Widely credited with positioning Brooklyn as a restaurant destination when it opened in 1998, Al di La essentially laid the blueprint for all the intimate, independently owned, walk-in-only eateries to come. But while a hyperfocus on seasonality (not to mention a new wave of young, easily distracted diners) has inspired most of its descendants to change menus by the second, Al di La has staunchly refused to rewrite its own playbook. That means you can still find 1998-era favorites, such as Swiss chard malfatti with brown butter and sage, red beet casunziei peppered with poppy seeds, and supple braised rabbit delectably slumped over wrinkled black olives and heaps of creamy polenta.

Chef Anna Klinger and Emiliano Coppa bring a little bit of the Veneto, a region in Northeastern Italy, to Brooklyn at this Park Slope institution of two decades. The kitchen at al di la evokes the earthy homestyle cuisine from this part of Italy with dishes like the Braised Rabbit and Funghi E Polenta with sauteed wild mushroom (both served with creamy polenta, of course); and Casunziei, a classic crescent-shaped pasta filled with beet and ricotta. The occasional South-Central Italian speciality like Rome's Saltimbocca Alla Roma (layered veal and prosciutto) might find its way onto the menu, too.

Roughly translated as “the great beyond,” al di la has been consistently packed since it opened in 1998, and it’s easy to understand why: perfectly prepared dishes from Northern Italy served at affordable prices in a relaxed atmosphere. The warm farro salad with seasonal ingredients and goat cheese is perfectly al dente; the hand-pinched ravioli are deliciously homemade; and meatier entrées like braised rabbit, pork loin scaloppine, and charcoal-grilled young Bo Bo chicken are highlights. The wine bar is a good spot to wait for a table.

Al Di La is one of our absolute favorite neighborhood Italian restaurants, and it has a near 100% success rate with just about everyone who enjoys pasta and wine. Not only does Al Di La embody the exact kind of quaint place that people think is on every corner of movie-set-Brooklyn, but their regional specialties match the charming setting. We like the spaghetti vongole, the seasonal risotto, and the fact that this restaurant has a separate wine bar where you can wait for your table.

Roughly translated as "beyond," al di là has been consistently packed since it opened in 1998, and it's easy to understand why: it serves well-prepared Northern Italian dishes in a cozy atmosphere. The warm farro salad with seasonal ingredients and goat cheese is perfectly al dente; the hand-pinched ravioli are delicious; and meatier entrées like braised rabbit, Tuscan tripe stew, and pork loin scallopini with prosciutto are highlights.

Aspiring restaurateurs in Park Slope should study this convivial Fifth Avenue staple before their own ribbon cutting ceremonies. Though it opened in 1998, Al di Là remains unsurpassed in the neighborhood. Excellent Northern Italian plates include the tagliatelle ragu, black spaghetti with octopus ragu and the braised rabbit.

For a chance to dine alongside local Brooklynites and feel like you’re part of a real NYC neighborhood, head to Park Slope, where al di la Trattoria is known for its delicious Northern Italian cuisine made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Recommended by the Michelin Guide each year, the menu changes often but typically includes staples like creamy mushroom polenta, ricotta ravioli, spaghetti neri alla chitarra (homemade black spaghetti with octopus confit, basil, and chili peppers), and braised rabbit. Save room for dessert: panna cotta, affogato, pear and chocolate cake, or homemade gelato.

Owned and operated by husband and wife team Emiliano Coppa and Chef Anna Klinger for nearly 25 years, al di la Trattoria is some of the best Italian in Brooklyn — proven by their Michelin rave reviews and New York Times accolades!. While their menu is rooted more in Northern than Southern Italian cooking, we’ve still included it on the list for its time-honored traditional recipes like the Ricotta Tortelli, Tagliatelle Al Ragu, and Saltimbocca Alla Romana. Be sure to top off your meal with a Creme Fraiche Panna Cotta!

al di la Trattoria is based on a love story: Venetian Emiliano Copa first met Chef Anna Klinger when she studied at the cooking school he operated. One of the grand dames of our list, this popular trattoria has served a savvy crowd of local NYU professors, media types and food-minded families in Park Slope for over a decade. al di la Trattoria serves traditional Venetian cuisine in a warm dining room with a hammered tin ceiling and lovingly mismatched light fixtures.

In its 26 years of operation, Al di Là has transformed from a hot spot with long lines to a quiet, dependable, neighborhood place — and the food has remained supremely praiseworthy. Folks say they love this spot for date nights, as the setting is intimate and rustic, reminiscent of a chic, Italian country home. You can't go wrong ordering the ravioli with ricotta and lemon, tagliatelle al ragù, the braised rabbit, and the creamy polenta.

