ZipPicks Awards
Best Italian in Brooklyn Heights & Downtown Brooklyn
Best Lasagna in Brooklyn Heights & Downtown Brooklyn
Master Critic Review
Savelli
8.3
Savelli is a newer Italian restaurant and bar on Smith Street that leans into polished pastas, pizzas, and a serious wine list in a warmly lit room. It feels tailored for date nights and small celebrations, with a garden patio that softens the bustle of the surrounding streets.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita pizza, Funghi pizza, Chocolate lava cake
Scores:
Value: 6.3
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: Smith Street’s modern Italian dining room where wood-fired pizzas, house pastas, and a strong bar program make it feel more polished than a typical neighborhood joint.
Who should go: Couples and small groups planning a slightly upscale Italian night out.
When to visit: Prime dinner hours for full energy or early evening for a quieter patio.
What to order: Margherita or funghi pizza, a seasonal pasta, and chocolate lava cake.
Insider tip: Ask about the garden patio or semi-private spaces if you’re planning a small celebration dinner.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; very limited after 6pm. Plan on circling or using a nearby paid lot a few blocks away.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy; jeans are fine, but lean polished for dinner.
Noise level: Moderate to lively indoors; patio is calmer and better for conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – multiple pasta, pizza, and antipasti options work well for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited – a few salads and vegetable-forward pastas can be modified.
Gluten-free options: Limited – some gluten-free substitutions available for select dishes, but no fully separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it’s stylish without feeling intimidating, and the lighting plus patio option makes it easier to talk and settle into the night.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Occasionally early in the evening, but weekends and peak dinner hours are risky without booking ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? More of an adult-focused dinner spot; older kids who enjoy pizza and pasta will be fine, but it’s not geared toward families with young children.
Best For
Better for: Date nights, polished Italian plates, wine-focused dinners, and patio dining that still feels upscale.
Skip if: You want a budget-friendly red-sauce Italian spot, a fast casual meal, or a quiet neighborhood dinner without any scene.