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Mariella
ZipPicks Awards
Best Italian in Park Slope
Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Park Slope
Best Farm to Table Restaurants in Park Slope
Master Critic Review
Mariella
8.1
This rustic rowhouse trattoria serves refined Italian dishes with strong gluten-free options, including gnocchi with rabbit ragu, short ribs, and veal piccata. The cozy dining room and sidewalk patio create an intimate setting for brunch classics with Italian twists like lemon ricotta pancakes and crabmeat eggs benedict.
Must-Try Dishes:
Short Ribs, Gnocchi with Rabbit Ragu, Lemon Ricotta Pancakes
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Extensive gluten-free menu with celiac-safe preparation
Who should go: Gluten-free diners and brunch enthusiasts
When to visit: Saturday brunch for pancakes and sidewalk seating
What to order: Burrata e melanzane, risotto special, branzino
Insider tip: Ask about nightly specials—short ribs and veal piccata rotate
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only on 6th Ave. Typically easier before 6pm; competition increases on weekends. No valet or dedicated lot.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual. Rowhouse setting is intimate but relaxed—jeans perfectly fine, no need to dress up.
Noise level: Quiet to moderate - cozy and intimate. Great for conversation. Note: interior is quite dark (some diners use phone lights to read menus).
Weekend wait: 20-30 min without reservation; very small space fills quickly. Book via OpenTable recommended.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service Tue-Fri. Dinner opens 4:30pm with easier walk-in availability.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - solid options including salads, risotto specials, and multiple pasta dishes with vegetable-based sauces
Vegan options: Limited - some salads adaptable and staff will accommodate; confirm with kitchen when ordering
Gluten-free options: Check website for updated information
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Ideal. Candlelit tables, rustic rowhouse charm, quiet enough for intimate conversation. Request outdoor patio in warm months for extra ambiance. Cozy without feeling cramped.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday dinner (Tue-Thu) usually yes, especially at 4:30pm open. Weekend brunch and Friday/Saturday dinner—reserve via OpenTable. The space is very small, so waits happen even midweek when busy.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes - listed as good for kids on Yelp. Outdoor patio works well for families. Pasta dishes appeal to children, and staff is accommodating. Best for kids who can sit through a relaxed meal rather than high-energy toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Gluten-free diners seeking serious Italian (not just token GF options), couples wanting romantic without pretense, brunch with Italian twists like lemon ricotta pancakes and crabmeat eggs benedict
Skip if: You need quick service, want a lively/loud scene, or prefer large portions (some find plates modest).