ZipPicks Awards
Best Italian in Brooklyn Heights & Downtown Brooklyn
Best Lasagna in Brooklyn Heights & Downtown Brooklyn
Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in Brooklyn Heights & Downtown Brooklyn
Best Outdoor Dining Restaurants in Brooklyn Heights & Downtown Brooklyn
Best Trendy Restaurants in Brooklyn Heights & Downtown Brooklyn
Master Critic Review
Cecconi's Dumbo
8.8
Cecconi’s Dumbo is a waterfront Italian restaurant in the Empire Stores complex where dressed-up diners eat hand-made pasta and pizza under vaulted ceilings and chandeliers or on a covered patio facing the skyline. It’s more about the full scene—views, cocktails, and polished service—than chasing the best value in town.
Must-Try Dishes:
Zucchini fritti with lemon aioli, Cacio e pepe, Wood-fired pizza with seasonal toppings
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 9.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: A high-ceilinged, waterfront Italian dining room where hand-made pasta and pizzas share equal billing with Manhattan skyline views.
Who should go: Couples or small groups seeking a scenic, dressed-up Italian dinner.
When to visit: Book around sunset to catch daylight, dusk, and the skyline lighting up.
What to order: Zucchini fritti to start, a wood-fired pizza, and a classic pasta like cacio e pepe.
Insider tip: Request patio or window seating when you book; the view exponentially boosts the experience, especially for out-of-town guests.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is extremely limited in DUMBO; nearby paid lots and garages around Old Fulton Street and Brooklyn Bridge Park are the most reliable option. Ride-share is strongly recommended.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy — jeans are acceptable, but most guests lean polished with heels, button-downs, or cocktail attire.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — you can comfortably hold a conversation, but it gets louder as dinner fills up.
Weekend wait: 45–90 minutes without a reservation, especially between 6:30–8:30pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or under 15 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple vegetable pastas, salads, pizzas, and starters available.
Vegan options: Limited — some pastas and salads can be modified, but it’s not a true vegan-focused kitchen.
Gluten-free options: Yes — gluten-free pasta available; cross-contamination is possible in the wood-fired kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it’s an excellent first-date spot if you want instant atmosphere, skyline views, and polished service that does some of the romantic work for you.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but risky at dinner, especially on weekends. Bar seating opens up faster, but for patio or window tables you should absolutely reserve.
Is it kid-friendly? Kids are welcome during lunchtime and early dinners, but the evening vibe is geared more toward couples and adult dining than families with young children.
Best For
Better for: Views, waterfront ambiance, elevated date-night energy, and a full polished dining experience that feels special without being stuffy.
Skip if: You’re hunting for the best value Italian food, a quiet romantic hideaway, or a purely food-driven destination over scenery.