Seemor
Lele's RomanA-Worth Trying
252 Schermerhorn St, Brooklyn, NY 11217
· Roman restaurant, Brunch restaurant, Cocktail bar
· 4.8/5 Google (343 reviews)
Reservations
Polished Roman cooking and stylish ambiance in the Ace Hotel with standout pastas and pinsa; service is warm but pacing can slip on busy nights and portions skew small for the price.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
Lele's Roman delivers solid A-grade performance through exceptional pasta execution—carbonara and cacio e pepe consistently praised—paired with beautiful design and genuinely attentive service. However, inconsistent execution on busy nights, occasional soggy pinsa, and variable pacing prevent the higher reliability needed for grade A territory. A worthwhile neighborhood destination for Roman classics when the kitchen is firing.
Restaurant Summary
Inside the Ace Hotel, Lele’s Roman feels warm and stylish: plush seating, vintage touches, and a lively hum from pre-Barclays crowds. Service is often genuinely attentive with savvy recommendations, and guests rave that pastas and desserts are beautifully executed when the kitchen is on its game. The culinary approach leans elevated traditional Roman rather than trend-chasing: cacio e pepe, carbonara, and pinsa with quality ingredients, plus polished secondi like branzino and saltimbocca. It suits diners who want classic flavors done well more than those chasing theatrics; portions read refined, not oversized. Families fare well here thanks to a real kids menu (margherita pizza, simple pastas, grilled chicken) and accessible Italian staples. If your crew prefers giant plates, set expectations; otherwise, this is an easy win for children who like pasta, pizza, and simple sides.
At a Glance
- Stylish room and strong hospitality
- Standout carbonara, cacio e pepe, and tiramisu
- Inconsistent pacing and occasional soggy pinsa on busy nights
- Portions can feel small for price
- Genuine kids menu and family-friendly options
What Sets It Apart
- hotel_lounge_pairing
- roman_specialty_menu
- kid_menu_in_Italian_spot
What People Love
- Warm, attentive servers who guide the menu
- Classic Roman pastas cooked with care
- Light, creamy tiramisu to finish
- Design-forward space that feels special
Points of Concern
- Waits of 45-60 minutes for food reported on peak nights; consider off-peak timing
- Some dishes arrive inconsistent (watery cacio e pepe, soggy pinsa)
- Portions, especially pasta and lobster benedict, can be modest for the price
- Event hosts should firmly control bar parameters to avoid budget creep
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$62-82 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- For kids: Margherita Pizza ($15) or Tonnarelli Pomodoro ($16)
- Value path: Split an antipasto and a pinsa, share one pasta, finish with tiramisu
Perfect For
- Pre-Barclays dinner with quality Italian classics
- Date night with polished vibes and cocktails
- Neighborhood brunch with elevated staples
- Small group catch-ups in a stylish setting
Location Insights
Area: Design-forward hotel setting attracting pre-Barclays crowds, neighborhood locals, and visitors; lively, contemporary vibe.
Safety: Busy, well-trafficked corridor by transit and Barclays; generally safe with strong foot traffic and lighting.
Nearby: Inside Ace Hotel; near Barclays Center, BAM, Hoyt St subway; bars and shops within short walk.
Boerum HillBoerum Hill offers a lively dining scene with a mix of upscale restaurants, casual eateries, and artisanal cafes. The area is known for its walkability, boutique shops, and a community-oriented atmosphere that blends historic charm with modern urban living.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday07:00–21:00
Tuesday07:00–22:00
Wednesday07:00–22:00
Thursday07:00–22:00
Friday07:00–22:00
Saturday07:00–22:00
Sunday07:00–21:00
Available: Reservations
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