30+ Greatest & Best Restaurants in Brooklyn (Foodie’s Guide)
Looking for the best restaurants in Brooklyn? We got you. We might be biased, but we think that the food in Brooklyn is some of the best not only in the city but the country. The borough is home to some of the best pizza in the country (dare I say the world?) and a showcase of international cuisine from all over the globe. Not to mention, the neighborhood is home to several Michelin star and Michelin Gourmand Bib restaurants.
Whether you are a local to Brooklyn or just visiting, this guide will provide you with all the best restaurants and best eats in Brooklyn.
Keep in mind, this list is ever-changing. This is not etched in stone. This post will change and evolve just as the food scene does here in Brooklyn. And we are in Brooklyn, so expect this to be a pizza and pasta-heavy list.
So as of now, here are our favorite places for where to eat in Brooklyn.
Best Brooklyn Restaurants To Try!
Lucali
575 Henry Street, Carroll Gardens
No New York City restaurant guide would be complete without beginning with Lucali, let alone a guide for where to eat in Brooklyn. Located in Carroll Gardens, Lucali speaks for itself in only offering two things on the menu – pizza and calzone, both of which will be one of the most incredible pizzas and calzones you’ve ever eaten, if not the best.
There really aren’t words to describe how amazing this pizza is. I recommend starting with the classic and original the first time you come that is topped with basil and the perfect crust, cheese, and sauce combination. If you crave some toppings, the hot peppers and pepperoni combination is one of the best pizzas in New York.
Yes, Lucali is hard to get into on the weekends and yes, sometimes the line wraps around the block and corner. Should that stop you from going? Absolutely not.
My best recommendation? Go during the week as the lines always tend to be much shorter and you have much more availability to choose the time slot you want. If you do go on the weekends, definitely get there by 4 PM at the latest because the line does get longer.
Lucali is BYOB and cash only. You are limited to one hour of dining when you sit down and are expected to be ready to order when the waitress approaches. They are open for dinner every day but Tuesday with the first seating at 5 PM and offer both indoor and outdoor seating.
They also have a delightful garden out back and are truly one of the best, if not the best, restaurants in Brooklyn.
Lilia
567 Union Avenue, Williamsburg
There is no way you’ve googled best Italian food in NY and Lilia has not made it on that list. It is definitely one of the best restaurants in Brooklyn and should be high at the top of the list of when planning for Italian food and dining around the city.
Not only is the food incredible but the space has been beautifully transformed from what was once an old auto shop. They have outside tables that line the sidewalks and an incredible square that in the winter they transform into a beautiful winter village.
I’ve been fortunate to get into Lilia more than once and my only recommendation is to come very very hungry because you’re going to want some of everything. The rigatoni diavola, malfadini, and sheep’s milk cheese filled agnolotti are all dishes that should definitely be on your table. The salads and appetizers are also great, but make sure you save room for dessert because the Italian Job is necessary.
Reservations are basically necessary here although I do hear they save some spots for walk-ins. A Resy reminder is definitely recommended but even if you can’t get into Lilia, you can head over to Misi for a just as incredible experience from chef Missy Robbins.
Restaurant Yuu
55 Nassau Avenue, Greenpoint
One of the best restaurants in Brooklyn and one of the city’s culinary gems is Restaurant Yuu in Greenpoint. Helmed by Japanese chef Yuu Shimano, stands out as a top dining destination and gastronomical journey.
With a background in prestigious Japanese and French culinary institutes, Chef Yuu crafts a 15-course French omakase experience blending Japanese precision and French refinement.
The dining experience, performed theatrically from the open kitchen, promises a seamless orchestration of flavors. Opting for pairings enhances the experience with carefully selected sakes and wines.
Whether for a special occasion or a culinary adventure, Restaurant Yuu offers an unforgettable dining journey.
Misi
329 Kent Avenue, Williamsburg
As mentioned above, Misi is another one of the top and stand-out restaurants in Williamsburg from chef Missy Robbins. In fact, I might like Misi better than Lilia. The space is large and similar to the minimalist vibes of Lilia but the best part about Misi is being able to sit at the long bar in front of the kitchen and watch the chefs work.
