The 25 best restaurants in Brooklyn

What is it? Tomer Blechman's latest restaurant grills, smokes and chars all manner of greens and proteins, with an emphasis on dry aged fish. 

Why we love it: You'll notice two things when you finally make it inside Theodora (even two years later, it is one of the hardest tables in Brooklyn to access). One, the restaurant has a thing for live fire, as the custom Josper grill spits flames, so much so that the wood-fired smoke in the air is a feature of dining here. The second thing you'll notice is that much of what reaches the fire is from the sea, with special attention paid to dehydrated whole fish selections that hang in the temperature-controlled locker. Find it in the cold crudo, such as the Hiramasa, or with an order of the Whole Bone-In Branzino.

Time Out tip: If you've been a fan of Miss Ada and Thea, just know that Blechman's stellar bread service is also alive and well at Theodora, so order one of them (the pita or the seeded laffa) that automatically comes with a dip.

Address: 7 Greene Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238

Opening hours: Daily, 5–10pm

What is it? A Red Hook restaurant from Jeremy Salamon, whose grandma-core aesthetics and Southern eats make us believe in whimsy again.

Why we love it: Heading to Pitt's can be a bit of a trek depending on where you live, as it sits in a "trainless" corner of Red Hook. But once you theoretically go over the river and through the woods, aka take the bus, you'll feel like you arrived right at home at grandmother's house, who has laid out the fine China for your arrival, albeit on the walls. But for the plates on the table, Pitt's channels Salamon's Southern upbringing with a cheffy twist, including meatloaf tea sandwiches and a wonderful smoky tuna crudo that made one of our best dishes of the year in 2025.

Time Out tip: The pancake soufflé, described as "a maple syrup flavored pudding cloud," is worth the trip alone. But keep in mind, this dish is only served on weekends and takes 40 minutes to prep, so it must be ordered at the beginning of the meal. 

Address: 347 Van Brunt St, Brooklyn, NY 11231

Opening hours: Wed, Thu and Sun 5:30-9pm; Fri, Sat 5:30-9:30pm

What is it? Downtown Brooklyn’s nearly 150-year-old steakhouse lives on again. 

Why we love it: The new iteration of Gage & Tollner (if you know anything about the place it’s that it enjoyed over a century of success before it closed and the space gave way to an Arby’s and other businesses) is a sparkler. Its new owners preserved and revived the beautiful dining room, created a dedicated martini menu in addition to other cocktails and authored an enticing dinner lineup overflowing with oysters, steaks, chops, seafood and an excellent fried chicken. 

Time Out tip: One of our favorite bars in NYC also exists right upstairs, the hidden tiki bar Sunken Harbor Club.

Address: 372 Fulton St, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Opening hours: Mon–Fri 5–10pm; Sat, Sun 11am–10pm

What is it? A subway-tiled taqueria that slow-cooks all manner of pork and beef parts in perpetually bubbling vats, just like you do in Mexico. 

Why we love it: It is a common occurrence to see crowds of Greenpointers and those who have traveled to the area, post up on the sidewalk of Oak Street, clutching palm-sized tacos. Why? First off, there isn't a ton of space to be had inside Taqueria Ramirez, save for stools that face the kitchen. But that doesn't really matter, as the restaurant's brick red pastor and slow-cooked and shreddy suadero taco—that comes to cook in a bubbling vat of lard and spices—is reason enough to visit, even if you have to stand in the street. 

Time Out tip: Taco Tuesdays at Taqueria Ramirez include Gringa al Pastor, a flour tortilla that oozes cheese and pork. 

Address: 94 Franklin St, Brooklyn, NY 11222

Opening hours: Tue–Sun noon–10pm 

What is it? An all-day cafe with dips, spreads, skewers and breads located inside The Hoxton, Williamsburg.  

Why we love it: The restaurant that followed 2022’s super popular Philadelphia import, Laser Wolf, is even bigger and better than its predecessor at The Hoxton hotel in Williamsburg. The sprawling, verdant space serves great Israeli food, with outstanding savory baklava, lamb tartare, chicken schnitzel and dorade all on the menu. The best seat in the house? For us, it is the patio, flush with all manner of greenery and encased in glass for a year-round escape. 

Time Out tip: The lobby of the hotel, which is also where the cafe portion of the restaurant resides, is a popular meeting space for remote workers. Plus, their morning round-up of Pistachio Sticky Buns and Yemenite lattes is certain to fuel you well beyond your 3 o'clock meeting.  

