectly toasted and crunchy on the outside while squishy and soft on the inside make the perfect bun. The bread is also paired with an oil that makes the bread even better, highlighted by the red pepper flakes added.

Pastas & Entrees

Matty Guns Special

This pasta is the restaurant’s specialty, and it’s obvious why! The spicy rigatoni dish has pasta that is cooked to a T and features both hot and sweet sausage and meatballs. If you’re worried about the spice level, it doesn’t hurt to ask for a minimal amount.

Baked Cavatappi Fonduta

This dish is simply a delicious Italian version of mac and cheese. While not as saucy as the other dishes, the creamy sauce isn’t overpowering, nor does it take away any of the flavor. The dish is also finely lined at the top with breadcrumbs, adding a nice crunch on top. This cavatappi is one you must share with your loved ones when eating at Brooklyn Roots because it’s a very heavy dish!

Chicken Marsala

This tasty chicken marsala just goes to show that Chef Thomas can do it all! Roasted with some baby mushrooms, pancetta, and caramelized onions, this chicken dish has a delicious sweet sauce that goes nicely with the saltier meats. A perfect combination of meat and vegetables, this dish will add some flair to your pasta.

Dessert

Tiramisu

The tiramisu comes in a cup, where you can see each layer of the sweet dessert. Just the right mix of coffee flavor and sugar, the tiramisu seems to be the only “normal-sized” item on the menu! This dish would be a great refresher after your heavy Italian dinner.

Bread Pudding

This bread pudding is heavenly! Super buttery and very sweet, pairing this dessert with a coffee should be a must. The juxtaposition of sweetness paired with a bitter coffee would be the perfect way to end your Brooklyn Roots meal.

For an even sweeter treat, show this article when you visit for complimentary coffee and dessert.

Which dish was your favorite? Let us know!

XOXO,

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