Antica Pesa Brooklyn: A Taste of Roman Heritage in Williamsburg
Nestled in the vibrant heart of Williamsburg, Brooklyn, Antica Pesa Brooklyn stands as a distinguished culinary outpost, bringing the authentic, time-honored flavors of Rome to the dynamic landscape of New York City. Located at 115 Berry St, Brooklyn, NY 11249, this establishment is more than just a restaurant; it is a cultural bridge, meticulously transplanting the spirit and culinary philosophy of its renowned Roman predecessor into a modern, yet deeply traditional, Brooklyn setting. The ambiance strikes a perfect balance—sophisticated enough for a special evening, yet warm and inviting enough for a regular gathering of friends. It represents a commitment to genuine Italian hospitality, where every dish tells a story rooted in centuries of Roman cooking tradition.
The essence of Antica Pesa lies in its dedication to quality ingredients and time-tested techniques. While the setting is distinctly New York, the culinary soul remains firmly planted in the Eternal City. Diners can expect an experience that honors the simplicity and depth of classic Roman cuisine, focusing on seasonal produce and expertly sourced components. This approach ensures that the flavors are pure, robust, and instantly transportive, offering a genuine escape to the cobblestone streets of Trastevere without ever leaving the borough.
Key Highlights of the Antica Pesa Brooklyn Experience
Authentic Roman Culinary Philosophy: The menu is deeply informed by the traditional recipes and cooking methods perfected over generations in Rome. This commitment ensures that staples like Cacio e Pepe or Carbonara are prepared with meticulous adherence to classic standards, offering an uncompromised taste of Italy's capital city cuisine.
Seamless Blend of Tradition and Modernity: While the recipes are historic, the presentation and dining environment reflect a contemporary sensibility fitting for its Brooklyn location. The design thoughtfully integrates rustic Italian charm with modern industrial aesthetics, creating a unique and visually appealing space that enhances the dining journey.
Focus on Ingredient Integrity: A core tenet of the restaurant’s operation is the unwavering focus on the quality and provenance of its ingredients. This dedication to sourcing the best components allows the inherent flavors of the dishes to shine through, reflecting a philosophy where less is often more when the foundation is strong.
Exceptional Hospitality: The service aims to mirror the warmth and attentiveness found in traditional Roman trattorias. Staff are knowledgeable about the menu's heritage and dedicated to ensuring every guest feels welcomed as part of the Antica Pesa family, fostering an atmosphere of relaxed elegance.
Exploring the offerings at Antica Pesa Brooklyn is an exercise in appreciating culinary history. It is a place where the slow art of Italian cooking is respected, where the pace of the meal encourages conversation and savoring, and where the connection between the plate and its origins is always clear. The restaurant successfully navigates the complex culinary landscape of New York by offering something truly specific and deeply rooted: an authentic slice of Roman dining culture.
A Destination for Authentic Italian Flavor
Antica Pesa Brooklyn has quickly established itself as a vital fixture in the neighborhood’s gastronomic scene, appealing to those who seek genuine Italian dining experiences beyond the familiar. It serves as a testament to the enduring power of regional Italian cooking when executed with passion and precision. Whether one is drawn by the promise of perfectly crafted pasta or the desire to soak in the sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere, a visit here promises a memorable encounter with Roman culinary artistry.
The location at 115 Berry St positions it perfectly within a neighborhood known for its appreciation of quality and innovation. Antica Pesa Brooklyn does not merely serve Italian food; it curates an experience that honors the legacy of its Roman roots while embracing the vibrant energy of its Brooklyn home. It is an essential stop for any serious enthusiast of Italian gastronomy looking for an authentic taste delivered with contemporary flair.
Strong commitment to tradition defines the experience here. The careful selection of wines, the preparation of classic antipasti, and the execution of main courses all speak to a deep respect for Italian culinary heritage. This dedication ensures that every patron leaves with a clear understanding of what true Roman dining entails, making Antica Pesa Brooklyn a cherished destination for authentic, high-quality Italian cuisine in the heart of New York City.
