Destefano's Steakhouse

I fancy myself a steak house connoisseur. This place ranks amongst the best . My personal Zagat Rating: 27:20:20: $70 more

I loved this restaurant! The food is so delicious and the atmosphere is great. A nice peaceful place to eat in an elegant setting. Highly recommend! more

I took my girlfriend here for her birthday last night after reading so many positive reviews from citysearch. The other reviewers were right on the money with 5 stars! When we first walked in after finding the right entrance to restaurant (make sure you go to the door that leads to the bar!) we were greeted by a friendly waitress who confirmed our reservations. Reservations were also very simple through an online service called opentable. The restaurant has an authentic family charm to it with it's wall lined with school pictures. I remember pictures like this from my childhood as well. It's not cheesy like some Manhattan establishments that plays on their reputation or tries to be artsy. The restaurant is all class. They have a great prefix on Thursdays that includes a 3 course dinner. We both ordered the fillet mignon medium. The cut was 8 ounces but they offer a 12 ounce on the regular menu. The meat was great and quite filling, we both cleared our plates. It came out just the way we had asked it to be cooked and had been nicely flavored that we didn't need to use any additional sauces. The sides and appetizers were equally as good. One reviewer had gave a negative comment about their fries but I had them and they were great. Fresh, crispy and tasty. Service was prompt, friendly and professional. They really do treat you like family there. We had the pleasure of meeting the owners and talking to them for several minutes as we were leaving. I have to say they are great people and know how to take care of their customers. They even threw in some freebies and bought us a drink just help us celebrate the birthday. Price for the whole meal was good too. Much less than you would pay in a premier Manhattan steakhouse and better food too. Thanks to the owners and great staff, we will be visiting the restaurant again! Pros: Service, food and ambiance more

I took my friend Bob Kidney who was in town recording his solo record out for dinner at Destafano's last night.\r He said his crab cakes were the best he had ever had, while my pear arugula salad with crispy pancetta was an amazing blend of flavors and texture.\r The bread comes from an italian bakery around the corner and is so good to dip in the olive oil balsamic pepper and sea salt that one has to be careful not to ""fill up on bread""\r Bob ordered the 24 ounce ribeye and it was an unbelievable sight! It was the tastiest rib eye that I have ever tried, I'm getting this next time!\r My selection, the filet mignon was a knockout. I am a filet guy and this one didn't disappoint , cooked to perfection and yes you do not need a steak knife to slice it, the butter knife will do nicely.\r The cheesecake is something you have to try, it is the best italian cheesecake I have ever had (sorry Grandma) with the fresh ricotta cheese accented by just a hint of vanilla.\r Our waitress Michelle was really great and Joe Stefano stopped our table several times to make sure all was well.\r Stefano's is a must go to destination for anyone interested in a Five Star Brooklyn original! Pros: The Best Steak more

Well I went to Destefano's for my birthday as a surprise and a surprise it was! My wife took me here and it was our 1st time. But Joe the owner didn't treat us like new comers NO SIR, he gave me a little chat on the history of the restaurant, which was a very enjoyable conversation in itself. We ordered some great wine and then The Juicy Steak Came, better than Peter Lugars in my mouths opinion WOW!!! There was no holding back here it was a huge steak cooked to perfection with great creamy mashed potatoes on the side. Then when I was stuffed and couldn't eat another bite I look on the menu and what catches my eye? Ricotta-Cheesecake and get this it's Homemade!! I saviored every bite words can not describe this, you have to go try this trust me you won't regret it. On my way out I thanked Joe for a great birthday dinner and what does this owner do? He buys my wife and I a shot of my choice on the house for my birthday. So all in all Great food, Great owner, Great Place! Thanks Joe Pros: Joe the owner, Steaks, Cheesecake!! Cons: What Cons? more

I haven't written a review for any restaurant in ages, but the experience at Destefano's was so wonderful that I had to add my two cents. I went the first time less than a month ago and returned last night and hope to return many more times. The filet is the best I have ever had, so big I can't finish it, and it tastes even better the next night. The carrots and mashed potatoes are also so tasty - I've never been one to eat my vegetables, but I clean my plate. The tiramisu came compliments of the owner when I told him it was my mom's birthday. They actually shut all the lights off and brought it to her with a candle. It feels more like an Italian restaurant than a steakshouse, and I liked it. Worth the trip to Brooklyn. Can't wait to go back. Pros: awesome steaks, homey feel Cons: not in manhattan more

