I'll take Cucina
Al di La is overpriced, there's always a long wait, and there aren't very many vegetarian selections. In addition, they are a terrible neighbor, spilling their mop water out their side-entrance door, right next to an apartment building.    [20 May 2003 09:50:11]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: Nada

     ­Anonymous   

Worth going to Brooklyn
The wallpaper's beautiful, the artwork eclectic -- and that's true of the food as well. Consistantly good since it opened, pleasing staff, and excellent wine selection at a variety of prices.    [29 May 2003 15:37:06]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: Favorites: the malfatti, airy swisschard dumplings with browned butter; the beet ravioli; the rabbit with black olives; and just about any special.

     ­Anonymous   

Yummy!
It's the food that's great, not the cramped atmosphere. No reservations, always a wait because it's so good.    [21 Jun 2003 15:39:35]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: beet ravioli

     ­Anonymous   

One of NYC 10 best
The most exactingly consistent restaurant I know. Anna Klinger is an excellent chef, amazing considering she has an infant. The quality ingredients are not ever masked. I have dined here many times and have introduced a number of friends to the restaurant with only one less than glowing reaction.    [16 Jul 2003 23:43:54]

Food: -   Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: calves liver w. sauteed onions in balsamic reduction and polenta. clams vongole....the entire menu and specials. the wine list, especially the reds.

     ­Anonymous   

Excellent Food
I've never been to an Italian restaurant like this before. No red sauce, and exciting dishes like the malfatti. Everything is delicious and the decor is romantic. Worth the wait and the close quarters.    [29 Jul 2003 12:31:53]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: beat ravioli, any dessert

     ­Anonymous   

Wonderful and original
The only bad thing about Al Di La is that the wait can be long. But you can spend your time at the bar across the street...and it's well worth the wait. The atmosphere is elegant electic, crafted around a huge glass chandelier from Murano (near Venice). The food is authentic Venetian and is not found on other New York menus. The Malfatti Pasta (means "badly formed") and Casumziei (Beet Raviolis) are wonderful. Emiliano is from Venice and his wife (the chef) have one of the finest restaurants in Brooklyn..no, in New York.    [07 Sep 2003 16:39:18]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: Malfatti, Casumziei, Pork Saltimboca

     ­Richard   

No Reservations?
Arrived at 7:15 to find that a table wouldn't be available till 9:30-No reservations are accepted but the lady in front of me left her cell number with the proprietor so he would call her when it was ready. He had a book of names and cell numbers of people in front of me "waiting for a table".
Having enjoyed the food on an earlier visit was the cause of the return trip but no reservations accepted does not truly mean first come first served anymore.
The bottom line if your not from the neighborhood is don't bother making the trip unless you want to eat at another fine restaurant.    [22 Sep 2003 15:24:34]

Food: -   Service:    Ambiance: -   Overall: 

     ­Anonymous   

One of the best values in New York
Al Di La is one of the best restaurants in NYC, has excellent service, and would cost four times as much if it were in Manhattan. You can beat the crowds by showing up early.    [03 Jun 2004 09:11:00]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: Malfatti, anything

     ­Anonymous, Park Slope, Brooklyn   

Who cares about the wait?
I had dinner at Al Di La with some friends on a Saturday evening. The wait was over an hour, but we parked ourselves in the wine bar and had a grand time. Excellent appetizers. Dinner was fantastic and I hopped on a plane for Italy the next morning and only one meal in two weeks compared with Al Di La.    [28 Jul 2004 21:44:02]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 

     ­Steven   

Distinguished, Authentic
My daughter, a Parkslope resident and I, suggested we have a meal there. We arrived early to avoid the crowds. We were seated promptly (this is the only way) and found the food original and creatively cooked.
We left feeling satiated and savoring our next visit there. I still remember the wonderful ricotta tart, light airy and tasty. Dishes were exceptional, served in true Italian style: primo, secondi,service
consistent and discreet. JT    [08 Mar 2005 13:23:55]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 

     ­tiaotse   tiaotse at yahoo dot com