While Manhattan’s Little Italy is famous for its San Gennaro Feast, Brooklyn gets its own taste of the action. On September 15, Gargiulo’s brings the lively Italian festival to Coney Island.

Forget the trek to Manhattan for cannolis and meatballs — this year, Brooklynites can stay local and join in on the fun. Gargiulo’s, a beloved “old world” Italian restaurant at 2911 W. 15th St., will transform its driveway into a festival hub, filled with the sounds and aromas of homemade Italian food

Matthew Cutolo, a chef at Gargiulo’s, will be serving some of the dishes. But beyond the delicious food, he said event organizers are most excited about bringing the community together for a night of fun.

“What sets our San Gennaro Feast at Gargiulo’s apart is the authentic, family atmosphere we create. While the Little Italy festival is legendary for its size and history, our Brooklyn event takes that same tradition to a more personal level,” Cutolo said. “We keep the focus on community, with a carefully curated selection of authentic Italian dishes and entertainment that feels like a party at your grandma’s house.”

Guests can look forward to an impressive buffet featuring a mouthwatering selection of classic Italian dishes including famous stone-baked pizzas, rice and spinach balls, penne Pasqualina and calamari Racanati. For those with a sweet tooth, there are mini cannolis, flaky sfogliatelle and the festival favourite zeppole.

“Hosting San Gennaro Feast is about honoring our heritage and creating a family atmosphere where everyone feels welcome,” Cutolo told Brooklyn Paper. “We want every guest to feel part of our extended family, coming together to celebrate traditions that have been passed down through generations.”

The Feast of San Gennaro, an iconic celebration in Manhattan’s Little Italy, dates back to 1926. The festival was founded in honor of Saint Gennaro, the patron saint of Naples, Italy. It began as a modest religious procession and has since grown into a lively street fair that attracts thousands of visitors each year.

Originally conceived by Italian immigrants seeking to preserve their cultural heritage, the holiday features a mix of religious ceremonies, live entertainment, and a variety of traditional foods. Over the decades, it has become a beloved tradition — and a symbol of Italian-American pride in the Big Apple.

Like the Manhattan event, musicians will provide live entertainment to energize Coney Island, and families can also enjoy classic festival games and activities.

“We’re bringing all the quintessential excitement of Little Italy’s San Gennaro Feast here to Brooklyn,” Cutolo said. “We want to recreate that authentic, vibrant atmosphere — but with a Gargiulo twist.”

Festivities kick off on September 15th from 3pm to 7pm. For $75, guests will receive full access to the event, including the full buffet, music and games.