TLDR
A quintessential 1970s red-sauce hole-in-the-wall known for massive portions and a legendary family-run vibe.
Instagram Posts References
Ortobello's is celebrated as a classic, old-school Italian-American establishment in Brooklyn, offering a nostalgic dining experience that feels like stepping back in time. The restaurant is renowned for its extraordinarily generous portion sizes across its menu, making it challenging for a single person to finish a meal and almost guaranteeing take-home leftovers. Beyond the hearty main courses, their homemade cheesecake is highlighted as a standout dessert.
Details
This beloved Bensonhurst institution has served as a cornerstone of red-sauce Italian cuisine since the 1970s [2]. With a warm, family-run atmosphere where children often assist in the service of their parents' cooking, it offers an authentic and nostalgic dining experience [4]. The restaurant is celebrated for its incredibly generous portion sizes, ensuring that diners leave with plenty of leftovers [13].
Food Overview
Specializing in classic Italian-American comfort food, this spot is highly recommended for its authentic red sauce dishes [2], [10]. Guests frequently highlight the massive parmigiana, savory mushroom cream sauces, and exceptional homemade cheesecake as standout menu items [13]. Baked clams also receive specific praise as a must-try appetizer [12].
Caveats
Due to its popularity and specific location in Bensonhurst, the restaurant may require extra travel depending on your starting point [8].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About ORTOBELLO'S
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Your Favorite Clam Dishes In Manhattan Or Brooklyn
"Recommended for their baked clams."
PositiveFrom post: Best Chicken Parmesean In Nyc Recommendation
"Ortobello's, a small restaurant located in Brooklyn, is recommended."
PositiveFrom post: Ginos Bayridge
"The commenter recommends Ortabello, located a bit further away on Bay Parkway, as being worth the trip for the food."
PositiveFrom post: Ginos Bayridge
"The commenter recommends Ortabello, located a bit further away on Bay Parkway, as being worth the trip for the food."
PositiveFrom post: Italian American Spots
"This user recommended Ortobello in Bay Ridge for good old-school Italian food."
PositiveFrom post: Red Sauce Italian
"Ortobello's in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, is described as a classic red sauce place with a family-run atmosphere, where the kids serve the parents who cook."
PositiveFrom post: Red Sauce Italian
"Ortobello's in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, is described as a classic red sauce place with a family-run atmosphere, where the kids serve the parents who cook."
PositiveFrom post: Red Sauce Italian
"Ortobello's in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, is recommended and accessible via the F train."
PositiveFrom post: Red Sauce Italian
"Ortobello's in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, is recommended and accessible via the F train."
PositiveFrom post: Red Sauce Italian
"Ortobello's in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, is described as a unique hole-in-the-wall institution from the 70s, with a social and fun owner named Andy."
PositiveFrom post: Red Sauce Italian
"Ortobello's in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, is described as a unique hole-in-the-wall institution from the 70s, with a social and fun owner named Andy."
PositiveFrom post: More Places Like Don Pepes And Lb Spumoni
"Ortobello is a popular place, but the user found their service to be lacking."
Negative