Dee's has the best filet mignon I have ever had and I order steak at every restaurant I go to. Also, they have recently added a price fixed menu for a few days of the week (Tues, Wed, Thurs, and Sun.. I think) and it is the best value in NYC. You get a choice of 3 apps, 3 entrees, and 3 desserts for $23!!! The bad thing about the price fixed menu is that I don't order the Filet anymore.\r \r I have been to Dee's about 10 times and have always had an outstanding meal. I am looking forward to eating my leftovers tonight for dinner. Pros: prix fixe menu, wait staff, bacon wrapped asparagus more

This is an amazing little place, a bit off the beaten path, but not out of the way. The owner was very friendly, and gave us some of the story. His family has owned the building since 1919, and the space has been many things, but never a restaurant until 2007. His wife is also the salad chef. The place is really clean, with a very comfortable and classy atmosphere. The walls are lined with old family photos, and celebrity stills. The menu is diverse, and has something for everyone, though it is primarily Italian. There's plenty of beef, some pork, pasta, chicken and fish, several salads and a couple soups. The best was when we sat down, the waitress brought us walnut stuffed fried prunes wrapped in bacon. Wow! Then plenty of fresh bread with olive oil with whole peppercorns, like my mom used to make! I had a Kobe Beef burger that was just succulent, and a good garlicky side of spinach that wasn't overdone like spinach often comes. My friend had a great pasta with chicken. The pasta is fresh, and comes hand made from the pasta store on the same block! The owner said it's never frozen or dried. It had a texture that was unlike anything that can be bought in a supermarket. What pasta should be! Then the french onion soup was good too, especially the cheese! We were stuffed, and it was about time to go, but we HAD to try the desert when we heard it was ricotta cheese-cake! What a treat, and on top of that the espresso was some of the best I've had in a long time. Delicious, and not very bitter. They had a very extensive wine list with a good range of prices, from upper 20s, to over 200 bucks a bottle, but only a couple of beers, if that's your thing. So all of this deliciousness came to about 75 bucks plus tip. A pretty good deal for the quality and quantity of the food, and the whole experience was very friendly and comfortable. Please go! You won't regret it, even if you have to travel! Pros: Food, atmosphere, value, service, music Cons: A little off the beaten path. more

WOW !! Destefano's Steakhouse is by far the best. Starting with the fabulous Crab cakes which were so fresh and tasty. The Porter house was cooked perfectly and was seasoned just right. The meat was so tender I cut it with a butter knife. We had sauteed spinach with garlic and oil and it tasted awesome. The home made cheesecake for dessert was like eating fresh ricotta. It just does not get better than that.\r The service was fantastic. Our waitress was terrific from cocktails to dessert! Joe the owner was very pleasant. It was my first time there but he made me feel like I was a regular. The dining room was immaculate. This place is a total package with a pretty red bow on top. Pros: service and food more

One of the best dining experiences I've ever had! Service was great, very personal. The owner, Joe came over and made sure everything was right and the food was outstanding. Made us feel right at home, like we were among friends. We were in steak mode, so we didn't do salads or appetizers (wanted to save room for the main course). We had a rib eye and a filet mignon and they were perfect. I was wondering why the server didn't bring steak knives to the table with our meals and was about to ask for one - no need, the meat was so tender, we just used our butter knives. If you love a good, make that great steak, do yourself a favor and check this place out! This is my first time reviewing a meal and I opened a citysearch account just so I could write one on this restaurant. It was that good! (oh yeah, in case you're from out of town, this is close to the G train, Metropolitan Ave. subway stop. That's how we got there) Pros: One of the best steaks I've ever had. Great, personal service. Cons: Not overly priced, but not cheap. more

Hey folks, I'm Jodi (AntoinetteZ's friend from Florida) & she said it all !! I am a native New Yorker so I am no stranger to a good steak & let me tell you that the filet mignon I had was out of this world, the best I ever had !\r All of the food was awesome from the cocktails to dessert. Joey & Eleanor are the greatest hosts of this fine restaurant. The ambiance is warm. friendly, charming & fun . . . you won't want to leave. Just go there already ! You won't be disappointed , I promise. Thanks Joey & Eleanor for a fantastic evening! Wishing you continued success !!! Please open a restaurant in Florida !!! Pros: Awesome Steaks, Great Service, Wonderful Ambiance & Fabulous Hosts Cons: I had to go back to Florida & didn't get another chance to dine there. more

