An Authentic Brooklyn Experience

Brooklyn’s dining scene has a fresh addition with Castell’s, an Italian kosher restaurant in Gravesend. Inspired by the vibrant flavors of Italy and dedicated to maintaining kosher traditions, Castell’s offers a warm, welcoming space where you can enjoy everything from classic pasta dishes to creative Italian-inspired specialties alongside the perfect bottle of wine. 

Perfect for family gatherings, date nights, or catching up with friends, Castell’s blends authenticity with a neighborhood feel, offering Brooklyn a true Italian experience that respects kosher dietary needs. Here, great food and a sense of community come together, making every meal something to savor.

About the Food & Dining

The menu at Castell's is a testament to the culinary mastery of Chef Vitaliy Pinitsa, whose career spans some of the most celebrated kitchens, including Ammazzacaffè, Esca, and Aureole. With years of experience and an unwavering passion for Italian cuisine, Vitaliy combines a modern sensibility with the timeless traditions of the Italian table. His philosophy centers on elevating simple dishes through exceptional ingredients and precise techniques, creating an experience that is as approachable as it is exquisite.

At Castell's, Vitaliy has curated a menu that reflects his deep respect for seasonality, quality, and kosher principles. Each dish tells a story, balancing the authenticity of imported Italian ingredients with the vibrant freshness of local market finds. Two wood-burning ovens serve as the heart of the kitchen, producing perfect renditions of classic Margherita and Bianca Pizzettes. The Caponata di Melanzane, a savory and sweet eggplant dish, is paired with creamy fresh ricotta on crisp crostini.

Pasta is celebrated as an art form, with dishes like Occhi—delicate ricotta-filled pasta pillows enveloped in a bright lemon cream sauce—and the house-special Cacio e Pepe bucatini, crafted from a closely guarded recipe. The menu’s fish offerings pay homage to traditional Italian preparations, featuring expertly cooked Branzino, Salmon, Filet of Sole, and Wild Dover Sole.

Vitaliy's partnership with Castell's brings his culinary expertise to life, creating a dining experience that is both sophisticated and rooted in the traditions of Italian cooking, reimagined with a contemporary flair.

Our Wine & Cocktails

At Castell’s, the carefully crafted dishes are complemented by an equally refined selection of wines and cocktails. The wine list spans some of the finest vineyards in France, Italy, Israel, Spain, New Zealand, and the United States, offering choices that perfectly pair with each course. Signature cocktails bring a creative twist to classic flavors, like the Truffle Hog—a blend of roasted pineapple-infused whiskey, peaty scotch, truffle honey syrup, and ginger—and Castell’s Martini, featuring cardamom-infused vodka, homemade sweet vermouth, and coffee liqueur.

At Castell’s, attention to detail extends to every aspect of the bar service. Given that kosher-certified Campari and Vermouth can be difficult to source, our bar manager has chosen to create them in-house, ensuring that no aspect of our guests' experience is compromised.

About Castell’s Dining Room 

Castell’s is a stunning blend of modern design and comfortable luxury, creating an atmosphere where elegance meets warmth. The 3,800-square-foot space features white oak paneling and herringbone floors, while large antiqued mirrors on one wall are framed by Phillip Jeffries’ floral wallpaper. Lighting by Matthew Tirschwell, using iGuzzini fixtures, casts a welcoming glow throughout.

Tables are beautifully set with imported linens, San Bonnet utensils, fine Ginori china, and Riedel glassware. Guests can relax on faux mohair-covered banquettes and chairs, with views of the quartzite-topped pizza bar and two wood-burning ovens. The cocktail bar adds a rustic touch, blending charm and refinement for a truly memorable Brooklyn dining experience.