Nestled among the casual Israeli steakias and delis on Kings Highway, Brooklyn’s increasingly popular kosher restaurant strip, T for 2 Café stands unrivaled. No other restaurant in the area, or for that matter in all the outer boroughs, equals the formal service, the romantic, yet sophisticated ambiance, and the professional level of its cuisine.  Since it opened, roughly one year ago, it has established itself among New York City’s finest kosher restaurants and has gained a devoted following of diners thankful for the change in pace and the raising of kosher culinary standards.

Upscale and urbane, this compact (seats 50) but attractive restaurant has a mahogany and cream white vocabulary accented by splashes of color from the fresh flower table centerpieces and warmed by soft candlelight. Art Deco fixtures provide the mood enhancing lighting, while the sparkle of mirrors artfully placed alongside selected artwork, produce a visually rich and eminently pleasing dining milieu. The Sushi bar has been so skillfully integrated into the scheme that this ordinarily casual feature seems perfectly at home here

Two totally different menus share the spotlight. The sushi is first rate, very fresh, beautifully presented and on par with Manhattan’s finest. Selections run the gamut of sushi and sashimi rolls. Entrees range in price from $11-19.50, Sushi Boats for Two $45-$55, and rolls $3.75-$10 each. The second menu is Italian, offering traditional appetizers, salads, soups, pastas and fresh fish entrees. The menu is not extensive, but offers enough of a selection to guarantee something for everyone.

Having eaten here many times, I find myself partial to several selections. For appetizers, the Fresh & Smoked Mozzarella (served with fresh and sun dried tomatoes), the Stuffed Mushrooms or one of the salads are all consistently good. For those craving soup, the French Onion Soup, unlike the traditional gratinee, comes topped with a French pastry crust with a distinctive mustard flavor. The soup itself is uncharacteristically sweet, but though unfamiliar is nevertheless satisfying. The Leek & Potato Soup, a Soup of the Day, has a nice consistency and a full bodied flavor. Those watching their salt intake, however, may want to sample this soup before ordering, as the chef’s application of salt can be somewhat heavy handed.

The Sapghettini Fungi combines Portobello mushrooms, arugula and smoked mozzarella cheese served in a tomato sauce. The sauce is uncomplicated and showcases the other ingredients, which are in abundance. This is a light, yet satisfying dish that can suffice as an entrée for a late supper or as an appetizer for two. 

My preference for the entrée is one of the many fresh fish selections. The Broiled Filet of Sole Almondine, served over sautéed spinach never disappoints. Menu staples include salmon, tuna, sole, and red snapper and others like the Israeli Talapia, as they are available. If you don’t see something you want on the menu, the chef will prepare your fish any way you like it. Fish selections always arrive in a nice cut that is moist and savory and are accompanied by roast potato slices and steamed vegetables attractively arrange on the plate. Flourishes like a slice of fresh orange topped with a slice of kiwi fruit add colorful finishing touches to the entrees.

Choose what you like for dessert. You won’t be disappointed with any of the selections. The Chocolate Mousse is a personal favorite, made with a sugar-reduced recipe. It is a deliciously light and chocolate choice that doesn’t send you into hypoglycemic shock. The Pecan Pie a la mode is another winner. 

In the end, it is the total experience that will win you over to this fine restaurant. The ambiance, the food and the friendly service will make you want to linger over your meal and come back again and again.

Restaurant: T For 2

Address: 547 King Highway (cor. E. 4th St.)

Telephone: (718) 998-0020

Price Range of Entrées:
    Lunch: $10-$15  (Sushi $8-$15)      Dinner: $19-$22 (Sushi $11-$27.50)

Hechsher: Rabbi Yisroel P. Gornish  (Cholov Yisroel)

Hours:Sun-Thurs:    Lunch: 12pm-3pm        Dinner: 5pm-10:30pm 
               Friday Closed        Sat: 1 hr after Shabbos till 12am

Charge Cards Accepted: MC, Visa, AmEx, Discover

Handicap Info: The dining room and restroom is one step above street level.