Address: 97 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249

Opening hours: Breakfast, Daily 8–11am; Lunch Mon–Fri 11am–3pm; Dinner Sun–Wed 5–10:30pm; Thu–Sat 5–11:30pm; Brunch Sat, Sun 11am–3pm

What is it? A Prospect Heights eatery that's become a neighborhood fixture for its nose-to-tail dining and community-driven programming. 

Why we love it: We keep returning to this darling corner spot for its memorable menu items and variety. The single-page dinner menu, divided into snacks, plates and large plates, can be mixed and matched in numerous ways. We’re partial to the trout rillette, charred lemon skillet mussels and whole fried fish for a little DIY seafood tasting. 

Time Out tip: The team regularly hosts butchery classes, breaking down ducks to a whole pig. Oh, and if you'd rather have a little playtime, Leland regularly hosts mahjong lessons and even welcomes all throughout the week for open playtime to practice what you learned. 

Address: 755 Dean St, Brooklyn, NY 11238

Opening hours: Vinyl Hour: Wed–Fri 1–4pm; Bar service: Daily 4–5pm; Brunch: Sat, Sun 10am–4pm; Dinner: Mon–Thu, Sun 5–10pm; Sun 5–11pm

What is it? Fort Greene’s self-billed neighborhood bistro from April Bloomfield and Gabriel Stulman. 

Why we love it: New York’s most popular chicken resides here. Salted, chilled to dry and massaged with a compound butter made fragrant with shallots, garlic, lemon, fresh sage, bay leaves, thyme and dried mint and oregano under its skin, the roast's final anointing comes from a pan sauce of drippings. But if you arrive a bit too late to catch this bird, worry not, Sailor is home to pork loin and branzino, roasted whole and slathered in a radish relish.  

Time Out tip: The seafaring restaurant recently revealed a new build of its ship, unveiling a wooden paneled bar and dining room that gives us even more space to sip cold martinis and cycle through its stellar wine list. 

Address: 228 DeKalb Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11205

Opening hours: Dinner Sun–Wed 5–10pm; Thu–Sat 5–10:30pm; Brunch Sat, Sun 10am–2pm; Lunch Wed–Fri 11:30am–2pm

What is it? A shop that sells such shatteringly awesome slices of pizza, lines trail out the door no matter what the time of day.  

Why we love it: Established by Tuscany native Massimo Laveglia, L'Industrie arrived on the scene with wood-fired pies, sandwiches and gelato back in 2017. Word soon got out about the lightly fermented, nicely crunchy and foldable slices, causing lines that snake down the block to this day, even despite their expansion in 2021. Yet, we admit, you'll find us in line at least once a year, as nothing quite hits like the hot and cold combo that is the iconic Burrata slice.

Time Out tip: If you show up around opening time, you might have a better chance at the queue. But if you can only swing a weekend visit, just know that wait times balloon up to an hour long. 

Address: 254 S 2nd St, Brooklyn, NY 11211

Opening hours: Daily noon–10pm

What is it? Missy Robbins' first solo venture in NYC still proves to be one of her finest, all in the vein of "keeping it simple."

Why we love it: This airy Williamsburg pasta parlor has perfected the form, as evidenced by the crowds that still accrue ten plus years after it first opened. Many visit for the combo of flour and water alone, including the mafaldine with pink peppercorn and the saffron sauced agnolotti that spills with a soft goat cheese that's been whipped oh so smooth. Simple preparations of land and sea also follow, including a charred bass filet slathered in a cheery salsa verde.

Time Out tip: Dinner follows with scoops of gelatos, including the fantastic The Italian Job with a sticky sweet honey, a few dashes of sea salt, fennel pollen and glugs of a florally olive oil. 

Address: 567 Union Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 5–10pm; Fri–Sun 4–10pm

What is it? A cozy Italian getaway run by a Top Chef alum. 

Why we love it: LaRina Pastificio & Vino is perfectly set in Fort Greene, wearing the title of a neighborhood restaurant well. But its appeal has risen to the rest of New York as Silva Barban's freshly made pastas, some of them smoked, imported meats and cheeses and incredibly layered lasagnas have rocketed the restaurant to one of the best Italian spots in the city. 

Time Out tip: The string-lit patio has magical appeal to it, and we aren't just saying that because we've spent many nights knocking back natty wines and pasta back there (or maybe we are?). Book it when the weather is nice.  