Similar to Lilia, the pasta dishes are the star here but don’t let that stop you from also ordering some salads and appetizers. If you’ve ever been on Instagram, you’ve more than likely seen the whipped ricotta toast. It is worth the hype. Also worth the hype? The fettuccine pasta and the tortellini. Both of them are truly two of the best plates of pasta I’ve ever eaten and easily some of the best eats in Brooklyn.
Just like Lilia, Misi reservations are highly recommended. Indoor and outdoor dining are available but if possible, grab yourself a spot at the kitchen counter.
Also, chef Missy Robbins was on Top Chef Masters and has held a Michelin star at not one but two restaurants.
Laser Wolf Brooklyn
97 Wythe Ave, Williamsburg
The day I got a reservation at Laser Wolf Brooklyn was one I’ll not soon forget. It was for 10:15 pm on a Sunday night but it was well worth the late night and feelings of exhaustion on Monday morning as this is by far one of the best Brooklyn restaurants.
The menu is simple and is similar to a tasting menu in the sense that everyone gets the Instagram famous (but not at all overrated) mezze or Salatim platter, one entree, and their absolutely incredible, maybe the best dessert I’ve ever had, brown sugar soft serve with sesame and cherry crunchies. For the entrees, you can choose between fish, vegetables or meat. If you’re a meat eater, do not skip the BBQ short ribs. They are out of this world. While they are an additional charge, do not skip the french fries either.
Laser Wolf is located in Williamsburg on top of the Hoxton Hotel, which is one of the best hotels in Williamsburg to stay in too. I would normally say the views alone are worth the visit but the food at Laser Wolf is so amazing it easily makes this one of the best restaurants in Brooklyn. As mentioned on their website, “Laser Wolf is a “shipudiya” or “skewer house,” a pillar of Israeli life.”
Luigi’s Pizza
686 5th Avenue, South Slope
If you’ve ever heard of Stool Presendiente or more formally known as the “one bite” man, you’ve heard of Luigi’s Pizza. If you’ve ever seen Big Daddy, the classic movie starring Adam Sandler, you’ve also heard of Luigi’s Pizza because that is the pizzeria from the movie.
Both of these reasons alone don’t make for great pizza but they are added bonuses to promote some of the best pizza in Brooklyn and a best Brooklyn restaurants.
The classic slices shine here but they also have my absolute favorite slice of Sicilian around. Each time you go in, you will be given one of the best pizza slices in the city and most often from the chef and owner himself. The pizzeria has been in the family for decades and has continued to withstand the test of time and remain one of the best slice shops around. Better yet, as costs of food around the city seem to increase, Luigi’s somehow keeps their prices low and the quality high.
Luigi’s offers take out. There is no indoor dining available and they are cash only.
Olmsted
659 Vanderbilt Avenue, Prospect Heights
Immediately when I started writing this guide I knew that Olmsted had to be included as one of the best restaurants in Brooklyn. Head chef, Greg Braxtrom, is a chef who spent time in the kitchens of Blue Hill at Stone Barns, Alinea, and Per Se, among others, and has taken those Michelin Stars and created some of the best food in Brooklyn.
Located in the Prospect Heights neighborhood, you feel at home the minute you walk into Olmsted. There are wooden tables throughout, plants lining the walls and a long bar up front, which is the perfect place to dine in the colder months. When it is warm, I highly recommend enjoying your meal outside in their backyard.
The menu changes regularly but each time I’ve been, everything I’ve ordered has been some of the best eats in Brooklyn. For dinner (or brunch or lunch), start with the bread. I’m not sure anyone does bread and butter better. The butter melts in your mouth and the bread is so warm and truly feels like it is right out of the oven. If you’re there for brunch, do not skip out on the BEC egg rolls, which are what dreams are made of. The kale and crab ragoons are also a crowd pleaser.
Olmsted accepts reservations and is open daily for dinner and lunch on the weekends. It has a total neighborhood feel and is the perfect place for a solo date at the bar or a group dinner with friends.
Petite Patate and Patti Ann’s are from Greg Braxtrom and also Prospect Heights restaurants to check out if you’re looking for something else that are also stand-out spots to dine.
