Park Slope Brunch Beat: al di la Trattoria
With so many places in the neighborhood to grab a mimosa and a plate of eggs on the weekend, how can you decide which is the best spot to take your visiting in-laws or where you’ll want to sit quietly for a couple hours with the hair of the dog? The Park Slope Brunch Beat aims to guide you through the choices — we’ll break down the basics, share some special tips, and provide a quick scorecard to help you pick the best place for what you need next Saturday and Sunday.
al di la Trattoria opened its doors in 1998 and has developed into a cornerstone of Park Slope. Far more than a neighborhood institution, al di la is a destination restaurant for those looking for New York City’s finest northern Italian cuisine. The restaurant is a family affair, co-owned and operated by Chef Anna Klinger and her husband Emiliano Coppa.
After 15 years of cooking and curating a diverse menu, Chef Anna Klinger’s dishes are known for their consistency. The restaurant boasts dedicated clientele; some dine at al di la multiple times a month. It’s a perennial favorite by food critics as well, and continues to be recommended by the Michelin Guide year after year.
While al di la is known for its excellent dinner menu, the brunch menu is also strong and vibrant, providing fresh takes on brunch dishes as well as pasta, antipasti, and paninis.
The restaurant is both comfortable and bustling. Families and children are welcome. And speaking of children…
It was a moment comparative to the Odessa steps scene in The Battleship Potemkin as the bystanders are silently screaming “Noooooo!”
Except I was the one silently screaming “Noooooo!” this time. It was a silent scream of the gastronomical kind.
Here I was at al di la Trattoria savoring my Crispy Polenta Cake ($13). The dish has the perfect combination of crispy textured polenta topped with two soft poached eggs.
So you can imagine my despair when my 16-month old son perched on my lap reached for my plate and sent it crashing to the floor. I was only halfway through.
Our waiter and the kitchen rescued me when I was presented with a brand new Crispy Polenta Cake. My son went back in the high chair. And I was able to eat one-and-a-half Crispy Polenta Cakes. The polenta and eggs are accented with spinach, tomato sauce, and three strips of bacon. (I opted out of the bacon, but found the dish just as complete).
The Brisket Hash ($16) is also a standout. Served with baby carrots, turnips, spinach, and pickled red onions, the hash is topped with two poached eggs. The eggs and veggies complement the brisket, described by one diner as possessing “fall-apart goodness.” This dish is now made with crispy pork belly rather than brisket. Part of the lure of al di la’s menu is being able to find a combination of “tried and true” standards as well as evolving dishes.
For a pasta recommendation, try the Spaghetti Chitarra alla Carbonara ($14). The pasta is perfectly al dente, and made with Guanciale (pork cheek), black pepper, and pecorino cheese. The pecorino adds both a buttery and nutty flavor.
The menu also provides simple brunch items that will satisfy the picky eaters in your party. The American Breakfast ($12) includes two eggs prepared as you’d like along with crispy potatoes and bacon or sausage. The Frittata of the Day ($12) is served with mixed greens.
The Bloody Mary ($9) is peppery and spicier than your standard fair. A Screwdriver ($9) is also available, and you will never go wrong with any of al di la’s coffees. The Espresso, Cappuccino, and Café Americano are all deep and flavorful.
If you have friends or family coming in for a day visit who are unable to stay for dinner, you can introduce them to al di la with their diverse brunch menu.
Even if half your meal lands in your lap like mine did, you’ll surely leave satisfied.
Park Slope Brunch Beat Rundown: al di la Trattoria
Where: 248 5th Avenue at Carroll Street
Phone: 718-783-4565
Brunch Hours: Saturdays & Sundays, 11am-3:30pm
Credit Cards: Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are accepted.
Reservations: Reservations are available for parties of 6-10.
Who To Bring: Ideal for families, out-of-town visitors, and Italian food aficionados.
Best Time To Visit: You’re almost guaranteed a table if you come in between 11am or 11:30. After that, the restaurant fills up quickly. However, you will most likely have a shorter wait than if you go for dinner.
Best Bites: The Crispy Polenta Cake ($13) and the Brisket Hash ($16) are two winners that include eggs, veggies, and unforgettable flavor. (This dish is now made with crispy pork belly rather than brisket.) The Bloody Mary ($9) is peppery and spicier than your standard fare. The Spaghetti Chitarra alla Carbonara ($14) with a flavorful pecorino is an ideal lunch dish.