Address: 387 Myrtle Ave, Fort Greene, Brooklyn 11205

Opening hours: Dinner Mon–Thu 5–10pm; Fri, Sat 5–11pm; Sun 5–10pm; Brunch Sat, Sun noon–4pm

What is it? A revived restaurant from the Unapologetic Foods crew that is billed as “a celebration of India’s yesteryears.” 

Why we love it: Unstoppable Unapologetic Foods revived the name of its decade-long operation from over the bridge in Manhattan a few years ago, and Park Slope’s Masalawala and Sons ultimately made it to our list of 2022’s best new restaurants. The restaurant has sensational dahi vada, keema kaleji with uplifting pao and gawa ghee all on the menu. 

Time Out tip: Finish the meal with Gulab jamu, golden-fried, soft milk dumplings that swim in a rosy and cardamom syrup. 

Address: 365 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215

Opening hours: Tue–Fri 5-10pm; Sat, Sun 11:30am–2:30pm, 5-10pm

What is it? A Michelin-starred European braisserie that got a stellar start with its dry-aged duck. 

Why we love it: This Williamsburg restaurant earned a Michelin star for excellence in “balancing intriguing flavors and textures” like five seconds after it first opened at the end of 2020, and getting reservations was a bear in the months that followed. It’s still a tough ticket at primetime, but things have opened up a bit if you’re willing to sample Francie’s soufflé cakes with caviar, winning pasta options and marvellous dry-aged crown of duck on a weeknight. 

Time Out tip: Tiny teenies? Get them during happy hour on Mondays through Thursdays from 5:30pm to 7pm or on Friday 5pm to 6:30pm. 

Address: 136 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY 11249

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 5:30–9:30pm; Dinner Fri, Sat 5– 10:30pm

What is it? An old Williamsburg diner with a new lease on life thanks to chef Jackie Carnesi and crew. 

Why we love it: The original Kellogg's Diner had a good, long hundred-year-plus run on the corner of Union and Metropolitan Avenues, plying the morning and midnight crowds in Williamsburg with runny eggs, bacon and diner coffee before coming to a close in 2023. In 2024, Louis Skibar—Coppelia, Old John’s Luncheonette and Toloache—snapped up the space from oblivion and put Jackie Carnesi (previously of Nura) as the head chef. Now the kitchen is hot and ready, 24 hours a day, churning out Tex-Mex hits of chicharron-topped deviled eggs, tall and flat nachos (yes, there is a difference) and a battered, fried and jam-slathered Texas Toast that only asks to be shared.

Time Out tip: I'll sing it from the rooftops: Amanda Perdomo's Passion Fruit Tajin Icebox Pie is one of the best desserts to come out of the cold pie case. 

Address: 514 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211

Opening hours: Daily, 24/7 

What is it? A Taiwanese bakery crossed with French and American influences from Josh Ku and Trigg Brown. 

Why we love it: In the evenings, Win Son is usually the calling card on Graham Avenue with crab fried rice and sesame-slick noodles. But during the daytime, sister restaurant Win Son Bakery takes the lead. The savory scallion pancake breakfast sandwiches are one of the more inventive takes on the standard BEC, swapping out the standard roll/ bagel with a chewy scallion pancake, fitted with bacon and Havarti cheese that melts out of the side. The donuts are non-negotiable, especially if you are looking for that QQ texture. 

Time Out tip: The team recently dropped a new location in the East Village that doles out the hits, including the aforementioned items above, next to custard toasts and toffee chocolate chip cookies. They've also added more to the lunch portion of the menu, including lunchboxes of seared black bass and minced pork belly, served with rice, a soy egg and your choice of snow pea leaf or ban cai salad.

Address: 164 Graham Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11206

Opening hours: Mon 9am–3pm, Tue,Wed 9am–9pm, Thu–Sat 9am–10pm, Sun 9am–9pm

What is it? A Williamsburg restaurant run by a couple who bring a vibrant (and unapologetic) revitalization to 100-year-old Thai recipes. 

Why we love it: The couple behind Manhattan favorite Fish Cheeks crossed the river to open this restaurant with “modern interpretation of hundred year-old Thai recipes” to great success a few short years ago, as it was introduced to the Michelin Guide and named a James Beard Award semifinalist shortly after. It's also a top spot for heat seekers, a sensation that ascends as you go down the menu, climaxing with the fiery beef tongue curry.

