Bar Toto

11/24/09

My Favorite Restaurant in Brooklyn

by sro123 at Citysearch

The great thing about Bar Toto is that they are consistent. The menu is just large enough, but not too large. I have ordered everything on it, and I know what to expect every time. The menu doesn't change (except for specials, of course). There food is FABULOUS, by the way, and it reminds me of the food I have had when I've been in Italy. This is an authentic Italian restaurant and you can taste it (with some slight variations to keep the dumb Americans happy). The wine list is extensive. The bartender knows how to actually mix a drink. The beer is ice cold. And the best part is that the waitstaff is informed, kind, professional, and always helpful. I have gone many times for brunch, lunch, and dinner. I must say, my favorite time of day to eat here is at the lunch hour. With my kids in tow, I have had the best food, the finest service, and simply the most delightful times at this great restaurant.

• Pros: Excellent food
• Cons: CROWDED at night/no reservations taken

05/20/09

Eat there at least twice a week! Love it!

by ultidanno at Citysearch

My wife and I love Bar Toto. We used to live on 15th street, but moved to 3rd st a year ago. I think we go there more now. Certainly worth the walk. The bartenders are great, especially Megan, who will make you feel right at home. Peter, the owner, is very down to earth and will introduce himself to you in between helping the staff run plates from the kitchen to tables. The food is fantastic and very reasonably priced. They don't overdo anything, so pretty much what's on the menu is what you're expecting. Simple pasta dishes, very good pizza and amazing paninis. Their sandwiches come with a choice of salad or fries... I would get the fries- they're the shoestring-type, and worth the splurge. They always have a decent 4-beer tap and a full bar with a HUGE selection of grappa, if you're into that. Great place to get a bite before seeing a show at Barbes or Bell House. They also have great patio space, and since it's not on a main drag like 7th ave, one can actually tolerate sitting at the sidewalk tables. I, however, prefer the bar.

• Pros: Great value:::Great Service:::Great Bar:::Nice Staff
• Cons: Sometimes too crowded, but rarely turned away for a table

04/23/08

Delicious!

by lisag2423 at Citysearch

I love their specials! The owner is gracious and knowledgeable, always greets you with a smile. He makes up for the fact that they have one SUPER cranky b-tch there who never smiles, and feels as if she's doing you a favor by waiting on you. Hey Lady! I've waited tables, get over yourself!

The place is beautiful. seating outdoors is peaceful as it's on a non-busy street, and an all over great place.

• Pros: Great Atmosphere, Lovely bar, nice outdoor seating
• Cons: the meanest waitress in the world

03/27/08

great burger!

by piconyc at Citysearch

I wanted Italian, but once I was there, I ordered the panini burger. It was one of the best burgers I've ever had! And the fries were perfectly crispy and salty. I'll definitely go back.

• Pros: good food, reasonably priced
• Cons: tight seating

10/17/07

LOVE LOVE LOVE

by ccpdnyc at Citysearch

great staff...amazing food... great mood!

la la love it

great with locals and people visiting the hood~!

Editorial Review by Marcella Veneziale

by Contributor at Citysearch

Former owners of Luce have rechristened their space, serving unfussy and spot-on panini, pizza, and pasta to a local crowd.

09/14/06

Great company, food, delicious beverages and atmosphere

by localslope at Citysearch

A really friendly neighborhood bar where you can chat with friends, enjoy great food and feel free. Looking at some of these reviews reveals a lot of impatience in this neighborhood. Well that's too bad because this is the type of atmosphere where folks can ease back after a long day's work. It sounds cheesy but shiot......nothing wrong with a place where everybody knows your name.

• Pros: great place lots of fun

09/14/06

Grappa!!! Good Times!!

by silkstalkings at Citysearch

I love Bar toto I live in the neighborhood and love to go their with my friends and sit outside or sit by myself at the bar and make new friends. The staff is an ecclectic fun group of people, they seem like a real family their. Perhaps a bit dysfunctional at times, but that's what makes it charming! I have even seen The owner run down the street to say happy birthday to a "regular" and give a bottle of champagne. Great comfort food at a good price, cheap wine and a huge selection of grappas and amaros. A neighborhood Gem!

09/09/06

Best neighborhood place in the Slope

by stumpydelko at Citysearch

Bar Toto is the best neighborhood place in the Slope, bar-none. Owner Peter Scalfani makes everyone welcome and everyone known to each other - no matter if I go in alone or with my wife I hardly ever leave without having met new folks from the neighborhood or tightening ties with old ones. Good food, great place.

09/04/06

Relaxed, Comfortable Neighborhood Spot with GREAT Food

by gina_podesta at Citysearch

From the bruschetta to the pastas to the panini you can't go wrong at Bar Toto. Oh, and did I mention the pizza? Thin crust, made the Italian way - not that thick-crusted cardboard with fake cheese that passes for pizza in some parts.

Prices are very reasonable, the ambiance is nice, and it's an easy place to dine with kids where you can find something to feed them other than the fried chicken nuggets that populate so many other menus. Bar Toto is one of the few places in town that has great vegetable sides (roasted cauliflower and broccoli rabe are two favorites).

The atmosphere is relaxed and comfortable and its a place where most of the time you are seated quickly. While the service is relaxed, for the quality of the food and the moderate prices you shouldnt miss this place.

• Pros: Excellent food, great value, relaxed ambience