Ugly Baby
307 Smith Street, Carroll Gardens
Another Carroll Gardens classic, Ugly Baby has great Thai Food. The space is casual and unassuming and while it is small, it is definitely very cozy and a great place for a small group dinner. Recently, they started accepting reservations but are only open for dinner Thursday – Sunday so make sure you plan accordingly.
Ugly Baby is another one of those restaurants where it is recommended to come with friends so you can try a little bit of everything. With that being said, you pre-order your meal when you make reservations but you do have the ability to add on dishes at the restaurant if you desire. If there are three people or less, you order completely al la carte.
Substitutions aren’t allowed so make sure you’re not coming with picky eaters. Truly everything is amazing but make sure to order all the classics as well including the Laab Ped Udon, Khoong Muk Kai Kem, Kang Hoh and the Lon Pla Kem and experience some of the best eats in Brooklyn. Not to mention, it is also a Michelin guide restaurant and has consistently been awarded with Michelin Gourmand Bib status.
Santa Fe
178 N 8th Street, Williamsburg
Another newcomer topping the list of the best Brooklyn restaurants is Santa Fe, a New Mexican restaurant specializing in New Mexican ingredients including the infamous “Christmas sauce,” a mix of red and green salsas.
Santa Fe came about during 2020 as a place to pick up burritos through a window. It has now expanded to a full-blown restaurant with one of my favorite patios, some of the absolute best queso around, and my favorite green chili items including cheeseburgers, breakfast burritos, and enchiladas.
Santa Fe is open every day for breakfast and lunch and then takes a short break before opening every night for dinner service. Reservations are accepted for both indoor and outdoor dining options.
Frankies 457 Spuntino
457 Court Street, Carroll Gardens
Just like Lucali, Frankies 457 Spuntino is a Carroll Gardens classic and favorite among city foodies, also making it one of the best eats in Brooklyn.
Frankies is a cozy, Italian restaurant with a gorgeous backyard garden with Tuscan-inspired fare. You can also dine at Franks Wine Bar or F&F Pizzeria which are all a part of the same family of restaurants here on the same block.
They do accept reservations through Resy and have walk-in seating but I would recommend a reservation if possible. Franks Wine Bar is located next door and is equally amazing with a long wooden bar at the front and wooden tables and booths throughout. You are also able to order food from Frankies 457 menu to enjoy at Franks.
There are two things you must order here and those are the meatballs and the house-made cavatelli with Faicco’s hot sausage and browned sage butter. Frankies is known for their classic Italian cooking so anything else you order from that family of cuisine, will probably be incredible.
Frankies is open for lunch on Wednesday – Sunday and dinner every day of the week.
Pasta Louise
1114 8th Avenue, Park Slope
No surprise that another incredible Italian restaurant makes the list of where to eat in Brooklyn. Pasta Louise started as selling freshly made pasta from a Park Slope stoop during social distancing in 2020. Due to popularity, they did the unlikely and opened a storefront during the pandemic. Now, it has become a Park Slope staple with two locations in the neighborhood and some of the best restaurants in Brooklyn.
The pasta noodles and shapes change regularly, all freshly made. Basically, you pick your sauce/style and it’s served on the pasta of the day. They also have great starters and other bites, but you must try the pasta and add on any toppings you like, including a fresh ball of burrata as option. Every dish I’ve ever tried is consistently delicious and is always at the top of my list of recommendations of where to eat in Brooklyn!
Pasta Louise is open every day but Monday for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Each location offers something different where the 12th Street location is more of a sit-down location and the 8th Street location is better for quick eats and to go orders. In fact, the 8th Street location is where you now pick up all to go orders. Both locations offer both indoor and outdoor seating.
Reservations are definitely recommended as Pasta Louise gets very busy. In fact, I don’t think I’ve walked by without the entire patio and indoor area being completely full. The patio is amazing and the indoor is decked out with a beautiful bar and custom pasta wallpaper.
