New York City: 7 Old Fulton (March 2013)

My spouse and I dined at 7 Old Fulton for Saturday lunch in early March 2013. We found this restaurant, located at the base of the Brooklyn Bridge (in DUMBO), after walking around Downtown Brooklyn and Brooklyn Heights for about an hour, finishing our walk on the Brooklyn Heights Promenade next to the river. This restaurant seems to get a lot of foot traffic from commuters disembarking/boarding the ferry to Manhattan.

The property has a large wooden bar in the front, and about 10 tables of varying sizes toward the rear. The decor is sort of Italian-themed, with several faux wine cellar doors (velvet curtains and wrought iron gates) and a faux fireplace (topped with colonial decor like a print of George Washington and plates showing Williamsburg buildings). The doors to the restrooms were a bit odd - they seemed to be doors to a hotel room, with a key card lock/entry, although they were open and no card was necessary to access them. It seems that there might be sidewalk seating in the spring and summer months, and their website indicates that they have a summer garden (perhaps outside the back of the building, or maybe that is the sidewalk seating that we saw?).

The staff seemed to really care about their food and their service; at times, the service was even a little TOO good, with someone hovering to refill our water glasses when they dropped to 3/4 full.


The menu is unique, with combinations of ingredients different than most Italian restaurants. For example, we shared an appetizer of homemade lamb and beef sausages, with each thin link presented on an endive leaf, accompanied by kiwi and bleu cheese. One of us had an entree of thinly-sliced lamb topped with crispy figs. Prices were reasonable, and portion sizes were appropriate for lunch.

This restaurant did not serve the best food that we have ever eaten, but it was an enjoyable lunch, and we applaud the restaurant for its unique menu items. The sausage appetizer is a dish that we will remember.