Felice Montague
ZipPicks Awards
Best Romantic Restaurants in Brooklyn Heights & Downtown Brooklyn
Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in Brooklyn Heights & Downtown Brooklyn
Master Critic Review
Felice Montague
8.2
Felice Montague brings a Tuscan-inspired wine bar and trattoria to a 1930s art deco building in the heart of Brooklyn Heights. Plush banquettes, candlelight, and a long list of Italian wines make it feel built for dates, from first glasses of Chianti to celebratory dinners. The menu focuses on pastas, crudo, and grilled mains that are approachable but polished enough for a dressed-up night out.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tagliatelle al Ragu Toscano, Cacio e Pepe, Branzino alla Griglia
Scores:
Value: 6.5
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Tuscan wine-focused dining room with art deco details and candlelit tables.
Who should go: Italian-leaning dates prioritizing wine, ambiance, and lingering conversation
When to visit: Evenings after dark when candlelight and bar energy peak
What to order: Tagliatelle ragu, cacio e pepe, grilled branzino
Insider tip: Start with an aperitivo at the bar, then move to a corner banquette for dinner.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Montague Street is limited, especially after 6pm; nearby paid garages on Court and Clinton Streets offer the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy; elevated denim is fine but most guests opt for polished tops, jackets, or dresses.
Noise level: Moderate with a warm buzz; easy to hold a conversation at tables, slightly livelier near the bar.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, with bar seats filling earliest.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait; the dining room stays calmer and more spacious.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several strong options including pastas, salads, and vegetable antipasti.
Vegan options: Limited; most dishes involve dairy, though a few appetizers and modified plates can work.
Gluten-free options: Gluten-free pasta is available upon request, and many crudo and grilled mains are naturally GF.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The candlelit ambiance, comfortable banquettes, and approachable Italian menu make it ideal for a first date where conversation and shared dishes shine.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Potentially. Early evenings and weekday slots offer the best luck; otherwise, bar seating is often the most realistic walk-in option.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly. The room skews adult and romantic, though older kids or teens accustomed to quieter dining rooms may be fine at early seatings.
Best For
Better for: A more polished wine-centric date night than nearby neighborhood trattorias, with stronger ambiance and a deeper Tuscan-leaning wine list.
Skip if: You want expansive vegan options, low noise levels, or a casual family-friendly setting; other Italian spots in the area may suit those needs better.