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Outdoor seating
Delivery
Takeaway
Dine-in
Highlights
Fireplace
Great cocktails
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great wine list
Live music
Popular for
Dinner
Solo dining
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Comfort food
Late-night food
Organic dishes
Spirits
Vegan options
Vegetarian options
Wine
Dining options
Dinner
Dessert
Seating
Table service
Amenities
Bar on site
Gender-neutral toilets
Toilet
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Cosy
Romantic
Trendy
Upmarket
Crowd
Family friendly
Groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Tourists
Transgender safe space
Planning
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
High chairs
Menus
Antipasti
CRUDO E BUFALA CROCCANTEUS$27.00
ANATRA, FICHI E SENAPEUS$26.00
PANZANELLAUS$18.00
POLPO ALLA LUCIANAUS$28.00
INSALATA DI RUCOLA, PESCHE E CAPRINOUS$22.00
Pasta
SPAGHETTI CACIO E PEPEUS$28.00
RIGATONI ALL’AMATRICIANAUS$28.00
SPAGHETTI ALLA CHITARRA, BURRO E ALICI CON PANE CROCCANTEUS$32.00
RISOTTO ALLA PIZZAIOLAUS$24.00
RAVIOLO, RICOTTA E SPINACIUS$34.00
Secondi
PARMIGIANA DI MELANZANEUS$30.00
PANCIA DI MAIALEUS$35.00
BRANZINO, FINOCCHI, ARANCE E OLIVE NEREUS$40.00
FIORENTINA | serves twoUS$155.00
Contorni
FAGIOLINIUS$13.00
PATATE ARROSTOUS$13.00
POMODORI E SCALOGNOUS$13.00
Dolci
TIRAMISÙUS$16.00
CANNOLIUS$16.00
GELATO ARTIGIANALEUS$14.00
BOMBA ALLA NUTELLAUS$18.00
Photos
Reviews Antica Pesa Brooklyn
Rosa Q
17-12-2025
This restaurant was recommended, by an Italian from Rome. I can say the dishes I had were as authentic as they could have. My last Italy trip was spent in Rome, Sardinia and Polignano a Mare, and I can say this restaurant hit different … More
Panagiotis Palagian
10-11-2025
This place is absolutely horrific. To spend $160 on pasta and a pork loin for the quality given is a travesty. Pork was hammered and overcooked, anchiovy pasta was rancid and tasted like fish left out for 5 days, and bambolino (donut with Nutella) was like chewing on cardboard. I rarely write reviews, but this place is absolute garbage. Absolute embarrassment.
Food: 1
Maanas Bhatt
15-10-2025
First time visiting Antica Pesa, had an absolutely incredible experience. Started with the mozzarella, which was rich and creamy. They make their own olive oil which I could not stop eating more of. Ordered the cacio e pepe which was creamy … More
Christopher Boettger
10-10-2025
We went to Antica Pesa after having two unforgettable dinners at Pierluigi’s in Rome years ago. We wanted to celebrate a special Birthday for our good friend turning 70. Thought this would be a great place to take him. Even told the person when making the reservation of the special occasion and it was totally ignored.
Unfortunately we were very disappointed.
We arrived when they opened at 6:00. The waiter was sharp and not at all friendly. He quickly asked for our order. We requested to order drinks first as we wanted to relax and read the menu. Our drinks arrived not as ordered (and found out later were ridiculously priced for the small drinks).
After getting our drinks the waiter once again immediately asked to submit our order. Found it to be rushed.
Our first course arrived and was ok ( filo baked buffalo mozzarella). Mozzarella was cold inside.
The second course also was paced well after.
Then we waited and waited for our entrees
When it finally came out the porterhouse was over cooked. (Requested medium rare) and it was tough and tasteless. Told our waiter and he apologized. Our plates sat for a while before being clearer after waiting another 10-15 minutes he came by and offered coffee but no dessert menu for the rest of the party. Two of us got the 4 course inclusive which included dessert (which waiter needed that order at the beginning of the evening)
Coffee came w no sugar or milk. That took 10 minutes to get. Once again no dessert was offered
After 30 minutes and we finally got the two desserts (cannolis) which were soggy, I couldn’t even eat mine.
Again we needed to wave down the waiter for the check. Now having been there for hours, he apologized for the porterhouse and took it off the check.
We were appreciative of that. But it was not the only problem, The service, food and drinks overall was very disappointing and over priced.
I was so disappointed and embarrassed as I picked it for this special occasion.
And after spending over $500.00 ( that’s with the $155.00 porterhouse was taken off) we all walked out angry.
Not what experienced in Rome.
I cannot recommend this place and will not recommend or return.
Price per person
$100+
Food: 1
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 2
Reservation
Not sure
Group size
3-4 people
Seating type
Private dining room
Harper Rose
09-10-2025
Was in New York for a weekend away and discovered this place and all its Roman glory. We booked a table for 2, myself and my Italian boyfriend. He’s super picky with Italian restaurants as he lives in Tuscany. This was as authentic as it gets. From atmosphere to the menu and exciting wine list. We stayed after for their jazz night. Loved it. All the excitement in one cozy stop. I wish I was in Brooklyn more often as I would love to make this our regular Thursday night dining destination.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Carmen Kujawska
03-10-2025
Thanksgiving dinner with my family was incredible — the food was excellent, and the service was even better. I’ll definitely be coming back; it truly feels like the staff has become part of my family. More
Enzo Chiaramonte
22-09-2025
Update !!!! We came back and it's held up to the test of time and COVID ! We came all the way to BK to celebrate our anniversary and their service , menu and ambiance is 5 stars from start to finish ! We started off with drinks by the … More
Zoe Rhulen
29-08-2025
One of the best meals I have ever had.
I came in solo on Christmas Eve. Everything was flawless— from the hostess who … More
Christopher Eu
27-07-2025
Beautiful space, very accommodating staff (we were 30mins late but they found us a table after a bit of back and forth, very gracious of them) and a very classic, authentic menu of Italian staples, executed with aplomb! Had a great time … More
Ashley McConnell
23-07-2025
My wife and I visited Brooklyn in April and made a last-minute reservation at Antica. From the moment we arrived, Lorenzo greeted us with exceptional warmth and created an atmosphere that felt both personal and inviting. His attentiveness made us feel like the only guests in the room.