Roberta’s
261 Moore Street, Bushwick
Another place that tops all the lists of the best pizza places in NYC is Robertas. Located in the Bushwick neighborhood, Roberta’s is a New York classic and should definitely be on top of everyone’s list of where to eat in Brooklyn for wood-fired pizza. They now have a second location in Domino Park in Williamsburg but I recommend the original.
You obviously come for the pizza but the aesthetics of Roberta’s are also some of the best. I personally love the outdoor dining area with long wooden tables and walls made out of shipping containers on a comfortable day. They also offer indoor dining if you’re here in the cooler months.
Roberta’s is definitely known for the Bee Sting pizza, made with tomato, mozzarella, soppressata, basil, chili, and honey. If you want something with a white sauce, the white guy is also incredible and you can’t go wrong with the classic Margherita. They also have delicious appetizers, pasta and salads, and a dynamite panna cotta dessert.
Roberta’s is open every day for lunch and dinner. Reservations are accepted and recommended for one of the best restaurants in Brooklyn.
Gage & Tollner
372 Fulton Street, Downtown Brooklyn
For over 125 years, Gage & Tollner was been one of the most famous restaurants in Brooklyn reigning from 1897-2004. It closed, but has now reopened in 2021 to return to it’s former glory and has already claimed itself as another of the best restaurants in Brooklyn and definitely one of the best steakhouses in all of New York.
Stick to the classics here and you won’t be disappointed, after all it’s a classic chophouse. The oysters are great. The wedge salad is one of the best and you can’t go wrong with any cut of meat. Make sure to add some sides to your steak of choice but please, please, please save room for baked Alaska for two.
The interior here is divine, perfect for a romantic date for two or a nicer dinner for a special occasion.
Gage & Tollner is open every day but Monday and Tuesday for dinner. They accept reservations and I highly recommend checking out the Sunken Harbor Club upstairs for a pre or post-dinner cocktail, which is themed to feel like you’re in the bowels of a pirate ship.
Hometown Bar-B-Que
454 Van Brunt Street, Red Hook
I’m originally from the South and have a hard time being convinced that there is great BBQ outside of there. Hometown Bar-B-Que meets all of my personal standards and more and has by far some of the best eats in Brooklyn.
Definitely order the classics. The sides are also some of the best around and I recommend trying them all. As far as meat goes, the pulled pork is my favorite thing on the menu. The brisket is also amazing if that is more your style! The ribs are fantastic. And sandwiches are also an option and for our vegetarian friends, they offer a really good veggie bahn mi and spicy cauliflower wings.
Hometown is open every day for lunch and dinner but Monday. They also are honored with a Michelin Bib award and while they don’t accept reservations, they offer both indoor and outdoor seating and the option for takeaway.
I definitely recommend calling ahead if you want to take away as they often get backed up in the warmer months. Hometown Bar-B-Que is located in Red Hook but they have a second location in Industry City in Sunset Park too.
Paulie Gee’s & Paulie Gee’s Slice Shop
60 Greenpoint Avenue (Paulie Gee’s) & 110 Franklin Avenue (Paulie Gee’s Slice Shop), Greenpoint
There is nothing that completes a foodie guide in Brooklyn, or any part of New York for that matter, more than pizza. The neighborhood of Greenpoint in Brooklyn is lucky enough to have two in Paulie Gees and Paulie Gee’s slice shop, who each make some of the best slices and have some of the best eats in Brooklyn.
Paulie Gee’s is more of a sit-down spot in Greenpoint where the slice shop is either sit-down or grab-and-go. Both are equally great so if the wait is long, head down the block for a slice and you won’t be disappointed.
The Hellboy slice or full pie is an essential order. Topped with fresh mozzarella, Italian tomatoes, Berkshire sopressata piccante, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and Mike’s Hot Honey, it is the perfect combination of cheese and spice.
Paulie Gees and Paulie Gee’s slice shop both have vegan and vegetarian options available. The slice shop has slices while the restaurant offers whole pies. Neither location takes reservations but both restaurants offer both indoor and outdoor seating.
The restaurant is open every day for dinner and the slice shop is open every day for lunch and dinner and is truly one of the best Brooklyn restaurants.
