La Palina Restaurant

I often get nervous when trying a restaurant for the first time. For some reason I try to interpret the bad reviews. Which is what I did before making reservations at La Palina. An Italian restaurant in a section of Brooklyn I rarely have reason to be in. Difficult to park (if you prefer not to valet, which is an option). We were seated near the kitchen, but I had a view of the dimly lit, aged restaurant. Service was slow to begin. Then the bus boy greeted us with water. Then bread. Then garlic bread. Then he lit the candle on the table. Then the server took our drink order, and things progressed quickly, and perfectly. Baked clams: delicious. Mussels marinara: perfection. Ravioli. Chicken rollatini. Zucchini (on the house). I never order cappachino, but I did this time. Delicious. Servers seemed to be on the job for many years, but instead of having an attitude, they excude professionalism. And very reasonably priced. Problem was I felt the ‘regulars’ ( and just about everyone else in the place was a regular; whenever someone new walked in they made the rounds, hugging & kissing the people seated) got preferential attention.

Classic Italian restaurant. I was expecting a bit more from the atmosphere but it is just an old school place. Food is great and that is the most important factor. Service is great as well. I had grilled salmon with spinach , so delicious, and my daughter got grilled shrimps with salad. We enjoyed the food. This place is more for older crowd, we were the youngest ones in the whole place.

I have been coming here 20 years + and it never disappoints. Everything I have tried is delicious fresh and is made with care. Every bite is like a hug. My favorite dish has to be the shrimp Oreganata. I alternate with the filet of sole oregenata. Anything oreganata!! I would probably eat a shoe from this place if it was oreganata. My wife gets the veal spiedini which is perfectly made. It is a great experience. They treat you like family. When you order an espresso they bring the bottle of Sambuca without even asking and they don’t bring you glass of sambuca with an espresso bean when you just want a little pour. This is my favorite Italian restaurant in a borough that is filled with great Italian restaurants