ZipPicks Awards
Best Italian in Brooklyn Heights & Downtown Brooklyn
Best Hidden Gem Restaurants in Brooklyn Heights & Downtown Brooklyn
Master Critic Review
Noodle Pudding
8.5
Noodle Pudding is a cash-only Brooklyn Heights fixture dating back to the mid-1990s, serving big-portion Italian standards in a lively, wood-accented dining room. Regulars treat it as a neighborhood clubhouse for fried calamari, pastas, and braised meats that feel old-school in the best way.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fried calamari, Lasagna Bolognese, Osso buco
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: A decades-old, cash-only Italian spot where Brooklyn Heights locals crowd in for classic red-sauce comfort and big portions.
Who should go: Families and groups craving old-school Italian in a noisy, convivial room.
When to visit: Arrive right at opening or later in the evening to dodge peak wait times.
What to order: Fried calamari, lasagna Bolognese, osso buco with a carafe of house wine.
Insider tip: It’s cash-only and reservations are limited, so bring bills and be ready to wait at prime hours.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only and very competitive in Brooklyn Heights; plan extra time or use nearby paid garages along Montague Street.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — jeans and sweaters are common, but many diners dress up slightly for dinner.
Noise level: Lively and loud during peak hours — conversation is possible but expect raised voices on weekends.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without arriving right at opening
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or under 10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several pasta, salad, and vegetable-based entrees are available.
Vegan options: Limited — simple tomato-based pastas and vegetable sides can be modified upon request.
Gluten-free options: Limited — some mains and salads work, but no dedicated gluten-free pasta.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for relaxed, casual dates than romantic first impressions — it’s loud, crowded, and more about food than intimacy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but expect a wait at prime hours; arriving right when doors open gives you the best shot at immediate seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families are common, portions are generous for sharing, and the high-energy room is forgiving for younger kids.
Best For
Better for: Huge portions, old-school Italian energy, and a true neighborhood clubhouse feel that few nearby restaurants still offer.
Skip if: Choose a quieter Brooklyn Heights spot if you want intimate conversation, lighter portions, or modern Italian refinement.