Tanoreen
7523 3rd Avenue, Bay Ridge
Bay Ridge is a great Brooklyn neighborhood and I always find myself wanting to spend more time over there. I also always find myself eating at Tanoreen every time I’m close by and for good reason since it tops the list of where to eat in Brooklyn especially if you’re looking for exceptional Middle Eastern fare.
Tanoreen is run by a Palestinian-American mother-daughter team and serves a range of dishes from Palestine, Syria, Jordan, and Lebanon. It is definitely recommended to come with friends and order some of everything including mezze.
The baba ghanoush is by far some of the best I’ve ever had. Follow that with the fetti with chicken, complete with rice and vermicelli noodles topped with tahini-yogurt sauce, crunchy almond slivers, and fried pita chips.
Do not skip dessert at Tanoreen. The Knafeh takes 20 minutes to bake but is completely worth the wait.
Tanoreen accepts reservations and is open every day but Monday for lunch and dinner. It is also the proud owner of a Michelin Bib recognition.
Vinegar Hill House
72 Hudson Avenue, Vinegar Hill
I might sound like a broken record, but good food in an aesthetically pleasing restaurant can’t be beat. Vinegar Hill House might be the most beautiful restaurant in all of Brooklyn, according to my taste.
Located in the hidden gem of a neighborhood known as Vinegar Hill, a neighborhood somewhere in between Nay Yard and DUMBO, this is definitely one of the best restaurants in Brooklyn for brunch or dinner.
Between the stylish interiors and the garden patio, this is a great spot for weekend brunch or a nice dinner. You will be happy with either dining experience just like you will be happy with anything you order on the menu.
If you’re here for dinner, order the charcuterie board, whatever pasta is on the menu and the pork chop. Save room for the rotating desserts and if there is panna cotta as an option, don’t skip it.
For brunch, order the sourdough pancake. Maybe two orders depending on how many people are with you, these are seriously some of the best pancakes in NYC. And be sure to get a breakfast sandwich.
Vinegar Hill House accepts reservations and is open for dinner daily and brunch on the weekends.
The Four Horsemen
295 Grand Street, Williamsburg
The Four Horsemen might be small but it is mighty. The menu is small but consistently delicious and the space is intimate but in the best ways possible. The wine list, however, is one of the best in Brooklyn.
Order the bread no matter what you do. Not only does it go great with all the wine but it goes even better with all the other delicious small plates on the menu. The menu rotates regularly but you really can’t go wrong with any of your decisions, and it always gives you a good excuse to come back. In fact, everyone agrees since the Four Horsemen is the proud owner of a Michelin star.
The Four Horsemen is open every day for dinner and brunch on the weekends, including Friday. They accept reservations, which go very quick, and offer both indoor and outdoor dining. The owner is the lead singer of LCD Soundsystem and just like creating good music, he has created some of the best eats in Brooklyn.
Cafe Spaghetti
126 Union Street, Columbia Street Waterfront District
Located in the small neighborhood of Columbia Street Waterfront District in Brooklyn, this newcomer to the Brooklyn Italian restaurant scene has quickly become a top restaurant in Brooklyn. Cafe Spaghetti is like so many other Brooklyn restaurants, you come for the incredible patio and stay for the incredible food.
Start with the cacio e pepe riceballs. They are perfectly fried and perfectly equal cheese and cacio e pepe. You should also try something that isn’t on every Italian menu, which is the Spiedini Alla Romana, an updated version of this toasted cheese sandwich dish with lemon sauce, tomatoes, and anchovies.
For entrees, pasta is king here (obviously) and the spaghetti pomodoro and the ravioli consistently remain at the top.
Cafe Spaghetti offers both indoor and outdoor dining and accepts reservations. This is definitely a new hit so make sure to get your reservation when they open.
Miss Ada
184 DeKalb Avenue, Fort Greene
Another incredible Mediterranean-focused restaurant located in Fort Greene is Miss Ada. It is also another one of the best restaurants in Brooklyn that has Michelin Bib recognition. With both cozy indoor dining and one of the most beautiful ivy-covered backyards, the vibes are almost as good as the food.