Ok let me start off tellin you I have known Joey and Elenor for around 35 yrs. My parents use to work the feasts with joe and his uncle John who was an awesome cook. I had good friends in from florida and wanted to take them someplace good, even tho i have never been to dee's steakhouse before, i decided that i would give it a shot and I am so happy we did. Let me start with the atmosphere it was small but very cozy, family pictures all over the walls,pictures of movies and actors that we from brooklyn and of course pictures of mt carmel feast which brought tears to my eyes the good memories.ok now the food ,they start u off with italian bread and an olive oil dip for the bread that was so good , the salad was just perfect now omg let me tell u I had the filet mignon which just melted in your mouth never had a piece of meat so good i cant even find the right words of how good it was, we are still talkin about it. Everyones food was just perfect. I still cant believe that we didnt get steak knives you cut ya meat with butter knives thats how tender it was, Everything was prepared to PERFECTION. My friends have gone back to Florida and she has called me 2 times tellin me what a great restaurant dee's steakhouse was and how great the food was and trust me here she knows shes been to the best of restaurants for steak. She also couldnt get over how friendly joe n Elenor were with the customers not just with us because they knew us, but with all their customers.I just want to say if you like steak you have to visit dee's steakhouse and believe me it wont be just 1 time and you wont be sorry. I noticed in a few of the comments some said its pricey but if the food service and atmostphere is good who cares about the price, just remember you get what you pay for :))) Joe and Elenor just want to say thanks again for a great night will definetly see you next month for moms birthday love ya antoinette Joe uncle john would be so very proud of you Pros: just have to say it was the best food i had no complaints here very satisfied for sure Cons: none wait i didnt want to leave had a great time more

Amaizing ambiance! Its very warm, very ""home like"" -- food is delicious: Meat is extremely tender - NO STEAK KNIFES NEEDED!!!!!!\r \r Must try the ricotta cheesecake. Definitely the best cheesecake in NY. \r \r Great costumer service - CAN'T wait to go back. Pros: Excelent Food more

I discovered Williamsburg earlier this month and just this past Sunday returned with my hubby. The restaurant I had already patronized was closed, but during our walk we had spotted Destefano's and went back to Conselyea to give it a try. The restaurant was not quite open, but we were immediately welcomed and seated by a smiling server. The atmosphere was fantastic because the walls are lined not only with a pictoral family history, but other Brooklyn residents - some famous, others not so much. I asked the server about the history and she told me what she was aware of and told me a man named ""Joe"" was the owner. Not too long afterward a man strolled in who I knew just had to be Joe and he appeared to be very approachable. I immediately asked if his name was Joe and he confirmed it. He came over and filled us in on some of the history of which the server was unaware. As a genealogist, I was thrilled to hear the property has been with the family since 1919. Our appetizers arrived and Joe excused himself with ""Eat your crab cakes before they get cold"". About the crab cakes - which my husband ordered - mmmmmm. My hubby said they were the best he'd ever had. I had a house salad that was out of this world and filled with surprise flavors with each fork full. We both ordered the skirt steak which is made in a brasciole style. The steak was tender and tasty. The mashed potatoes and carrots were a treat as well tasting just like my Mom's. The final tally was very reasonable considering the amount and quality of food we had, the atmosphere and service. We cannot wait to go back. Pros: Everything Cons: I live in Manhattan more

Hey cuz,\r just wanted to let you know that we were very happy when we took Nana (AuntLou ) there for her 88th birthday. seeing the pictures on the wall made me realize i missed so many of our family memembers ... im so glad that you and your family kept the destefano's alive by having this great place to eat i love the ravilios they were awsome , the serve was so warm and friendly it made you feel like you were eating with the family . keep up the good work cuz the food was great.anybody looking for a great steakhouse and warm caring service check us out love you cuz. the service was great Pros: the pros are i loved it more

