ZipPicks Awards
Best Date Night Italian in Bensonhurst
Best Family Friendly Italian in Bensonhurst
Best Family Friendly Restaurants in Bensonhurst
Best Gluten-Free Restaurants in Bensonhurst
Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Bensonhurst
Best Romantic Restaurants in Bensonhurst
Best Pizza in Bensonhurst
Best Italian in Bensonhurst
Master Critic Review
Il Colosseo
8.4
A cozy, brick-oven Italian restaurant with a true neighborhood dining-room cadence—best approached as a classic progression of one appetizer, one pasta, and a main. It shines when you commit to the oven and the red-sauce fundamentals rather than spreading across the entire menu.
Must-Try Dishes:
Brick-oven pizza, Pasta alla Frank Sinatra, Tiramisu
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Brick-oven cooking with a classic Italian dining-room feel.
Who should go: Couples and small groups
When to visit: Weeknight dinner for easiest pacing
What to order: Brick-oven pizza, Pasta alla Frank Sinatra, tiramisu
Insider tip: Split one pizza as the opener, then do one pasta to share.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Primarily street parking on surrounding residential blocks; generally manageable on weeknights but can get tight after 6:30pm on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — jeans are fine if styled well, but many guests opt for a polished night-out look.
Noise level: Moderate — lively dining-room energy, but still easy to hold a conversation at the table.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple pasta dishes, pizzas, and vegetable-forward appetizers can be ordered meat-free.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with modifications, but not a strong vegan-focused menu.
Gluten-free options: Limited — some gluten-free pasta options may be available, but cross-contact is possible.
Best For
Better for: A classic Italian dining-room experience with brick-oven cooking and a measured, sit-down pace that feels more intentional than casual slice shops.
Skip if: You’re looking for ultra-modern Italian, a loud party scene, or a quick in-and-out meal — this spot rewards slowing down.