Best for: walk-insSometimes all you want is a simple, no-frills supper at a casual neighbourhood spot where the staff know the locals by name and make you feel just as welcome. If you find yourself in this state of mind, you need to head to Al di Là. Ever discreet and charmingly rustic, this Park Slope staple is packed with old-world charm and has been serving up moderately priced Northern Italian food since 1998.

Before Brooklyn was cool, before it was synonymous with elevated farm-to-table dining, Al di La was serving seasonal Italian-inflected salads, pastas and meats — braised rabbit and tripe, for instance — from a modest corner in Park Slope. Not much has changed over the past few decades, aside from the addition of a cozy wine bar next door to handle the overflow from this no-reservations gastronomic mainstay.

Nestled on a peaceful corner in Park Slope, Al Di La Trattoria has been serving up handcrafted, simple Italian cuisine since the 1990s. It’s a classic mom-and-pop operation run by a husband and wife duo and is under the helm of chef Anna Klinger,” said the author, suggesting “comforting dishes” like large pasta loops with heritage pork shoulder ragu and a wide range of interesting Italian wines.

First on our list is Al di la trattoria, which you will find on 5th Avenue in Park Slope. Their menu is rooted in Northern Italian cuisine and each ingredient is responsibly sourced by local farmers who work sustainably. It is run by Emiliano Coppa and the chef, Anna Klinger consistently promises to produce high-quality dishes from delicious antipasti, to creamy tagliatelle to ricotta ravioli.

From the moment I walked into al di la Trattoria, I was greeted with an ambiance that transported me straight to the cobblestone streets of Italy. The dimly lit space and vintage decor created a beautiful ambiance that set the stage for a memorable dining experience. As I perused the menu, my eyes were immediately drawn to a dish featuring nourishing carrots as the star ingredient.

What to order: Malfatti, Tortelli, Tagliatelle Al Ragu, Spaghetti Neri Alla Chitarra, Saltimbocca Alla Romana, and Risotto. The warm, woody vibe of Al Di La Trattoria. After over 20 years in the business, Al Di La remains one of the best Italian restaurants in the city, owned and operated by husband and wife Emiliano Coppa and Chef Anna Klinger.

248 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215Phone: 718-783-4565 Visit Website. If you’re someone with a bit of an old-school sensibility, ai di la Trattoria is a spot for you. Since it opened a few blocks from the Old Stone House in 1998, ai di la has specialized in Northern Italian food and great wine inside an old-world-feeling dining room.

Husband-and-wife team Emiliano Coppa and Anna Klinger opened Al di Là on Park Slope's Fifth Avenue in 1998—long before the stretch became dotted with restaurants. Over a decade later, Brooklyn newcomers still brave the long waits for Northern Italian dishes like the now infamous braised rabbit with black olives and polenta.

For good eats, it's best to head straight to Fifth Avenue, where you can find many fantastic dining options, from vegan eats to al di la Trattoria and Stone Park Cafe, which are two of Brooklyn's most beloved restaurants. Or you can head to Flatbush Avenue, where you can choose from restaurants near the Barclays Center.

Wide variety of Italian dishes, cozy atmosphere, excellent wine list, positive reviews on food and service. Somewhat expensive, reservations may be required, limited vegetarian options, cash-only policy, small dessert selection. Italian cuisineFamily-owned Wine list Brooklyn Reservations recommended

Guests dine on northern Italian cuisine at communal tables, most of which are reserved for walk-ins. The Infatuation's Andrew Steinthal calls it a low-key spot that doesn't abuse the credit card. Check out The Infatuation's review of Al Di La Trattoria here

And, of course, you can’t leave Brooklyn without noshing on pizza. DUMBO’s classic old-school pizzeria, Grimaldi’s is a must-visit. The aforementioned Roberta’s is another sure-fire bet, while Di Fara’s is nothing short of a Brooklyn icon.

The food offered by Al Di Là is firmly rooted in the traditions of Northern Italian cuisine. Try the calf liver “alla veneziana” and the tortelli di zucca. In fairness, prices are also a high yes at Al Di Là.

This family owned and operated restaurant has been serving up authentic Italian food in Brooklyn since 1998, which means if you still haven’t been there you are way behind the times.

Not that Park Slope is dying from a lack of Italian restaurants, but al di la offers a homey-ambiance that Sotte Voce lacks and a dessert menu that all the rest lack.

In Park Slope, Al Di La for Italian (incredible food, but no reservations. Usually a wait). Miriam for amazing Israeli food.