Stop by Noodle Pudding on a reasonably warm day, and the big front windows might be open, letting a breeze run through the old-school, Brooklyn Heights dining room. The space will inevitably fill up, and as neighborhood folks filter in to eat Italian food, some of them will turn to the bartender and say, “What’s up Tommy?” Feel free to do the same. Start your meal with the jumbo fritto misto (that comes with anchovies and shishito peppers), get some burrata, and order as much pasta as you can handle. The lasagna bolognese is always a good choice, although it’s about as large and dense as a car battery. And that’s only a slight exaggeration. After one meal at this charming spot with checkered tablecloths and servers in ties, you’ll want to become a regular—so head over tonight, and see if you can get the staff to remember your face. This place is cash-only, they don’t take reservations, and the bar is a wonderful spot for a solo meal.

photo credit: Emily Schindler