10 Fabulous Restaurants in Cobble Hill (Local Foodie’s Guide)
Looking for the best places to eat in Cobble Hill? We got you. There are plenty of fabulous eateries and restaurants in Cobble Hill, a smaller neighborhood loaded with charm. The tree-lined streets in this quaint neighborhood are complimented by 19th-century architecture, pocket-sized community parks, and plenty of lovely neighborhood shops, cafes, bakeries, and of course places to grab a bite to eat! You could even call it Gobble Hill.
Whether you are a local or just visiting, this guide will provide you with all of the best places to eat in Cobble Hill whether you’re looking for brunch, lunch, or a nice dinner spot curated from someone who truly loves the art of dining out in Brooklyn.
Where to Eat in Cobble Hill
Poppy’s
Address: 243 Degraw Street
Poppy’s originally caught my attention because of the name. This is what I called my grandfather and I was so happy to hear that the namesake comes from the owner also calling her grandfather Poppy! They also happen to serve some of the best brunch in Cobble Hill!
The space is very aesthetically pleasing with delicious pastries in the morning and incredible sandwiches around lunchtime. They also have egg dishes if you’re more of a savory person. The menu changes regularly but don’t leave without the buttermilk biscuit and lemon poppy semolina loaf if they are on the menu.
The coffee and iced tea are also delicious and if you need to pick up something special for yourself or something else, they have great merchandise and the cutest gifts.
Poppy’s recently opened a second location (because it really is that good) in Brooklyn Heights. Reservations are not accepted and their Cobble Hill location only offers outdoor seating. They are open every day from early morning until early evening and should definitely be at the top of your list (which is why it is at the top of this one) of great restaurants in Cobble Hill.
Shelsky’s of Brooklyn Appetizing and Delicatessen
Address: 141 Court Street
Bagels dominate New York and for good reason. There are so many great bagel shops and every neighborhood deserves to have a great one. Shelsky’s of Brooklyn is the best spot for brunch in Cobble Hill serving all your traditional bagels but in the most perfect way.
This classic Jewish deli is famous for its smoked fish selection, although don’t sleep on their traditional bagel breakfast sandwiches (my favorite is the bacon or sausage, egg, and cheese on an everything bagel) or their flavored cream cheeses.
Shelsky’s is open daily from early morning until late afternoon. Reservations are not accepted and there is not indoor seating so plan for a more grab and go service!
There are some great green/park areas in Cobble Hill so you can also walk a few blocks and enjoy some of the best brunch in Cobble Hill outdoors! They also have a second location in Park Slope.
Lillo Cucina Italiana
Address: 331 Henry Street
There is no shortage of great Italian food in Brooklyn (especially around Carroll Gardens) but Lillo Cucina Italiana in Cobble Hill makes for one of my favorite spots. It feels just like an authentic Roman restaurant and is by far one of the best places to eat in Cobble Hill.
If you’re lucky, the owner will take your order and recommend his favorite dishes, although each one seems to be incredible. The menu changes daily based on what they are able to import directly from Italy.
This intimate dining setting only has around 15 seats and comes off as a small cafe. You’ll spot the espresso machine and all the Italian pastries to pair too. Which makes it a great quick spot to grab a coffee and pastry in the morning or stick around and stay for the sandwiches, small plates, and pasta dishes that make this spot worthy of being on your radar.
Lillo Cucina Italiana is open every day but Monday for lunch and dinner. Reservations are not accepted and the space is small but worth the wait! It is cash only and there is one small table outside if the weather is good. Alcohol is not available (and it is not BYOB) but the pasta is so good you don’t even notice.
Rua Thai
Address: 204 Smith Street
Rua Thai is still pretty new on my radar, but it quickly is becoming one of my personal favorites for best restaurants in Cobble Hill. Inspired by floating Thai markets, they have some of the best traditional Thai fare as well as chef specialties inspired by modern Thai food.
For classics, stick with the pad thai or curry and you won’t be disappointed. You also will not be disappointed if you ask what the chef recommends and go with that. They also have very inventive cocktails, so if you’re feeling extra adventurous make sure to try one.
Rua Thai is open every day for lunch and dinner. Reservations are accepted through their website and both indoor and outdoor dining are available.
La Vara
Address: 268 Clinton Street
La Vara is the best Spanish tapas restaurant in Cobble Hill and perhaps my favorite Spanish restaurant in New York City. From its charming interiors to incredible food, La Vara should be at the top of your list for places to eat in Cobble Hill!
Not to mention, La Vara is good enough to have received a Michelin star and be a James Beard finalist, so it’s no wonder why this neighborhood spot is a sensation.
