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Best Restaurants in Brooklyn

Best Restaurants in Brooklyn

Brooklyn New York, USA Travel Guide

Culinary Overview

Cultural Context

Brooklyn'the dining scene is a true melting pot, shaped by successive waves of immigrants. Influences from Italian, Jewish, Irish, Caribbean, Latin American, and Eastern European cultures deeply root its gastronomic fabric.

Today, Brooklyn is a hub for modern Food from the usa, farm-to-table movements, craft food and beverage, and a pioneering force in new culinary trends. It celebrates both its heritage and its future.

Culinary Traits

  • Local Produce: Fresh seasonal produce from the vicinity farms, farmers' markets.
  • Quality Proteins: High-quality local and regional dairy and meats.
  • Diverse Flavors: Bold and diverse, from comfort food to foreign spices.
  • Global Influences: Italian, Jewish, Caribbean, Latin American, Eastern European cultures.

Regional Variations

Williamsburg/Bushwick

Trendsetting, artisanal, craft food/beverage, and abundant vegan/vegetarian options.

Carroll Gardens/Cobble Hill

Strong Italian-American influence, classic Italian restaurants, pizzerias, historic bakeries.

Bay Ridge/Bensonhurst

Known for diverse ethnic enclaves, offering authentic Middle Eastern, Asian, plus Italian food.

Dining Etiquette

  • Reservations: Recommended for mid-range to fine dining, especially on weekends.
  • Tipping: Expect to give a tip 15-20% for good service; it is part of the service industry economy.
  • Table Service: Waiters typically handle all aspects of your meal.
  • Leftovers: Common to ask for "doggy bags" (to-go containers) for unconsumed food.

Must-Try Dishes

Signature Dishes

New York-Style Pizza

Characterized by its thin, foldable crust, often sold by the slice.

Hotspots: Di Fara Pizza (Midwood), Paulie Gee's Slice Shop (Greenpoint), Roberta's (Bushwick).

Bagels

Dense, chewy, boiled, and subsequently baked—a true New York staple. Enjoy with cream cheese and lox.

Excellent Bagel Shops: Bergen Bagels, Shelsky's of Brooklyn.

Cheesecake

A rich, creamy dessert, often with a graham cracker crust. A landmark New York treat.

Iconic Spot: Junior's Restaurant (Downtown Brooklyn) for its classic cheesecake.

Local Favorites

  • Craft Beer: Explore beers from the area from Brooklyn Brewery, Threes Brewing, Grimm Artispace.
  • Diverse Ethnic Cuisine: Jerk chicken (Caribbean), borscht (Russian), shawarma (Middle Eastern), red-sauce Italian.
  • Street Food: Hot dogs, pretzels, halal carts, and diverse food trucks.
  • Beverages: Craft cocktails, excellent independent coffee, classic Egg Cream.

Snacks & Desserts

Black and White Cookie

A soft, cake-like cookie half frosted with vanilla and half with chocolate.

Cannoli

A traditional Italian pastry featuring a crisp shell filled with creamy ricotta. Find excellent versions in Carroll Gardens bakeries.

Dining Options

Fine Dining

Iconic, Michelin-starred restaurants for an exceptional culinary journey.

  • The River Café (Dumbo)
  • Aska (Williamsburg) - Modern Nordic
  • Cadence (Manhattan, vegan options)

Mid-Range Restaurants

Countless options throughout all neighborhoods, balancing cost and comfort.

  • Lilia (Williamsburg) - Popular Italian
  • Frankies 457 Spuntino (Carroll Gardens)
  • Smorgasburg vendors (Seasonal market)

Budget Eateries & Street Food

Affordable eats from diverse sources, perfect for a quick and flavorful bite.

  • Local Pizzerias
  • Delis/Bodegas
  • Food Carts (Halal, Hot Dogs)

Markets & Food Halls

Smorgasburg

A massive outdoor food market operating seasonally on weekends, with dozens of vendors.

