Location: Brooklyn
Top Restaurants in Brooklyn
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Brooklyn Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Brooklyn
It seems like most folks have a grandmother, great-uncle or some other distant relative that used to live in Brooklyn, or perhaps a friend that lives there now. In the early 1900s, it was a mecca for immigrants arriving via Ellis Island. A hundred years later, young professionals and artists left pricey Manhattan digs for Brooklyn's cheaper and more expansive space. Neighborhoods like Brooklyn Heights and Park Slope, which had fallen into disrepair over the years, were restored and reborn as funky enclaves. Walk or bike over the historic Brooklyn Bridge (or ride the subway) to Brooklyn Heights for a stroll along the Promenade and breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline. Meander through Prospect Park and the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens for a taste of nature in the urban wilds. Catch a performance at the world-famous Brooklyn Academy of Music. From the delicious Italian restaurants of Bensonhurst to the Irish bars that line the avenues of Bay Ridge, from the hotdogs and rollercoasters of Coney Island to the bagels and handball courts of Greenpoint, Brooklyn is a state of mind as well as a dynamic community. Discover why, no matter where people move on to, they remain Brooklynites at heart.
Things to do in Brooklyn
1. DeStefano's Steak House
Overall Ratings
5 based on 212 reviews
DeStefano’s was established as a tribute to the DeStefano family and all those families that made the borough of Brooklyn and the Williamsburg community a great place to live. Our goal is to pay homage to the simple values of faith, family, and friends that are evidenced by the strong sense of unity in the Williamsburg community. It is with great pride and pleasure to serve nothing but the best of what life has to offer and to share with our guests a piece of Brooklyn’s history, as well as our own. So sit back, relax, and enjoy your dining experience. You’re one of the folks.
Reviewed By JKCHAMA - New York City, New York
From the moment we arrived (reservations were made) the exceptional service remained genuinely welcoming. Thank you, Joy!
Moving on...
I have indulged at least once a year and splurged for a proper steak at few staples but wow, this was a treat such a treat for my palette.
The filet mignon and porterhouse (for two) were absolutely delectable, cooked perfectly (medium). The kids were impressed with how tasty and "not chewy" it was We took notice, Joy neglected the steak knives, but we didn't require them. The steak was like butter, really!
The appetizers and sides ordered were all delicious, with the exception of the crab cakes. Who comes to a steakhouse for seafood anyway? The creamed spinach and mashed potatoes were amazing. The string beans w/ pancetta were fabulous. The asparagus wrapped in bacon was so good, even the kids consumed them.
We anxiously await the next visit to try other cuts of meat. WOW!
2. Juliana's Pizza
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Welcome to Juliana's, a New York-style pizzeria. Juliana's heralds the return of Patsy Grimaldi-not only to the NYC restaurant scene, but to the original location under the Brooklyn Bridge where he co-founded Grimaldi's Pizzeria with his late wife, Carol. Unbeknownst to many, Pat & Carol severed their affiliation with Grimaldi's in 1999 when they sold the business (along with the name). Even though they were no longer involved in the restaurant, they never lost their passion for serving truly great pizza. And so, with a desire to re-live a "dream come true", they have partnered with close friend and former guest Matthew Grogan to establish Juliana's, a neighborhood pizzeria, preparing and serving pies the way Patsy has for generations. Named in honor of Pat's mother, Maria 'Juliana' Lancieri, Juliana's occupies 19 Old Fulton Street, in the Fulton Ferry Historic District, in the building that was once home to Grimaldi's.
Reviewed By Reggiefox - Milwaukee, WI
Still shocked that it seemed like within 10 minutes of ordering the pizza was at our table and the place was full with people waiting outside. Maybe we got lucky with the timing but we had great service. The pizza was delicious too. Great place to grab dinner before walking back over the Brooklyn Bridge.
3. Oregano
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 224 reviews
Reviewed By rtbasic - Denver, Colorado, United States
Great little Williamsburg find! We had such a blast here with friends on Saturday that we found our way back on Monday. Rena treated us like family and helped make for an unforgettable experience.
Excellent wood-fired pizza & pasta, the sauce is outstanding. Salads are large enough to split and the chicken parmigiana was perfect with bubbling cheese and addictive homemade sauce.
Save room for the Nutella pizza and the 'deconstructed' profiteroles!
4. Sottocasa Pizzeria
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 191 reviews
Reviewed By Tammy Y - Swannanoa, North Carolina
2 members of my party arrived early and enjoyed an appetizer of prosciutto, fresh mozzarella and arugula. When 3 others arrived our party was seated and ordered 4 pizzas along with an arugula salad. Everything was fresh and tasty. Pizzas were amazing and all arrived...MoreThank you! We love to be in your memories!
5. Pisillo Italian Panini
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 693 reviews
This is a new concept of "fast food",we only use fresh and high quality Italian Products,that are Imported directly from Italy, like our Bufala Mozzarella delivered to as fresh every week. The bread we use, comes from one of the finest bakeries in Brooklyn-Bensonhurst. It is delivered to us every morning, fresh, fragrant and still warm right out of the oven.
