New to board, question about Brooklyn

[NYC fan]

Long time lurker, first time poster, really enjoy the website and all of the New York info. I have always been a big fan of the city and appreciate the information and intelligent debate that Wired New York offers. Anyway, my wife and I are visiting NYC from out of state in a few weeks (It has been seven years since we have last been there) and would like to go over to Brooklyn one day and walk around and experience an afternoon of life in Brooklyn and then maybe grab dinner at a nice Italian restaurant. I would appreciate any recommendation on a great area to visit, how best to get there and back from the west side of Manhatten, and a great restaurant to cap off the evening. Thanks in advance for any insight.

[Schadenfrau]

It's Manhattan, and what sort of neighborhood are you looking for in Brooklyn?

[NYC fan]

It's Manhattan, and what sort of neighborhood are you looking for in Brooklyn?

I apologize for the misspelling, typing faster than my brain can think. As far as particular neighborhood I am not real sure, I guess suggestions from the regulars would be nice. Although we have been to the city several times we have never been off the island and would like to do a little more exploring (weather permitting). Any suggestions would be great.

[brianac]

A short trip. Go by train to Borough Hall, there are some nice streets around there. Places to see Grace Church, Cathedral of Our lady of Lebanon, Plymouth Church of the Pilgrims, The Promenade for views of Lower Manhattan, Pizza at Grimaldi's, walk back across Brooklyn Bridge.

For a longer trip add Prospect Park, or Greenwood Cemetary to the above.

[Front_Porch]

The "best" Italian restaurant in Brooklyn may be Park Slope's Al di La, but they don't take reservations.

I would check out Areo, Locanda Vini & Olii, and Tuscany Grill as possible restaurants to end up in (these are all featured in my Michelin guide) and then plan a day backwards from there.