Note from Becca and Cori Sue: Introducing Saro, our dear friend who was raving so much about this brunch (which he had during a recent trip to New York) that we asked him to write about it.
Rather than trying our hand at brunch in Manhattan, my friend insisted that Brooklyn’s South Park Slope neighborhood could offer much the same in food but without the prices or ridiculous waits that you get in the city.
Photo credit: Christy Pessagno
So, there we were, standing outside the iron doors of Bar Toto, admiring the gorgeous Brooklyn neighborhood, and waiting. Well, not for long. Before I even stepped inside the restaurant, I could sense there was something that was ultra appealing about the place. Even from the outside, it positions itself as a neighborhood joint—and those are the kind of no-frills places I like.
Inside, music from the Amelie soundtrack was piping through the speakers; the staff had a very European sense of style; and the design and décor of the restaurant was endearing. I felt like I could have been standing in a similar establishment in England or France. Except, this was an Italian restaurant.
Photo credit: Saro
The brunch menu, while not extensive, offered some very tempting options, and the waitress was more than happy to accommodate minor requests. I knew right away that I would be ordering the French toast topped with warm caramelized apples. At $12, the decision was easy (this is, after all, New York). The toast was rich and delicious and was only complemented by the sweet apple topping.
Photo credit: Saro
My friend asked for the stack of pancakes with berry compote, which looked fantastic, but I’m not enough of a Bitch Who Brunches yet to start picking off other people’s plates with no warning. So, I can’t attest to the taste other than to say my friend was very happy.
To make a long story short, I would definitely go back to Bar Toto for brunch again or even to try out their regular entrees next time I am in New York. I was well impressed.
Bar Toto
411 11th St at 6th Ave
Park Slope, Brooklyn, NY 11215
(718) 768-4698
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