Noodle Pudding is one of those ideal New York City neighborhood restaurants, situated in Brooklyn Heights since 1995. On a nice day when the huge front windows open up, it transforms the front of the dining room into a breezy patio. The walk-in Italian restaurant has mega-friendly service (orders and receipts are handwritten on guest check pads), and the portions are very ample (we had plenty of leftovers). Fan art is everywhere, from an illustrated print to the adorable handwritten review by a child for a school assignment in the bathroom. Chef and owner Tony Migliaccio’s last name can refer to an Italian pudding cake, which inspired the restaurant’s name.
The very-dirty gin martini (the menu notes it’s made with “ice cold” gin, or vodka, if you prefer) comes with a huge sidecar of the extra drink ($14).
It’s clearly a beloved destination for friends and families. There were so many groups of two or more seemingly catching up on life or celebrating milestone occasions. There were at least two birthdays where the staff placed a candle on a little dessert and sang while standing underneath adorable disco lights.
It’s cash-only, so either make sure you bring enough money (remember to tip!) or dip out to walk half a block south to Prestige Market for its ATM.