Fandi Mata

"The selling point of Fandi Mata is its space. In fact, this would be a wonderful venue for a private party of any kind. The ceilings soar. Everything seems to orbit around a drooping disco ball. Palm fronds provide privacy. Lighting and playlists are taken seriously. We’d bet that almost everyone who walks through the door for the first time says something like, “What a space.” photo credit: Fandi Mata photo credit: Fandi Mata photo credit: Fandi Mata photo credit: Fandi Mata photo credit: Fandi Mata The broadly Mediterranean spot is romantic in a fun, Friday night kind of way. Come here to have a drink or two and maybe split some perfectly fine pizza and pasta, and a nicely cooked half chicken. This is a handy starting point for a night out in Williamsburg that doesn’t necessitate much advanced planning. Food Rundown Chicory Salad A nice salad to kick things off. We’d like to thank whoever thought of putting brown butter in vinaigrette. It goes nicely with the classic blue cheese and pear combo. Classic Hummus It’s hummus! With a little za’atar on top. Nothing special here. Roasted Prawns If you’re on a date, this is a charming dish to share two ways. There are six prawns to an order, and they’re swimming in citrusy calabrian chili sauce. It’s served with bread, which is thoughtful. Baked Paccheri You’ve had this marriage of tomato sauce, eggplant, and mozzarella before, and if you want to have it again, it will neither disappoint nor wow. photo credit: Fandi Mata Half Roasted Chicken Exactly what you’re imagining—a juicy half-chicken. Served with cheese broccoli rabe and a healthy pool of jus. Order this. photo credit: Fandi Mata Branzino Not served on the bone, which honestly makes it easy to eat this daintily. We like the glazed carrots and fennel that come on the side." - Arden Shore