Le Fanfare

"When was the last time you discovered a new restaurant? Like, really discovered it? Not because you saw it on Instagram, or saw an email about it, or becasuse someone did a tweet or whatever happens on that platform now. I mean saw the name of a place, said to yourself, “what is this cool looking thing?” only to find out that nobody you know had heard of it either? That’s the way we felt when we first heard about Le Fanfare, and let me tell you - that’s an unfamiliar feeling for a bunch of people who spend all of their time eating in and writing about restaurants. Much like we imagine Chris Christie would feel if he suddenly discovered a new place to do all his yelling.  It all went down like this because of Text Rex, our real time resatauarnt recommendation platform. Some dude in there was asking for a restaurant “like Le Fanfare, but different” and before we wrote him off as a confused tourist, we did some searching. Turns out Le Fanfare is not a basement burlesque show in Paris, but an Italian restaurant in Greenpoint. One that looked really f*cking cool. Food Rundown Grilled Octopus Octopus, potatoes, olives. A fairly traditional Mediterranean plate that you’ll be pleased with. Burrata This is really more of a panzanella (bread salad) with a ball of cheese on top, but we’re not mad about that. More interesting than just a ball, I suppose. Meatballs These meatballs come in white sauce, which is just a white wine glaze with lemon and parsley on top. They're worth trying. Kale Salad You’re probably going to order this. Don’t fight it. Cavatelli We really like this cavatelli. The pasta arrives well cooked, and the sausage is in a sort of “patty form,” which we haven’t seen since the last time we had a hungover breakfast in a diner at 1pm on a Sunday. As a matter of fact, this would be an excellent hangover breakfast pasta. Beet Ravioli Asparagus Served with a six minute egg for proper yolk dipping. This is a worthy side if you’re looking for a vegetable. Cannoli Hand made in the restaurant from crust to cream. These are a must order." - Chris Stang

"This fantastically delicious find tucked away at the end of Greenpoint is the passion project of jazz musician Luca Fadda, his wife, Giorgia, and their longtime friend Nicola Paganelli.A striking whitewashed façade and black doors signal the entry to this gem, which shares a uniquely Italian spirit by way of shiny marble tables and planters galore. The communal tables encourage lingering, perhaps over the likes of on-site baked breads and fresh pastas. Speaking of, the spaghetti alla carbonara is a toothsome feast; followed by white wine-glazed meatballs with lemon and parsley. The fish of the day turns up with crispy panelle; but for your meal's end, there's no going wrong with the ricotta-rich cannolo." - Michelin Inspector

"This fantastically delicious find tucked away at the end of Greenpoint is the passion project of jazz musician Luca Fadda, his wife, Giorgia, and their longtime friend Nicola Paganelli.A striking whitewashed façade and black doors signal the entry to this gem, which shares a uniquely Italian spirit by way of shiny marble tables and planters galore. The communal tables encourage lingering, perhaps over the likes of on-site baked breads and fresh pastas. Speaking of, the spaghetti alla carbonara is a toothsome feast; followed by white wine-glazed meatballs with lemon and parsley. The fish of the day turns up with crispy panelle; but for your meal's end, there's no going wrong with the ricotta-rich cannolo." - Michelin Inspector

"Initially a passion project conceived by jazz musician Luca Fadda, this Greenpoint gem has transformed into one of Brooklyn’s most delicious (and wallet-friendly) Italian spots. The place is uniquely Italian—from the Renaissance-friendly shiny marble tables and lush plants to the carb-loaded menu revolving around a medley of breads and pastas like spaghetti alla carbonara. Oh, and did we mention? The bread is baked on-site. Talk about 'molto delizioso'." - MICHELIN Guide

"The communal tables encourage lingering, perhaps over the likes of on-site baked breads and fresh pastas. Speaking of, the spaghetti alla carbonara is a toothsome feast; followed by white wine-glazed meatballs with lemon and parsley." - The MICHELIN Guide