Each cocktail and food item is very unique and all equally delicious. It’s definitely necessary to start with the dips, especially the hummus, beets, and whipped ricotta. As far as the entrees go, they have some of the best shakshuka in the city. The skewers and falafel are also incredible.
Reservations are hard to come by so definitely make sure to try and secure a reservation. Located in the Fort Greene neighborhood, Miss Ada is definitely at the top of the list for where to eat in Brooklyn.
Bonnie’s
398 Manhattan Avenue, Williamsburg
If you’ve heard of Bonnie’s, it’s because it’s one of the most hyped restaurants by locals, and with good reason. Yet another place to enjoy in Williamsburg, a foodie-heavy neighborhood, and top pick for where to eat in Brooklyn. This Cantonese American-style restaurant is from a former chef at Win Son and is already known as one of those impossible-to-get reservations and for very good reason.
The whole vibe of the restaurant is relaxed yet upbeat and you’ll often find Biggie blasting through the speakers as you enjoy all the best creative dishes including the standouts of their take on a McRib and the Cacio e Pepe.
For more traditional and less flashy dishes, make sure to order the fermented long beans or dao gok, some oysters and the trout but whatever you do, don’t skip the tinned dace dip and the gerng jook.
Wash all this down with an inventive cocktail while remembering that this might be the only time you snag a reservation for a while so full advantage should be taken.
Bonnie’s is open every day for dinner except for Mondays and while reservations are accepted, you should make a mental note to set your Resy notifications now. Both inside and outside dining options are available.
Di An Di
68 Greenpoint Avenue, Greenpoint
Di An Di is always packed and for good reason because this is definitely one of the best Vietnamese restaurants in Brooklyn. It is also another very stylishly designed space with plants lining the walls, Scanadivan furniture, and pastel pink all over the restaurant.
The food focuses on a variety of classics to their own unique dishes to something in the middle. I have yet to order anything I don’t like on the menu but I definitely recommend their takes on classic dishes including the bánh xèo-wrapped summer rolls stuffed with grilled pork, shredded chicken salad, Bánh Tráng Nướng Chay and the Pho Thin. The bahn mi here are incredible too.
Di An Di accepts reservations and are open for dinner every day but Monday and lunch Wednesday – Sunday. Reservations are definitely recommended as this place definitely gets busy since it is one of the best Brooklyn restaurants.
Frankel’s Delicatessen & Appetizing
631 Manhattan Avenue, Greenpoint
No guide of where to eat in Brooklyn is complete without mentioning sandwiches and Frankel does not only have some of the best sandwiches in Brooklyn but also has great vibes. Located in the Greenpoint neighborhood, this is definitely one of the best Brooklyn restaurants.
Everything on the menu is worth trying but no matter how many times I go, I’m always drawn back to the classic pastrami, egg, and cheese on an everything bagel. The eggs are perfectly fluffy, the pastrami is perfectly cooked and the cheese is perfectly melted.
Frankel’s also has a great lox bagel, referred to at Frankel’s as Specialty Combo #1 (Pastrami Salmon, Dill Cucumber, Scallion Cream Cheese), traditional latkes, and one of my favorite black and white cookies. They also have brunch kits, which are great to take to the park to meet friends.
Frankel’s is open every day but Monday from early-ish to late afternoon, or until they sell out. You might encounter a line but it is definitely worth the wait. There are a few indoor seats available but you’re about 50 feet away from McCarren Park, one of the best outdoor spots in Greenpoint.
Claro
284 3rd Avenue, Gowanus
Claro is one of those places that not only has a great ambiance but it also has some of the best eats in Brooklyn for upscale Mexican fare from Oaxaca, making it an easy standout as one of the best restaurants in Brooklyn that’s been a recipient of a Michelin star.
Not only is the interior of Claro incredible but they also have one of my favorite patios in all of New York and we know how much New Yorkers love a good patio. Covered in string lines, blue chairs and tables and surrounded by trees, this is the perfect place to have a meal paired with mezcal flights when the weather is nice. For the best seat and view, make sure you request a table by the kitchen so you can watch homemade tortillas being made.
The interior is also warm with a cool ambiance, so dining inside is also an excellent option.
