Gargiulo's Italian Restaurant, Brooklyn

Matthew Cutolo, Pastry Chef

When you think of Coney Island, images of roller coasters, the boardwalk, and summer fun come to mind. But for generations of Brooklyn families, the real heart of the neighborhood beats inside a legendary dining room: Gargiulo's Restaurant. Founded in 1907, this historic institution is the oldest business still operating in Coney Island.

Gargiulo's Restaurant in 1907 — https://www.timeout.com/newyork/restaurants/gargiulos

I recently chatted with Matthew Cutolo, pastry chef at Gargiulo's Restaurant owned by his uncles and aunt, to hear how his family’s story intertwines with this iconic Brooklyn landmark.

Gargiulo's Restaurant - A century of Italian American tradition

In 1965, the Russo family—Matthew’s relatives—purchased Gargiulo's Restaurant from the original Gargiulo family. By then, the restaurant already had a reputation as the place to be in Coney Island during the roaring twenties and thirties. Weddings, anniversaries, Sunday dinners, and countless life celebrations unfolded beneath its chandeliers.

Matthew represents the third generation of his family in the business. Although he once studied accounting, he found himself drawn back to the family restaurant. Working side by side with relatives, he discovered his true calling in the kitchen as pastry chef.

Gargiulo's Restaurant: a Brooklyn icon with a storied past

Gargiulo's Restaurant has deep roots in the community. In 1977, the restaurant earned three stars from The New York Times—a groundbreaking honor for an establishment outside Manhattan—and lines soon stretched around the block.

In 1982 the family added a catering hall, which continues to host birthdays, anniversaries, and weddings. Today, many families even celebrate third-generation weddings: grandparents, parents, and now children have all chosen Gargiulo's Restaurant as the place to mark their milestones.

Gargiulo's Restaurant dining area — https://www.opentable.co.uk/r/gargiulos-coney-island-brooklyn

Coney Island, then and now

Coney Island has always carried a sense of mystique. Once the ultimate seaside escape, it faded during the mid-20th century but has been reborn in recent years. Matthew describes it as one of those neighborhoods that goes through peaks and valleys. Today, it’s resurging, with new residential development and a lively boardwalk. Gargiulo's Restaurant stands proudly as a fine dining anchor just a block from the beach.

Gargiulo's Restaurant: Blending Neapolitan and Italian American flavors

The menu at Gargiulo's reflects the family’s roots in Sorrento, blending classic Neapolitan recipes with Italian American adaptations. Holidays are celebrated with care, and dishes like zeppole, fig cookies, and pasta with sardines take center stage.

Their take on pasta con le sarde incorporates saffron, tomato paste, pine nuts, raisins, baby fennel, and toasted breadcrumbs, combining Sicilian inspiration with Brooklyn flair. This balance between authentic Neapolitan roots and Italian American creativity is at the heart of the restaurant’s identity.

Pastry traditions passed down at Gargiulo's Restaurant

Cannoli pastry — Cannoli - pexels-valeriya-10134729.jpg

One of Matthew’s most meaningful influences was his cousin Mike the Bake, who baked at Gargiulo's Restaurant for over 40 years. Mike never wrote down his recipes, insisting instead, “If you want to learn, you gotta watch.” Matthew stood by his side for months, memorizing each step—whether it was a scoop of flour, a handful of sugar, or the feel of dough.

Today Matthew carries forward those recipes, from cannoli shells to cheesecakes, cream puffs, brioche, and cookies. These pastries are tied to the memories of countless celebrations in Brooklyn.

Eating at Gargiulo's at Easter — https://brooklynslifestyle.com/easter-in-new-york-city-guide/

Gargiulo's Restaurant: Elegance by the sea

Despite being steps from the beach, Gargiulo's Restaurant has always maintained a fine dining atmosphere, complete with tuxedo-clad waiters, crisp white tablecloths, and a touch of dress code. The goal is to keep the experience elegant and memorable. For a visual taste of their ambiance and celebrations, check out their Instagram page.

For more on the restaurant itself, visit https://gargiulos.com/

Looking to the future

When I asked Matthew about the future, he revealed an exciting project: a cookbook is in the works. It'll capture the family’s recipes, holiday traditions, and culinary philosophy in book form, preserving them for future generations.

As Matthew puts it, “I grew up with sports and cooking… watching the Food Network, reading cookbooks, and working with my family in the kitchen. I’m very fortunate to be in a place where I can write a book like this.”

Until then, Brooklyn residents and visitors can continue to experience Gargiulo's Restaurant, where every plate tells a story that spans more than a century.