Rating: 
The name means hugs and kisses in Italian, but Baci & Abbracci is not your grandmother’s home-cooked Italian. On a slightly weathered stretch of hip South Williamsburg, it is mostly a destination for locals, but some Manhattan folks will cross the East River for the award-wining pizza.
Unfortunately, the brunch menu only offers a single pie, the Margherita Festiva ($12): a breakfast “spin” on the traditional fresh mozzarella, basil and tomato pizza; with eggs and your choice of breakfast meat. It is more substantial than it looks – chew slowly, or share.
The décor leans more industrial modern than warm and rustic. The brick oven faces a dining room with stone floors and space-agey light fixtures. The lounge music suggests that you’re in the lobby of a sleek Euro hotel, or an early-season Sex & the City episode.
One reason why in the warmer months, you might want to brunch in the garden (if you don’t mind sun beating down on your eggs). While this is not the place to come for a homestyle country breakfast, there are plenty of egg & starch combinations on the menu. Choose among four varieties of omelette (all $9), or for a more Italian experience, the Mozzarella en Carrozza: Sliced, egg-washed bread stuffed with fresh mozzarella ($9). The adventurous palate might want to try the omelette con confettura ($9) – an omelette stuffed with apricot jam and brie cheese (!).
It’s too bad there are no pasta dishes on the menu – spaghetti carbonara would certainly work for brunch. Whatever your tastes, do not skip a hot or (even better) iced latte: Some of the best you will find anywhere in NYC.
Brunch at Baci & Abbracci
204 Grand Street
Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY
