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Café Mars, located in Brooklyn's Gowanus neighborhood, offers a unique Italian dining experience that blends traditional flavors with modern twists. The restaurant's interior features a Memphis Milano-inspired design, creating a lively and inviting atmosphere. Signature dishes include Negroni Jell-O Olives, Garlic Knot Monkey Bread, and Baked Potato Gnocchi. The establishment has received numerous accolades, including a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand in 2023 and recognition for Best Service in NYC.

Discover the Vibrant Charm of Café Mars in Gowanus Brooklyn NY 11215 USA New York Kings County New York United States 272 3rd Avenue 272 3rd Ave 11215 1002 M2H7+5J Brooklyn NY USA Café Mars restaurant food point of interest establishment with dineIn takeout reservable acceptsCreditCards servesBeer servesWine servesCoffee servesDinner servesDessert servesCocktails curbsidePickup no outdoorSeating restroom goodForChildren false menuForChildren false goodForWatchingSports false reviews service ambiance cuisine cocktails pasta Negroni Jello Monkey Bread seafood olive cake garlic knot unique flavor creative space welcoming environment MICHELIN Bib Gourmand 2023 Best Service NYC Brooklyn Gowanus neighborhood Memphis Milano-inspired design signature dishes Negroni Jell-O Olives Garlic Knot Monkey Bread Baked Potato Gnocchi Michelin Guide highly recommended vegetarian options limited vegan options opening hours question answer FAQ community sentiment community notion long summary food drink dining experience atmosphere local favorite specialty dishes customer reviews menu specialties location details hours walk-ins vegetarian vegan options operating hours community feedback Brooklyn culinary scene Italian food modern twists flavorful dishes innovative cuisine warm hospitality creative cocktails lively vibe Brooklyn dining hotspot authentic flavors modern Italian cuisine unique menu family-style dining sharing plates artistic presentation memorable meals contemporary Italian restaurant Brooklyn food lover destination foodies digital nomads trend-conscious travelers welcoming atmosphere artistic plating cocktails wine selection dessert highlights reservation policy walk-in availability ambiance music lighting playlist customer experience positive reviews culinary excellence food presentation quality service friendly staff signature cocktails dessert highlights dining tips Brooklyn neighborhoods Brooklyn attractions Gowanus dining guide Brooklyn restaurant guide local Brooklyn eatery neighborhood gem dining options culinary delights food experiences farm-to-table ingredients local produce seasonal menu neighborhood dining options Gowanus Brooklyn culinary scene Brooklyn food culture Brooklyn restaurant recommendations Brooklyn must-visit eateries Brooklyn hidden gems Brooklyn food scene insider tips Brooklyn culinary experiences Brooklyn food community Brooklyn gastronomic destination Brooklyn food guide Brooklyn dining recommendations Brooklyn food adventures.

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Nestled in the vibrant Gowanus neighborhood of Brooklyn, **Café Mars** is a culinary gem that invites food lovers to indulge in a whimsical dining experience. With its eclectic decor and a menu that fuses creativity with comfort, this café is a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique flavor journey. The ambiance is warm and inviting, making it the perfect spot for both casual brunches and intimate dinners.

Café Mars is celebrated for its standout dishes that tantalize the taste buds. The **garlic knot monkey bread** is a playful twist on a classic, featuring soft, buttery knots infused with garlic and herbs, served warm and perfect for sharing. Another must-try is the **baked stuffed artichoke raviolo**, a delicate pasta filled with rich, savory ingredients that melt in your mouth. Each dish is crafted with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, ensuring a burst of flavor in every bite.

Behind the scenes, the café is known for its vibrant atmosphere and friendly staff who are dedicated to making every visit special. A fun fact: Café Mars offers a complimentary drink at the start of your meal, setting the tone for a delightful dining experience. The creative cocktails, such as the **Negroni jello**, add a whimsical touch that keeps guests coming back for more.