The entire team contributed to an outstanding experience. Every detail was thoughtfully managed, from the courteous service of the staff to the skill and care evident in the kitchen. Our dishes arrived quickly and were prepared with remarkable precision and flavor. Lorenzo’s recommendations were excellent, and each plate exceeded our expectations.
Antica delivered one of the most memorable dining experiences we have ever had, and we look forward to returning on our next visit to the city.
Price per person
$50–100
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Nikhil Shah
21-07-2025
OMG! Oh.my.god! This place is a gem!
We had reservations at another place but due to a snafu, we were asked to wait … More
Zachary T Zhu
10-06-2025
One of the most creative presentations that I've seen for duck breast (didn't expect smoke to come out of the plate) and a genuinely unique flavor combination! Horseradish cream: I'll admit, I didn't think it would work but one of the best dishes I've had hands down in New York. The anchovy ravioli, with its salty umami flavor, cemented this restaurant as one of the all-time greats in New York in my eyes. Fun atmosphere and a great all-around experience!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$30–50
Arjun Mehta
08-06-2025
Absolutely incredible experience - our group of 6 unanimously agrees this was the best restaurant experience we have ever had. Beautiful evening ambience, warm and approachable, yet elevated and refined. First on the food: it was a whole new dimension of Italian food. Familiar dishes but with a new depth of flavor I had not experienced before. The restaurant’s roots are in Rome, which means they have a unique take on certain dishes.. there’s an emphasis on a very specific level of al dente pasta, a more intensely rich type of cacio e pepe, and pork sourced from Italy served as Guanciale (crispy bits served on top of your pasta).
The buffalo mozzarella crudo was delicious and delicate. The duck prosciutto had a pleasantly smokiness at the end of each bite, and the octopus was very tender and flavorful!
We were very well taken care of by our wonderful server Ricardo as well as Lorenzo, the owner himself! He suggested the best thing: they offered a Bitico (spelling?) which isn’t on the menu, but is like a split pasta dish where all of us could try two of their specialties on a single plate. Both the cacio e pepe and rigatoni were other worldly.
Overall I would highly recommend! We had such a wonderful time, such a warm welcome and lovely evening, along with an incredible dining experience! We’ll be back!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$50–100
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
christopher parham
16-04-2025
The dinner was a culinary explosion! . The food was fresh, authentic, and delicious. The decor was beautiful and added to the overall ambiance. The service was stellar, and the staff was attentive and knowledgeable. Lorenzo made me feel right at home.
I highly recommend this restaurant and look forward to dining here again in the future!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Nick Nava
16-04-2025
Absolutely loved this place and it had amazing Italian food that is comparable to the Italian restaurants with a month long wait. The service was impeccable and it was very well decorated inside. Everything we ordered was so good and I will be going back. More
David Q (davqh)
10-04-2025
If you are looking for authentic Italian cuisine and not Italian-American food Antica Pesa is the restaurant for you. While eating at Antica Pesa you will imagen that you are reliving your vacation in Rome and eating at a restaurant next to … More
Michael Lopez
27-02-2025
This has to be by far. The best Italian food I’ve ever tasted. Limited places in NYC have Rigatoni - Amatriciana, which was specifically why we chose this place. The Amatriciana was top tier. My wife had the Spaghetti Cacio E Pepe, she was extremely delighted with the portion served! The drinks were phenomenal! My wife had the cosmo! I had an Old Fashioned. If you’re looking to be welcomed with love and served with compassion and respect ON TOP of authentic Italian cuisines THIS IS THE PLACE!
P.S shoutout Lorenzo for making our dining experience the most memorable! By catering to any small necessity and taking PHENOMENAL pictures
Price per person
$50–100
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Noise level
Quiet, easy to talk
Group size
3-4 people
Wait time
No wait
Vlad Grubman
08-02-2025
Not gonna lie, I came in with high expectations. I was expecting a somewhat high end food (given the prices) and high end atmosphere. A trio wearing shorts, loudly slurping pasta, and picking their teeth suggested that my expectations might … More
Berhan Gökşin
07-02-2025
Such a warm and welcoming place! The staff are incredibly friendly and attentive, you can truly feel that authentic Italian warmth in the atmosphere. The food was absolutely delicious, everything was prepared with care and full of flavor. A wonderful experience from start to finish!
Price per person
$50–100
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Group size
9+ people
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Seating type
Indoor dining area, Bar area, Outdoor patio / terrace
Daniel Tierney
30-12-2024
They were able to accommodate us last minute and from the time you arrive to when you walk out the door the experience and food on point. They quality coming out of the kitchen is top notch and the knowledge of the rest of the staff excellent from the dishes, ingredients, drinks and wine they don’t miss a beat when you ask a question. Some of the food pics were taken after we started eating the plates come out like art on a plate.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$50–100
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Anatra Fichi E Gelato Alla Mostarda
Reviews Antica Pesa Brooklyn