Williamsburg/Prospect Park

DeKalb Market Hall

A large indoor food hall with a diverse selection of vendors offering various cuisines.

Downtown Brooklyn

International Cuisine

Italian

Pasta, pizza, traditional specialties.

Caribbean

Jerk chicken, roti, patties.

Middle Eastern

Delicious shawarma, falafel.

Asian

Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Thai, Vietnamese.

Special Dietary Considerations

Dietary Options

  • Vegetarian & Vegan: Many dedicated restaurants and clearly marked options exist.
  • Halal: Numerous halal carts and restaurants, especially in areas with large Muslim populations.
  • Kosher: Available in Jewish districts like Borough Park, Crown Heights, Hasidic Williamsburg.
  • Gluten-Free: Many restaurants accommodate requests; inform staff of severe allergies.

Resources for Travelers

Dietary Apps

Use "HappyCow" for vegan/vegetarian options.

Use "Find Me Gluten Free" for gluten-free dining.

Communication

Always communicate clearly with restaurant staff about your specific dietary needs.

Reviews on the internet (Yelp, Google Maps) often mention dietary accommodations.

Culinary Experiences

Food Experiences
Cooking Classes
Food Tours
Fresh Markets
Rooftop Farms
Food Festivals
Unique Dining Concepts
Food Tours

Numerous walking food tours explore specific neighborhoods. They provide tastings and cultural insights.

Market Exploration

Food stalls at local markets offer delicious, authentic, and affordable insights into Brooklyn's diverse culinary landscape.

Explore Smorgasburg for a vast outdoor food market experience.

Culinary Resources

Food Tour Operators
Markets
  • Grand Army Plaza Greenmarket
  • DeKalb Market Hall
Craft Beer Hubs
  • Brooklyn Brewery
  • Threes Brewing

Culinary Experiences

Beyond simply eating, Brooklyn provides immersive culinary experiences that deepen your appreciation for its food culture.

Workshops & Tours

Cooking Classes

Culinary schools or independent chefs offer workshops focusing on specific cuisines or techniques.

Learn local cuisines Hands-on experience
Find Classes
Food Tours

Check out certain neighborhoods with guided walking food tours, sampling local specialties.

Try local specialties
Book Tours
Farm Visits

Interact with local food producers at farmers' markets or explore rooftop farms like Brooklyn Grange.

Urban agrithe culture insights
Explore Farms

Cultural & Unique Dining

  • Speakeasies/Hidden Bars: Creative cocktail programs in unique atmospheres.
  • Rooftop Bars/Restaurants: Enjoy stunning skyline views with your meal or drinks.
  • Artisanal Bakeries & Cafes: Refined java and pastry experiences with high-quality ingredients.
  • Food Events: Smorgasburg, Taste of Williamsburg Greenpoint, Atlantic Antic.

Community & Local Gems

Turnstile Tours

Offer tours focusing on community, culture, and history in various Brooklyn neighborhoods.

Brooklyn Navy Yard, Industry City

Weeksville Heritage Center

Provides an immersive experience into a historic African American community.

Crown Heights

Quick Bites & Exploration

Explore Markets

Do not hesitate to explore food stalls at local markets for delectable and authentic insights.

Affordable Eats

Market stalls often have cheap insights into Brooklyn's diverse culinary landscape.

Seasonal Offerings

Check Smorgasburg for seasonal products and DeKalb Market Hall for within buildings variety.

Culinary Immersion

Engaging with Brooklyn'the food environment goes beyond tasting. Consider participating in a cooking class or a food tour to experience the local culture directly.

  • Many small restaurants in ethnic neighborhoods provide excellent value and authentic flavors.
  • Look for local farmers' markets for fresh produce and artisan goods.
  • Rooftop farms like Brooklyn Grange offer unique perspectives on urban agriculture.
  • Food festivals all year celebrate Brooklyn's diverse culinary heritage.