Located at **272 3rd Ave, Brooklyn, NY**, Café Mars is perfectly situated for those exploring the eclectic Gowanus area. Nearby attractions include the **Gowanus Canal**, known for its unique history and vibrant art scene, and the **Brooklyn Museum**, which offers a glimpse into the city’s rich cultural heritage. After a satisfying meal, take a stroll along the canal or visit one of the many local shops and galleries.

Café Mars is known for its creative dishes and playful cocktails, particularly the garlic knot monkey bread and Negroni jello.

Visitors flock to Café Mars for its unique dining experience, exceptional service, and the chance to enjoy innovative dishes in a lively atmosphere.

Café Mars is close to the Gowanus Canal and the Brooklyn Museum, making it a great stop after exploring the local art and culture.

Whether you're a local or just passing through, make sure to stop by Café Mars for a delightful culinary adventure. Share your experience with friends and family, and don’t forget to leave a review to help others discover this hidden gem in Brooklyn.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUN2NzZlX0x3EAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJk6_emFpbwokReeza0hzar2c/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUN2NzZlX0x3EAE

Food was delicious, service was delightful. Favorite app: jellolive—really unique flavor of Negroni jello. Favorite entree: all the pasta dishes are delicious, can’t pick one! Highly recommend ordering a bunch of plates and sharing. Will define back!

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURfLXRDRUdREAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJk6_emFpbwokReeza0hzar2c/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURfLXRDRUdREAE

My partner and I are big fans of Leroy's Place, so we’ve been wanting to check out Café Mars for a while—and we’re so happy we finally did! It was such a wonderful experience in a beautiful, creative space. The staff was incredibly kind and thoughtful, making the whole experience feel special.

The ambiance was fantastic—the lighting and playlist really set the vibe, and the music level was perfectly balanced.

Every dish was exceptional, but the garlic knot monkey bread, baked stuffed artichoke raviolo, smoked scallops, and the olive marble cake were definite standouts. Highly recommend!

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURUeWNmWk5nEAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJk6_emFpbwokReeza0hzar2c/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURUeWNmWk5nEAE

The place is fun, the decor is great, the service was good, except for the initial wait to order. They start and end the meal with a complimentary drink, the prosecco pre-dinner was one of the best I have had. The cocktails had really strong flavors. The menu is interesting but didn't completely deliver on taste. The rollatini was good with nice acidic sauce but the beef could have been seasoned a little better. The monkey bread had a really nice herb crust that was a little spicy, the bread was too soft I thought. Both of the "before" dishes we ordered, the napa cabbage and the parmesan-crusted fluke were very good. The waves pasta was outstanding, perfectly cooked pasta, flavorful spicy sauce, a bit overcooked shrimp. The tuna main was disappointing, the sauce lacked flavor and the tuna and the polenta could have used more seasoning.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURGbU5xNk9nEAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJk6_emFpbwokReeza0hzar2c/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURGbU5xNk9nEAE

I think our party may have tried everything on the menu? Or almost everything! Literally kept ordering more dishes because everything was so delicious! My out of town friends initially asked to come because of the jell-olives. It did not disappoint. The drinks were also delicious! The only not completely high note was the dessert but I think the fact that the starters, mains, and drinks were so so so delicious that it just did not compare. Will absolutely be recommending this place to everyone! If you go, we highly recommend the garlic knot monkey bread, fluke crudo, and bucatini con mackerel. (sorry we were too busy eating that I did not take pictures of all the items we ate but here are a few for reference)

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNKc1lLZ2JREAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJk6_emFpbwokReeza0hzar2c/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNKc1lLZ2JREAE

i loved this place! we came after searing an water review and really wanted to try the “whimsical” experience. we weren’t let down.

the olives are fun and should be gotten. lean into it!!! if you’re not here for fun why are you here?

after we really enjoyed the lettuce and the octopus with pepperoni. both not just satisfying but delicious.

in terms of the pasta we got the girelle (lemon) and triangle penne (beef cheeks). i 10/10 recommend the triangle penne, but i do wish we got the waves (prawns) instead of the lemon.

next we had the bluefish with kohlrabi agrodolce — SO GOOD. wow. who knew bluefish could taste so tangy and meaty and yummy?

lastly - the strawberries and olive cake. the olive cake - being made literally with black olive purée - was a total winner. i also got an espresso martini with mine which was a little too bitter for my liking.

other than that one drink - beverages were great. really like the candy with the check and the first welcome drink on the house.

our only negative comment - just wish service was faster. it seems they have limited staff, and way too many tables for their small kitchen. we waited quite a long time between dishes and were there over 2 hours. not a big problem but would prevent us from dropping by on a weeknight again.

all in all - a great new spot.

