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Tutt Heights Cafe
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Tutt Heights Cafe
8.3
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Hidden Gems Heaven
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Tutt Heights is an unpretentious Egyptian-leaning cafe tucked off the Brooklyn Heights Promenade, serving zaatar-covered pitza, grilled meats and big salads at neighborhood prices. Hundreds of reviews point to friendly service and consistently satisfying plates that feel more home-style than polished.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Tutt Platter, Zaatar Bread Pitza, Falafel Platter
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Casual Middle Eastern cooking with generous portions and prices that still feel old Brooklyn Heights.
Who should go: Budget-minded locals craving shawarma, zaatar bread and salads.
When to visit: Lunch and early dinner for easier seating in the tiny room.
What to order: Chicken Tutt platter, zaatar pitza, a shared falafel or shepherd salad.
Insider tip: Space is tight—many regulars call ahead and take plates to the nearby promenade.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited availability near the promenade and very difficult after 6pm.
Dress code: Very casual — jeans, sneakers, and everyday wear are perfectly fine.
Noise level: Low to moderate — you can comfortably hold a conversation even when busy.
Weekend wait: 20–35 minutes during peak dinner hours due to the small dining room
Weekday lunch: No wait to 10 minutes most days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — strong selection including falafel, salads, hummus plates, and zaatar pitza
Vegan options: Yes — several naturally vegan options like falafel, lentil soup, hummus, baba ghanoush, and salads
Gluten-free options: Limited — some grilled proteins and salads work, but cross-contact is likely
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual daytime or low-pressure meet-up than a romantic evening — it’s cozy, simple, and more about quick comfort food than ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — they don’t really take reservations, so it’s first-come, first-served; arriving slightly before peak hours makes it easy.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who enjoy grilled meats and flatbreads, but space is tight and there aren’t high chairs or a kids menu.
Best For
Better for: Fast, affordable Middle Eastern comfort food with generous portions and real neighborhood character.
Skip if: You’re looking for polished Mediterranean dining, a date-night atmosphere, or a quieter upscale experience.
Tutt Heights Cafe
7.9
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Group Dining Gatherings
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Tutt Heights Cafe is a modest Egyptian-leaning Middle Eastern spot on a quiet Brooklyn Heights block, known for zaatar-covered pitza, platters, and mezze at neighborhood prices. With decades of local love and sidewalk seating, it functions as a casual hangout for soups, salads, and grilled plates before or after a walk along the nearby Promenade.
Must-Try Dishes:
Zaatar pitza with olive oil and herbs, Falafel plate with salads and pita, Foul or lentil soup with warm bread
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: An Egyptian-run cafe where zaatar breads, mezze, and platters come out of a tiny kitchen with old-school Brooklyn pricing.
Who should go: Budget-minded locals craving relaxed, homey Middle Eastern plates.
When to visit: Lunch and early dinner for easier seating inside or outside.
What to order: Zaatar pitza, falafel or mixed appetizer plate, lentil or foul soup.
Insider tip: If the weather’s good, aim for sidewalk tables and treat it as an informal pre- or post-Promenade meal rather than a drawn-out sit-down dinner.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited availability on nearby residential blocks and can be difficult evenings after 6pm. Most locals walk.
Dress code: Very casual — jeans, sneakers, and relaxed everyday wear are perfectly fine.
Noise level: Low to moderate — generally easy to hold a conversation, especially during lunch and early dinner.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes during peak early evening, especially if sidewalk seating is popular.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — falafel, mezze, soups, salads, zaatar breads, and multiple vegetable-based platters.
Vegan options: Yes — falafel, hummus, baba ghanoush, foul, lentil soup, and several mezze are naturally vegan.
Gluten-free options: Limited — some grilled meats and salads work, but breads and shared prep areas limit strict gluten-free dining.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, low-pressure first meetup than a romantic date — it’s relaxed, affordable, and conversation-friendly, but not designed for dressed-up intimacy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — they don’t take reservations and operate entirely walk-in. Off-peak hours are easiest.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — simple menu items, informal service, and outdoor seating make it comfortable for kids, though it’s best for elementary-age and up.
Best For
Better for: Neighborhood-priced Middle Eastern comfort food, casual outdoor dining, and unfussy mezze-focused meals.
Skip if: Skip if you’re looking for upscale ambiance, trendy cocktails, or a destination-worthy Middle Eastern dining experience.