With the homemade tortillas, the tostadas and the tlayudas are some of my favorite items on the menu. Claro is also known for their mole so make sure someone at your table orders a mole dish. They also have a mezcal-tasting flight, which is a great addition to your meal.
Claro has both indoor and outdoor seating and they accept reservations. Located in the Gowanus neighborhood, they are open daily for dinner and serve delicious brunch on the weekends.
Dino
222 DeKalb Avenue, Fort Greene
Located on the edge of Fort Greene and Clinton Hill is a great neighborhood Italian restaurant with the perfect balance of ambiance and great food. The indoor is small and cozy and they have an upstairs spot next door but their back patio is an oasis, covered in trees and white tables.
The best thing on the menu is pasta, for brunch, lunch or dinner but do not skip out on the ricotta pancakes on the brunch menu. They are some of my favorite pancakes by far and some of the best eats in Brooklyn. Other standout menu items include the spaghetti limone, spinach gnocchi pomadoro, and the spaghetti carbonara. Make sure to ask about the daily specials as well when you visit.
Dino accepts reservations and is definitely at the top of the list of where to eat in Brooklyn. They are open for lunch and dinner daily and brunch on the weekends.
For All Things Good
343 Franklin Avenue (Bed Stuy) & 314 Grand Street (Williamsburg)
For a plant-friendly Mexican option, consider For All Things Good. This mostly meat-free Mexican eatery features dishes that are focused around their high-quality masa and homemade corn tortillas making it one of my top choices for best eats in Brooklyn with Michelin Bib recognition.
The original location opened in late 2020 in Bed Stuy with casual indoor and outdoor seating, it has become such a great Brooklyn restaurant, For All Good things has now expanded and opened its second location in Williamsburg.
As far as food goes, make sure you order the tetelas. They are similar to small quesadillas but all the flour tortillas are handmade and absolutely incredible. There are three different choices (obviously I recommend ordering all three) but if you have to choose just one, stick with the chihuahua cheese and salsa verde. In fact, the salsa verde is so good so make sure you ask for an extra side.
For All Things Good is definitely one of the best Brooklyn restaurants. They are open every day but Mondays for breakfast, lunch and dinner (with a small break between lunch and dinner service). Both locations have outdoor sidewalk dining and a small space inside to eat at the Bed Stuy location. The Williamsburg location accepts reservations and has a slightly larger menu for drink options. They also sell the tortillas, which I highly recommend purchasing to take some home with you.
Taqueria al Pastor
128 Wyckoff Avenue, Bushwick
A guide on where to eat in Brooklyn would not be complete without including some of the amazing Mexican fare that resides in the Bushwick neighborhood. While Bushwick is definitely home to some of the best Mexican restaurants (along with Sunset Park) and small taco trucks in Brooklyn, Taqueria al Pastor consistently remains one of the best.
Based on the name of this best Brooklyn restaurant alone, you should order the pastor. You should also order some carne asada tacos because al pastor and carne asada are an unbeatable combination. Each taco is smothered with guacamole wrapped in a homemade corn tortilla, making this the perfect street taco and one of the best eats in Brooklyn.
While I’m usually partial to a tortilla taco, Taqueria al Pastor also has a delicious take on a crispy taco, known as volcanoes, that is a equally as delicious. In addition, they have all the other classics including quesadillas, tortas and rice plates.
The space is small on the inside but they have plenty of outdoor seating set up. The service is quick and very friendly so don’t worry if there is a line as it typically moves fast. Taqueria al Pastor is open every day till midnight and until 11 pm on Sundays and is definitely one of the top and best places to eat in Brooklyn.
Llama Inn
50 Withers Street, Williamsburg
For incredibly Peruvian food, head to the Llama Inn in Williamsburg, definitely one of the best Brooklyn restaurants. I love their creative and unique dishes, not to mention some of the best cocktails. The space itself is also something to be desired with dimly-lit interiors and a wraparound bar in the center of the restaurant but the real highlight is the rooftop bar that is filled with plants.
While all their cocktails are amazing, your first drink should include anything made with Pisco. The menu changes regularly but the quinoa and the beef tenderloin entree, or what is known in Peru as lomo saltado, should not be missed.
