Mama Maria's, right on the Cobble Hill/Carrol Gardens border, has excellent food, especially the specials. Fresh pasta is used throughout, and the specials are rotated regularly. Try the potato gnocchi; agnelotti with peas and ham; or the stuffed eggplant (these specials might turn over soon into new ones).
New arrivals in the 'nabe make a mistake if they pass it over thinking it's mediocre old school, because the food is decidedly new school. more