DeStefano's has a very warm and welcoming environment. Joey and his lovely wife greeted us promptly, and immediately we felt like family. There are pictures on the corridor wall of famous movies and movie stars from Brooklyn. The restaurant itself is filled with photos of family and friends which warms the heart. There is plenty of old memorabilia which brought back wonderful feelings of simpler times when we were children raised in Brooklyn. Ok, the food....OH MY GOD!!! My husband and I eat out about 2x a week but DeStefano's is, by far, one of the best restaurants. On a scale of 1-10 we rate it 11!! They start you off with delicious bread with olive oil for dipping. We went with a hearty appetite so we ordered the Pear, Arugula & Pancetta salad and Mozzarella De Crustino for starters. Out of this world! My husband had the Skirt Steak a la Brasciole and I had the Hangar Steak with Pomegranate Reduction. Both were so tender you don't even need a knife. Absolutely delicious. I had to refrain from moaning after every bite! The side dishes were amazing as well. We had the Maple Glazed Carrots and Broccoli Rabe w/Sweet Peas. Both entrees also came with Garlic Mashed Potatoes which were rich and creamy. As if we didn't eat enough, we go ahead and order dessert which was to die for. I had Panna Cotta w/Strawberries and Crushed Almonds. My husband had the Italian Ricotta Cheesecake. Sinfully delicious. The service was excellent, the staff was friendly and accommodating. We enjoyed the background music which was a mix of music sung by who else? Brooklyn-born singers! We hung around with Joey afterwards talking about what else? Brooklyn! We will definitely be back and Joey if you read this...thanks a lot for a wonderful evening and we WILL be seeing you again! Love Ya! Daniela & Lou Pros: Delicious Food, Excellent Service, Warm Friendly Atmosphere! Cons: Absolutely none! more

I wanna tell you about my experience at DeStefanos the other night. Not that I'm a stranger to a good steak anyway let me tell you . I went there the other night and ordered a ribeye steak. 24 oz of the best steak you ever put in your mouth. I'm getting off track again, let me tell you so my steak comes to the table and the people at the next table see my steak and ask me how many peolple that steak was for, and me being all by myself told them with a smile. it was just for little old me. I guess they were first timers there and they said they would come back for the ribeye and I told them not a bad idea.\r Pros: great people, great food more

I have never had a better Filet Mignon. You can cut it with a butter knife! The homemade Ricotta Cheesecake was the only cheesecake I have ever liked. I will be back in Brooklyn on another business trip and I won't go anywhere else for dinner. Pros: Steak Cons: Parking more

Let me set the scenario for you: after 45 minutes in traffic from Queens, our party of four was about to choke each other by the time we got to Brooklyn. We drove around, found parking and walked into DeStefano's... The owners greeted us at the door and saw ""the looks""... We were warmly welcomed anyway. Joey Dee and Eleanor had us all on a first name basis by the time we walked across the restaurant to our table... Joey ""introduced"" us to everyone in the family photos spanning generations on the wall and in no time, we were ""part of the family"" too... We absolutely fell in love with him! OK... enough of that... now, the food... We each ordered a different appetizer... the mozzarella crustini melted in my mouth, the short rib spring rolls made me positively weak, and I had never gotten excited over a crab cake until that night... For dinner, I ordered the hangar steak which was cooked exactly right and in the most amazing pomegranate reduction... I could not do a description justice, except to say that you'd be INSANE not to try it... The others ordered a porterhouse for two and a rib-eye... the portions were tremendous but so delicious that there was (almost) nothing left at the end of the meal... Also, there were special fries they made that night (not a regular menu item, but wow!)... I have NEVER had anything like them... they were unbelievable! Joey Dee recommended wines to go with everyone's dinner which were just perfect... And dessert... mamma mia! The very thought of the cheesecake and espresso still make me swoon! After dinner, we departed with hugs and a handful of business cards to give to everyone we know... We've been back several times and it only gets better and better... We adore this place, it's charming proprieters and the great staff! This is a do-not-miss restaurant!\r \r We gladly sit in traffic anytime as long as it's on the way to DeStefano's Steak House!! Pros: Amazing food, amazing people... Fabulous wine list! Cons: Can't think of any...scout's honor! more

My husband and I have eaten at DeStefano's on numerous occasions. The staff is great and the food is always excellent. Our personal appetizer favorites are the Spinach Salad and the Mozzarella de Crustino. The Filet Mignon is the best I have ever eaten and my husband says the same of the Veal Chop. Finally, eating at the restaurant is like a walk down memory lane and the 'feel"" of Brooklyn is everywhere. Overall, a perfect night out Pros: you don't know what your missing !!!! Cons: NONE!! more