Brooklyn is bursting with bold flavors, buzzing streets, and unforgettable bites. The best Brooklyn restaurants aren’t just places to eat—they’re experiences. Each neighborhood brings its own flair, from wood-fired pizzas to Michelin-starred farm-to-table plates. Craving something classic? You’ll find bagels that require two hands. Seeking something new? Creative Vietnamese and reimagined American dishes await. This borough doesn’t do boring. It’s a hotspot for food lovers chasing the next great meal.
Dive into buzzing brunch spots, hidden backyard gems, and chef counters that turn dinner into a show. The places to eat in Brooklyn are endless, but we’ve done the hard part—curating the finest flavors worth your fork. For locals and visitors alike, these picks represent the top restaurants in Brooklyn, packed with personality, passion, and palate-pleasing magic. Ready to eat your way through one of New York’s most exciting boroughs? Start with these 10 culinary treasures.
Recommended Read: Top 10 Most Exclusive Fine Dining Restaurants: Book Your Table Now!
1. Olmsted
Olmsted is not just a restaurant—it’s an experience. Tucked away at 659 Vanderbilt Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11238, it redefines what the best Brooklyn restaurants can offer. This farm-to-table gem is run by chefs with roots in Per Se and Blue Hill, bringing upscale finesse to a cozy neighborhood setting. Signature dishes like the Cow Tongue Appetizer, King Crab Over Rice, and their inventive bread service with garlic butter showcase the team’s culinary imagination.
Brunch is equally enchanting—don’t miss the jelly-filled krapfen or the duck duo with scrambled duck eggs and sausage. For dessert, the interactive S’mores takes you back to campfire nostalgia, elevated with gourmet flair. Ideal for dates, celebrations, or a solo chef’s counter escape, Olmsted shines among the top restaurants in Brooklyn. Reservations are recommended.
🌐 Website
🕒 Open: Tues–Sun (Dinner & Weekend Brunch)
2. Paulie Gee’s
For serious pizza lovers and social eaters alike, Paulie Gee’s in Greenpoint is a holy grail. Located at 60 Greenpoint Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11222, this cozy, dimly lit spot is legendary for its wood-fired, Neapolitan-style pies. Paulie and his team craft each pizza with obsessive care—no takeout allowed, so it’s always fresh and piping hot. You might even find Paulie himself checking in at your table.
Read About The Obstinate Daughter Sullivan’s Island: A Must-Try Dining Experience in Charleston
The standout? The iconic Hellboy, layered with fresh mozzarella, Italian tomatoes, Berkshire soppressata picante, Parmigiano Reggiano, and finished with Mike’s Hot Honey. The wait can stretch up to three hours, and they don’t take reservations, but it’s 100% worth it. Thankfully, if you’re short on time, there’s a newly opened slice shop around the corner. For unforgettable pizza in one of the top places to eat in Brooklyn, Paulie Gee’s is a must.
📞 +1 347 987 3748
🌐 Website
3. Al di Là Trattoria
Tucked into Park Slope since 1998, Al di Là Trattoria is the go-to for a relaxed, no-fuss meal that feels like home. This rustic, old-world gem welcomes walk-ins with warm hospitality and timeless Northern Italian dishes at moderate prices. Whether you’re popping in for lunch, dinner, or weekend brunch, the atmosphere is cozy and unpretentious. It’s ideal for a laid-back evening with friends—think bottles of wine and shared plates. Must-tries include the tagliatelle al ragu, braised rabbit, and spaghetti neri alla chitarra with octopus confit, basil, and hot chillies. Don’t overlook the rotating specials that keep regulars coming back.
📍 248 5th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11215
📞 +1 718 783 4565
🌐 Website
4. Di An Di
Di An Di in Greenpoint blends bold Vietnamese flavors with playful creativity in a sleek, Scandinavian-inspired space. Perfect for vegetarians and weeknight dinners, this buzzing spot serves up inventive bites like Vietnamese ‘pizzas’, daikon rice-cake omelettes, pork and taro summer rolls, tofu-stuffed rolls, and Vietnamese Scotch eggs made with quail eggs, pork sausage, and green rice flakes.
Check Out 14 Irresistible Vegetarian Fast Food Options That Will Make Salads a Thing of the Past!
The pho varieties are equally imaginative and deeply satisfying. Booking is highly recommended, but if there’s a wait, nearby bars like Ramona and Achilles Heel offer great pre-dinner drinks. With its cool crowd, vibrant plates, and infectious energy, Di An Di is one of the top restaurants in Brooklyn for a fresh dining experience.