Café Mars: Trendy Gowanus Restaurant in Brooklyn, NY

Opened in May 2023, Café Mars is an innovative Italian restaurant in Brooklyn's Gowanus neighborhood, offering a unique dining experience that blends traditional Italian cuisine with modern twists.

Dine In

Takeout

Restroom

Live Music

Outdoor Seating

Curbside Pickup

Café Mars is a cozy eatery located in the heart of Gowanus, Brooklyn, offering a delightful menu of artisanal dishes and freshly baked pastries. The café features a warm atmosphere with eclectic decor, making it a perfect spot for brunch or coffee breaks. It also serves as a vibrant community hub, hosting art shows and live music events.

Café Mars

An innovative Italian dining experience in Gowanus, Brooklyn, featuring creative twists on traditional dishes.

Negroni Jell-O Olives

Garlic Knot Monkey Bread

Baked Potato Gnocchi

Bucatini Naporitan

Waves with Shrimp

Smoked Pork Ribs Parm

Marble Olive Cake

Café Mars Menu

Café Mars Menu Overview at Gowanus Brooklyn New York USA 

Discover an innovative Italian dining experience nestled in the heart of Gowanus, Brooklyn. Café Mars serves up creative twists on traditional dishes, making it a must-visit spot for food enthusiasts and trend-conscious travelers alike. The menu boasts a delightful blend of starters, mains, desserts, and specialty drinks, all crafted to offer bold flavors and a memorable culinary journey.

Kick off your meal with inventive starters that tease the palate and set the tone for what's to come. The Negroni Jell-O Olives meld the briny richness of Castelvetrano olives with a unique Negroni gelatin, creating a playful, spirited bite that’s both refreshing and sophisticated. Another crowd-pleaser is the Garlic Knot Monkey Bread, featuring soft garlic knots enrobed in luscious Parmesan butter, offering a comforting yet flavorful treat perfect for sharing.

At the heart of Café Mars’s menu are its pasta and meat dishes that showcase expert craftsmanship and bold Italian flavors. Dive into the Baked Potato Gnocchi, where pillowy gnocchi come alive with bacon, broccoli, and melted cheese for a hearty, satisfying experience. The Bucatini Naporitan combines thick bucatini pasta with earthy porcini mushrooms, spicy Nardello peppers, and savory Japanese pork sausage, delivering a rich and textural delight. For seafood lovers, Waves with Shrimp offers wavy pasta tossed with succulent shrimp, crisp asparagus, and a tantalizing Calabrian chili butter that adds just the right kick. Meat aficionados will savor the Smoked Pork Ribs Parm, tender smoked ribs served with Parmesan and a refreshing spaghetti salad, blending smoky, cheesy, and fresh notes into one exceptional plate.

For a sweet yet unexpected finish, the Marble Olive Cake stands out with its intriguing combination of black olive purée and Amarena cherries, topped with whipped cream. This dessert perfectly balances savory and sweet, offering a refined conclusion to your meal that is both indulgent and unique.

Café Mars elevates the drink experience with inventive cocktails like the signature Negroni Jell-O Olives, a whimsical treat that blends classic cocktail flavors with a fun, edible twist. The establishment also offers a curated selection of wines, craft beers, and coffee options that complement the dynamic menu perfectly. Guests often enjoy the complimentary prosecco served at the start and end of the meal, enhancing the celebratory ambiance.

