Back in 2018, Frank Falcinelli and Frank Castronovo (also known as The Franks) told Eater that their intention when closing their longstanding German-style eatery, Prime Meats, was to replace it with a “timeless neighborhood restaurant." And they made good on that promise, opening Frank's Wine Bar, enticing those over natural wines and light bites. Yet after five years, the space on 465 Court Street turned over yet again, this time to give their slice-haven next door, F&F Pizzeria, a chance to grow. The resulting F&F Restaurant and Bar has easily fit right in, becoming a favorite of Carroll Gardens and New York at large for its comforting pizzas, pies and farm fresh finds.
The vibe: Relics from days long past still exist at F&F Restaurant and Bar, the black marble sign etched with "Prime Meats" that once sat behind the bar is now perched on the second-floor landing above the dining room. Yet, much like its previous iterations, the restaurant remains as homey and warm as they come, with gold-tinned ceilings and soft globe-light fixtures that illuminate the handsome, dark-wood-and-brick-heavy dining room. It could easily serve as an elevated place to bring the parents or double as a date night if your date likes good pizza (and if they don't, then why are you seeing them anyway?).
The food: To give you any indication of how good the pizza is here, Chris Bianco of Una Pizza Napoletana—that owner behind the best pizzeria in the world—is a forever fan. Did Bianco also have a hand in consulting The Franks on their slice shop years ago? Yes. But regardless of any bias, his affinity is well-placed. You can find several slices from next door in full form here, such as the beloved Clam Pie with a shower of parsley, bouncy strips of clams baked under cheese and a half wedge of lemon on top for squeezing. But the new creations easily hold court, such as Jimmy Nardello Pie with sweet and slightly heated peppers, sliced and roasted right on top. But there is more than just pizza to be had here. Farm fresh finds of the day take up space here, including a roasted okra dish plated over a creamy Buffalo raita and showered with a whole mess of herbs. Pastas are also included in the line-up with a lemon-y shrimp scampi-like spaghetti that's light, buttery and a welcome addition to any table. The oven also churns out charred calzones, the shreddy wild boar option standing as one of the best.
The drinks: There is a tight list of cocktails from sherry and amaro shaken numbers to the actually refreshing Rockaway Riptide with gin and a swirl of absinthe. Another carryover from their past, F&F Restaurant and Bar has plenty of wines by the glass or bottle—red, white, macerated and more.
Time Out tip: Central to the main dining room is a long table sported with jars of peppers and olives swimming in their brine and cake stands that hold, well cakes. You should utilize the goods of the table at the start of the meal (by ordering the Sette Anne Peppers) and at the end (by ordering a slice of the wonderfully burnt Basque cheesecake).