📍 68 Greenpoint Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11222
📞 +1 718 576 3914
🌐 Website
5. Emily
Emily in Clinton Hill is a cozy hotspot with a cult following, known for delivering bold flavors in a small but lively space. Famous for both pizza and burgers, this spot deserves a spot among the best Brooklyn restaurants. The menu is packed with hits—from spicy, sticky wings to creative pies and the beloved Emmy Burger, considered one of NYC’s best.
While £20 might feel pricey for a burger, one bite makes it clear: it’s worth every penny. Gather a group and try the signature Emily and Colony pizzas to share. Whether you’re team pizza or burger, there’s no wrong choice here. With its cool vibe and consistently excellent food, Emily ranks high among the top restaurants in Brooklyn.
📍 919 Fulton Street, Brooklyn, NY 11238
📞 +1 347 844 9588
🌐 Website
6. Lilia
Lilia, located at 567 Union Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11211, is a culinary gem crafted by chef Missy Robbins. Set in a beautifully transformed former garage, it balances elevated dining with a warm, neighborhood vibe. Known for its handmade pastas, seasonal vegetables, and all-Italian wine list, Lilia draws food lovers from around the globe.
Must-try dishes include the cacio e pepe fritelle, rigatoni diavola, and sheep’s milk cheese agnolotti. The space is stylish yet welcoming—perfect for grown-up dinners or special occasions. Due to its popularity, reservations should be made at least a month in advance. If you’re waiting for a table, explore Williamsburg’s cool cocktail spots like Pete’s Candy Store or Hotel Delmano. With its playful ambiance, refined flavors, and consistent acclaim, Lilia is a must-visit on any Brooklyn food tour.
📞 +1 718 576 3095
🌐 Website
7. Frankel’s Delicatessen
Frankel’s Delicatessen is one of the best Brooklyn restaurants for mornings after a night out. Located at 631 Manhattan Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11222, this bright, casual Jewish deli near McCarren Park seats about 15 guests and serves timeless comfort food. The menu includes lox, latkes, brisket, and pastrami, but the star is always a bagel with cream cheese.
For hangover relief, go for Specialty Combo #1—a stacked sandwich of pastrami salmon, scallion cream cheese, and cucumber on a bagel of your choice. For something lighter, the everything bagel with scallion cream cheese never fails. This humble spot shines among laid-back places to eat in Brooklyn, delivering satisfying flavors with zero fuss.
📞 +1 718 389 2302
🌐 Website
8. La Vara
Nestled at 268 Clinton Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201, La Vara blends right into Cobble Hill’s brownstones, but it’s one of the top restaurants in Brooklyn you won’t want to overlook. This cozy, tapas-style spot is run by a husband-and-wife team who also own NYC’s Txikito and El Quinto Pino. The menu serves Spanish small plates infused with Jewish and Moorish flavors.
Top dishes include the berenjena con miel (fried eggplant with honey and cheese) and the cordero al ajo cabañil, a cumin-roasted lamb breast shaped into a rectangle. Ideal for dates or friend catch-ups, the intimate setting and flavor-packed dishes make La Vara a standout among Brooklyn restaurants for shared dining.
📞 +1 718 422 0065
🌐 Website
9. Chez Ma Tante
For one of the most charming places to eat in Brooklyn, head to Chez Ma Tante at 90 Calyer Street, Brooklyn, NY 11222. Named after a hot-dog shack in Montreal, this understated bistro features whitewashed brick walls, a small bar, and outdoor Parisian-style tables. It’s beloved for brunch, but equally solid for lunch or dinner.
Dishes like chips with aioli, Caesar salad, kedgeree with poached cod, and maple crème brûlée elevate classics with European sophistication. The must-try? Their legendary pancakes. Simple yet stylish, Chez Ma Tante offers elevated comfort food with warm hospitality, earning its place among the best Brooklyn restaurants.
📞 +1 718 389 3606
🌐 Website
10. Blanca
Blanca offers an extraordinary dining journey tucked away in Bushwick’s gritty charm. Hidden behind an unmarked door beside Roberta’s backyard bar, this intimate 12-seat restaurant transforms food into art. The minimalist space features a cement floor, a gleaming open kitchen, and a bright-white chef’s counter where guests experience a 19-course tasting menu priced at £150, with an optional £75 drink pairing.
Each course—from maitake mushroom with uni and pear to bread made from Roberta’s pizza dough and toasted milk grappa—is crafted with meticulous care and innovation. More than a meal, it’s an immersive, curated experience that leaves a lasting impression. Ideal for seasoned food lovers or unforgettable occasions, Blanca delivers refinement, surprise, and pure culinary artistry in every bite.
📍 261 Moore Street, Brooklyn, NY 11206
📞 +1 347-799-2807
🌐 Website
Like It? Now Read – 15 Best Things to Do in Brooklyn with Kids That’ll Spark Joy and Adventure