Llama Inn is open every night for dinner and open for brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. They are also the proud owners of a Michelin bib for several years in a row. Reservations are accepted and they offer both indoor and outdoor seating, as mentioned above.
Agi’s Counter
818 Franklin Avenue, Crown Heights
Another top choice for my picks of best restaurants in Brooklyn is Agi’s Counter. Beyond great food, the inviting exterior is picture perfect with floral arrangements and colored brightly blue.
The restaurant is Hungarian-inspired and takes roots from the owner’s grandmother, whose photo is proudly displayed in the restaurant.
Agi’s is a great place to grab and go in the mornings but since it is just as aesthetically pleasing on the outside as it is on the inside, you probably want to sit and stay awhile to enjoy your weekday breakfast.
They offer both indoor and outdoor seating and accept reservations. They offer weekday breakfast and brunch daily, aside from Monday and Tuesdays and special items for weekend brunch on Saturday and Sunday.
Recently, they just began dinner service offered on Wednesday through Friday nights, which I highly recommend the spatzele or and paprika forward dish.
La Vara
268 Clinton Street, Cobble Hill
La Vara is a top restaurant in Cobble Hill and probably the best Spanish restaurant in all of New York in my humble opinion. Influenced by Moorish and Jewish flavors, La Vara creates some of the best Spanish-style tapas around. Not to mention, they have my favorite gin and tonic in the city.
The space is filled with brick walls and minimalist decor. Plus it is set in the middle of the brownstone and townhouse lined streets of Cobble Hill and one of the most adorable parks in the city is next door, Cobble Hill Park.
For food, as with any tapas restaurant, sharing is definitely recommended. With that being said, the portions are small so this a great spot to try a few things or just nibble before or after an event or other activity. All of the tapas are delicious but make sure you order the croquetas and fried chickpeas to start.
La Vara accepts reservations and is open every night for dinner. They offer both indoor and outdoor seating and is definitely one of the best choices of where to eat in Brooklyn.
Oxalis
791 Washington Avenue, Crown Heights
Oxalis is consistently ranked on lists of where to eat in Brooklyn. It also only offers brunch on Sunday mornings, making it even more desirable and one of the best Brooklyn restaurants. Not to mention, the interior is amazing with plants throughout, minimalistic design, and a beautiful patio and long bar out back making it an aesthetically pleasing place to enjoy a meal.
The brunch menu changes each week but always consists of an egg dish, a starch, a vegetable or a salad and some sort of dessert item/sweet item. Each week the menu consists of different ingredients from different regional cuisines and served family style. They also have sides that can be added, which I highly recommend because they add even more to an already delicious meal.
For dinner, they also offer an incredible tasting menu that rotates regularly and is seasonally inspired. The tasting consists of nine different courses and you can add a beverage tasting to complement.
Oxalis accepts reservations and offers both indoor and outdoor seating. They are open for dinner daily except for Monday and Tuesday and serve a prix fixe brunch menu on Sunday mornings. Earning a Michelin star for several years in a row, this is definitely one of the best restaurants in Brooklyn.
Where to Eat in Brooklyn (Post Summary):
- Lucali
- Lilia
- Restaurant Yuu
- Misi
- Laser Wolf Brooklyn
- Luigi’s Park Slope
- Olmsted
- Ugly Baby
- Santa Fe
- Frankie’s 457 Spuntino
- Pasta Louise
- Roberta’s
- Gage & Tollner
- Hometown Bar-B-Que
- Paulie Gee’s & Paulie Gee’s Slice Shop
- Tanoreen
- Vinegar Hill House
- The Four Horsemen
- Cafe Spaghetti
- Miss Ada
- Bonnie’s
- Di an Di
- Frankel’s Delicatessen & Appetizing
- Claro
- Dino
- For All Things Good
- Taqueria al Pastor
- Llama Inn
- Agi’s Counter
- La Vara
- Oxalis
Did we miss your favorite restaurant in Brooklyn? Let us know in the comments below, as we said this list is always going to change and evolve if we haven’t been we will put it on our radar to check out. Happy eating!