Beyond its inventive menu, Café Mars shines with its vibrant atmosphere and warm, attentive service. It's an ideal spot for foodies eager to explore creative Italian dishes or for groups looking to share an array of plates bursting with flavor and character. Whether you're craving perfectly cooked pasta, flavorful starters, or uniquely crafted desserts and drinks, this Gowanus gem delivers an unforgettable dining experience that keeps guests coming back for more.

 like Negroni Jell-O Olives and Garlic Knot Monkey Bread.

 such as Baked Potato Gnocchi and Bucatini Naporitan.

 like the Marble Olive Cake crafted with black olive purée.

 that pair beautifully with the menu’s bold flavors.

Discover Café Mars in Gowanus, Brooklyn, where artful dishes and artisanal coffee await! Savor the unique vibe—visit today!

Café Mars in Gowanus, Brooklyn – Artful Dining & Coffee

Brooklyn Municipality

A five-course dinner exploring various Italian cuisines from around the world, such as Arbëreshë, Chicago, and Ethiopian.

Global Italian Dinner Series

A family-style pre-fixe menu for parties of 5-6 guests, showcasing a selection of the restaurant's favorite dishes.

Large Party Pre-Fixe Reservation

Discover Café Mars in Brooklyn's Gowanus Neighborhood 

Nestled at 272 3rd Avenue in the vibrant Gowanus area of Brooklyn, Café Mars offers a unique dining adventure that fuses creative global flavors with a cozy, artistic ambiance. This culinary gem is perfect for food enthusiasts and trend-conscious travelers seeking an unforgettable Italian-inspired experience in New York City.

Innovative Menus and Exceptional Dining Experiences

Café Mars is celebrated for its eclectic and adventurous approaches to Italian cuisine, showcasing dishes that range from vibrant pasta creations to inventive appetizers and desserts. Diners rave about standout plates like the garlic knot monkey bread, baked stuffed artichoke raviolo, smoked scallops, and the olive marble cake, each bursting with bold flavors and artistic presentation.

 at Café Mars — their pasta dishes are crafted to be enjoyed as a communal feast, encouraging guests to sample a variety of flavors and textures for a truly immersive meal.

For those seeking a distinctive culinary journey, Café Mars hosts a 

, a five-course tasting menu that explores Italian cuisine from diverse regions around the world including Arbëreshë, Chicago, and Ethiopian influences, priced at 75 USD per person.

 offers an ideal family-style menu for groups of 5-6 guests to indulge in a curated selection of Café Mars’ most beloved dishes, priced at 85 USD.

Café Mars delights guests with an imaginative cocktail program featuring unique creations like the one-of-a-kind Negroni jello appetizer known as jellolive. Their beverage offerings include carefully crafted cocktails, Italian wines, coffee, and beer, complementing the diverse menu perfectly. Guests start and end their meals with a complimentary drink, enhancing the warm and inviting atmosphere.

The interior boasts a beautiful, creative space with excellent lighting and thoughtfully curated playlists, making it a fantastic spot for intimate dinners or special occasions. The attentive and friendly staff elevate the experience, ensuring every visit feels unique and welcoming.

 - Café Mars accepts reservations to enhance your dining experience and accommodate large parties.

 - Accepts credit cards, making transactions smooth and convenient.

 - Not recommended for children, focusing on a sophisticated adult dining atmosphere.

 - Offers convenient takeout and curbside pickup options for enjoying their dishes at home.

Kings County

Experience innovative Italian dining at Café Mars, where unique dishes like Negroni Jell-O Olives steal the show. Book your table now!

Dine at 5-Star Café Mars, Gowanus, Brooklyn

Discover Café Mars' best-loved dishes! From Garlic Knot Monkey Bread to Baked Potato Gnocchi, experience Italian cuisine like never before.

Top 5 Must-Try Dishes at Café Mars, NYC

Planning a visit to Café Mars in Gowanus? Check out tips for reservations, menus, and delightful features like the Global Italian Dinner Series.

Café Mars: Trendy Gowanus Restaurant in Brooklyn, NY

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