Reviewed By jumbo977 - Berea, Kentucky
How comforting to find 100% Italian cured meats and fresh cheeses generously filling a real, gigantic loaf of bread. We were both hungry and one panino split in half was plenty. High quality, great value, friendly staff - they are doing a wonderful job! I suggest trying the pastry and coffee shop at the left as well :)
6. The River Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
The River Cafe is open for Dinner service every day of the year. Dinner service begins at 5:30 Lunch is served on Saturday from 11:30 AM until 2:30 PM Brunch is served on Sunday from 11:30 AM until 2:30 PM
Reviewed By Gemma F - Bristol, United Kingdom
What can I say, this restaurant is quite possibly one of the best I’ve eaten in across the globe.
The service is second to none, professionalism at its best. I’m not quite sure what other people expect from high end restaurants, but arrogance & pretentious is not how I would describe it. Slick, yes.. polite, yes.. knowledgeable, absolutely.
Yes you have to wear a jacket, but if that’s a problem why dine here?!
The views are obviously a big bonus too & at night create a wonderfully cosy atmosphere, with the twinkle of lights across the water & flickering candle light in the restaurant.
We came here as a party of 4 from England & couldn’t have been any happier with our evening, each course to die for, not one of us unhappy with any of our choices. The sommelier was great too, as was the wine. Yes it’s not cheap, but again you are paying for a fantastic location accompanied by outstanding food & service. So again leaves me a little baffled by other reviewers comments, anyhow...!
My Niman ranch strip steak & bone marrow duchess potato was out of this world, I have never eaten steak like it.
Dessert, why wouldn’t you order a chocolate Brooklyn bridge?! Quirky & one for the memory bank.
So all in all I’d go back in a heart beat, a truly beautiful evening/experience.
If you don’t like fine food, great service & a beautiful location this isn’t the place for you!
7. RabbitHole
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 184 reviews
We opened the Rabbithole with the intention of offering a sense of integrity to everything we do. The food is great, the pastries are made here and the bar was equally devised. for a discerning palette. We have made an effect to address details we feel are largely overlooked in most restaurants, and that it will be obvious to anyone who would take the time to notice. Pastries are made in our own bakery, without using pre made products of any kind. We start with flour, butter, salt, sugar, etc. We think the products speak for themselves. Many people mention the scones, cookies, muffins in their writing about this place or our previous incarnation, the Read Cafe. The rear of the restaurant and the garden are intended to be a more formal dining area, with the front being less so, as a bar/cafe setting. The coffee has been specifically chosen and brewed to our own preferences, as we love coffee. The espresso is from Stumptown, and we feel there is none better. Six artisanal beer on tap, and a fine selection of whiskeys, of course…
Reviewed By APM13 - Washington DC, District of Columbia
I had brunch here recently with my parents and boyfriend. The server was really friendly and helpful, especially with respect to scone recommendations. I had the eggs benedict and the bacon and hollandaise sauce were incredible. The biscuit was a tiny bit dry, but that was really my only complaint. My mom ordered the chocolate raspberry scone, which was sweet and crumbly. The atmosphere of the restaurant was busy, but not overly so. Very cozy and sweet on the inside. I would definitely come back here again! We went around 11 a.m. and got the last 4-top before they started a wait list, so hopefully that's helpful (Sunday brunch).
8. Cafe Mogador
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 387 reviews
Reviewed By Sheryl B
Neighborhood place but you feel part of the scene once sitting at the bar. Lovely wait staff. Small space between tables and slightly noisy. Great food choices for vegetarians and meat lovers with delicious Middle Eastern flavors, reasonable prices and good portions.
9. Gino's Restaurant & Pizzeria
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 172 reviews
Family owned and operated since 1964, Gino’s Restaurant is a long standing tradition in Bay Ridge. Located on Fifth Avenue, Gino's is one of the best kept secrets featuring Italian cuisine in Brooklyn. We invite all of our guests to enjoy a fine dining experience with quality service, full bar and spirited atmosphere. Please visit our website for current menus.
Reviewed By Peter F - Staten Island, New York
We have an annual family dinner at Gino’s. Tonight 10 of us dined there. We started with baked clams and calamari. Both were ok but nothing special. The clams were particularly disappointing. I had shrimp oreganata. The bread crumbs were slightly scorched and the sauce was watery. My wife had a special which was delicious. It was bucatini with short rib ragu topped with fresh ricotta. Desserts were fine. All in all the entire meal was a let down from the usual standards I’ve come to expect at Gino’s.
10. Maison Premiere
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 271 reviews
New Orleans style absinthe and oyster bar
Reviewed By Susan P - Hudson, New York
My Father grew up on the Quarter,my expectations were low walking into Maison Premiere, my daughters choose this spot knowing how tough I can be. We were seated in the back, the lighting a decor is so lovely and quiet. The food was quite good, my server was attentive and knowledgeable. I will go again!