Like all the places that are recommended in these guides, La Vara could be visited solo but in this case, I recommend group dining as tapas are best shared. There are so many incredible menu items that you’re going to want to try them all. You’re also going to want to have lots of wines and cocktails so come hungry and leave happy.
La Vara is open every day for dinner. Reservations are accepted and both indoor and outdoor dining options are available.
Yemen Cafe
Address: 176 Atlantic Avenue
Bordering between Cobble Hill and Brooklyn Heights is Yemen Cafe, the perfect Middle Eastern eatery for everyone. The menu is sufficient for any groups food needs (even your extra picky friend in the group) and it is reasonably priced, unpretentious and serves some of the best food in Cobble Hill.
Start your meal with the complimentary flatbread, salad and marag, a delicious lamb soup that smells up the entire place (in the best way). After that, the foul, fava beans with onions and spices, is a must. Any of the meat dishes are incredible from the chicken kebab to the lamb haneeth.
Yemen Cafe is open every day for lunch and dinner, including an incredible lunch special. Both indoor and outdoor dining are available. Reservations are not accepted. While this is a great Cobble Hill restaurant, if you find yourself in Bay Ridge, you can also check out the original!
Henry Public
Address: 329 Henry Street
Henry Public is one of those places where I felt like I frequented before it seemed like everyone heard about it! I mean, I get it, they have extremely cozy vibes, an old New York aesthetic, and even better food. Not to mention, there is a fireplace making it one of the best places to eat in Cobble Hill in the winter if you’re looking to feel extra cozy in the coldest of months.
The menu features elevated pub fare. They have a great burger, delicious deviled eggs, and one of my favorite grilled cheeses in the city. They also have a delicious cocktail list and offer happy hour.
Henry Public is open every night for dinner and open for brunch on the weekends. Reservations are accepted and both indoor and outdoor dining are available.
Saint Julivert Fisherie
Address: 264 Clinton Street
From the owners of La Vara comes another spot that you’ll want to have on your radar when looking for where to eat in Cobble Hill. This cozy eatery is as charming as it is delicious located on the corner of Cobble Hill Park and next to La Vara.
You’ll find an array of dishes that are all seafood-forward. And it’s not just me who thinks this is one of the best restaurants in Cobble Hill, Michelin has even given Saint Julivert Bib Gourmand recognition.
Like La Vara, the food at Saint Julivert is meant to be shared as they are small plates, and mostly because you’re going to want to try it all, especially if you’re a seafood lover. Make sure to save room for the Italian Ice at the end of the meal and try some of the hard to find wine on the wine list!
Saint Julivert accepts reservations. Both indoor and outdoor dining are available and this great Cobble Hill restaurant is open daily for dinner.
Clover Club
Address: 210 Smith Street
At Clover Club, you typically come for the drinks as this is one of the best bars in Brooklyn. Clover Club is well known for having some of the best bartenders in the city, it is very aesthetically pleasing, and they offer a prohibition-style ambiance that keeps drawing you in.
What you might not realize is that they also have some of the best food from brunch to bar snacks to entrees at dinner time making Clover Club a top place to eat in Cobble Hill.
For brunch, get the egg sandwich. You can customize it with just about anything and it is delicious, mostly because of the pickled cherry peppers and tomato aioli. From there order something sweet to share and wash it all down with some delicious cocktails (they do have a great espresso martini if you’re still on that bandwagon).
For dinner, start with the oysters and arancini. Then get the burger. You won’t be disappointed.
Clover Club is open every day from early afternoon to late and open at noon on the weekends. Reservations are not accepted but the wait for a table is typically not too long if you get there early. They serve some of the best brunch in Cobble Hill and have some of the best and innovative cocktails making this a top restaurant in Cobble Hill.
Lobo
Address: 218 Court Street
For the best margarita in New York, head to Lobo. For the best Tex-Mex around, head to Lobo. They have actual (in the Tex-Mex way) queso, and delicious guacamole and is definitely one of the best restaurants in Cobble Hill.
If you’re there for lunch or dinner, get the quesadillas. They are technically a starter but with all the chips and queso, salsa and guacamole you eat, they are plenty filling. I know quesadillas don’t sound like the most original thing but Lobo does something that makes them extra special. The cheese melts, the bell peppers are perfectly crisp and the mushrooms are the best extra touch.
Everything else is great too including all the Tex-Mex classics from chimichangas to burritos to tacos.
Lobo is open every day for dinner and lunch on the weekends. They serve some of the best brunch in Cobble Hill and while reservations are not accepted, the wait typically isn’t bad. Both indoor and outdoor dining are available.
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