Time Out tip: According to our writer who named the restaurant the best Thai spot in 2025, the young jackfruit salad is a "revelation full of creamy lemongrass spice." So take it as a nod to get one for the table. 

Address: 190 North 14th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11249

Opening hours: Mon, Tue, Thu and Sun 5:30–9pm; Fri, Sat 5:30–10pm

What is it? A destination for smoky brisket, pulled pork and ribs exists in Red Hook. 

Why we love it: Hometown Bar-B-Que is one of the five boroughs' best when it comes to all things smoked, grilled and barbecued. Want more Brooklyn-ish fare? Try the Vietnamese hot wings, Oaxacan chicken and jerk rib tips—spicy, sticky, jewels of unctuousness. The cavernous space and Red Hook location impart real character to the establishment itself. Also—and we say this knowing it’s controversial—the weekend only $28 pastrami on rye with mustard stands toe-to-toe with even the most venerated of New York’s kosher delis.

Time Out tip: If Red Hook seems a hair too far, Hometown Bar-B-Que has an offshoot at Industry City. 

Address: 454 Van Brunt St, Brooklyn, NY 11231

Opening hours: Sun, Tue–Thu Noon–9pm, Fri, Sat Noon–10pm

What is it? A longstanding Palestinian restaurant from a beloved mother and daughter team. 

Why we love it: The unique Middle Eastern cuisine at Tanoreen has been impressing in Bay Ridge since 1998. The menu is extensive, and the mhammara is a must-order: walnuts, pomegranate molasses, red bell peppers and spices pureed into a rich dip that goes well on almost anything. Follow it with kabobs and a fetti plate of toasted pita, a combo of rice and pilaf and your choice of chicken or lamb. Veggie only? Make the Fried Cauliflower Steak your friend as the golden fried heart half comes coated in tahini, spicy harissa and more of that pomegranate molasses. 

Time Out tip: As of last year, you can find Tanoreen at Time Out Market New York, Brooklyn. And yes, their sweet cheese Knafeh pastry also came along with them. 

Address: 7523 3rd Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11209

Opening hours: Tue–Sat noon–10pm

What is it? The quaint, 40-seat wine bar founded by a former LCD Soundsystem frontman has certainly changed the game for all those who followed. 

Why we love it: Daily-changing menus mean you shouldn’t get too attached, but the variety will keep you coming back to this convivial, natural-wine–focused restaurant. Recent menu items included yellowfin tuna, olive oil poached cod and fried chicken. 

Time Out tip: Did you know that The Four Horsemen owns Nightmoves right next door, a hall dedicated to disco, dancey beats and natty wines? Well now you do. 

Address: 295 Grand St, Brooklyn, NY 11211

Opening hours: Lunch Fri–Sun 11am–3:30pm; Dinner, daily 5:30–10:45pm

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What is it? A Michelin-rated Mexican restaurant that's been in Greenpoint since 2018.  

Why we love it: The Speedy Romeo team’s Michelin-starred Oxomoco focuses on wood-fired dishes in a gleaming white, flora-filled dining room. Taco options like the beet “chorizo” variety, lamb barbacoa and market fish share menu space with tostadas, terrific guacamole and all manner of cocktails, including frozen drinks. 

Time Out tip: Just in time for the season, Oxomoco has been transformed to Otoño de Oxomoco, which celebrates autumn's warmth and harvest. 

Address: 128 Greenpoint Ave, New York NY 11222

Opening hours: Dinner daily 5–10pm; Brunch Mon–Fri noon–3pm, Sat, Sun 11–3pm

What is it? Ayo Balogun shares his Nigerian heritage in a nightly dinner party-like format in Bed-Stuy.

Why we love it: The most dinner-party-like experience of recent years promised a dinner-party-like restaurant when it opened in 2022. Turns out, Dept of Culture actually delivers on what was once just a trending promise. Its rotating tasting menu is influenced by north-central Nigeria, and has included vegan versions of suya and dynamic wara ati obe. And as you gingerly spoon bright pepper soup with red snapper, whose spice tends to catch in your throat, chef/owner Ayo Balogun executes his hosting duties with ease, setting the tone of each dish with stories of his upbringing. 

Time Out tip: The restaurant is entirely BYOB. So we recommend wandering to a Black-owned wine shop in the area, we are particularly fond of Bed-Vyne Wine & Spirits, and ask them what pairs best with spice. 

Address: 327 Nostrand Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11216

Opening hours: Wed–Sat, 6pm and 8:30pm seatings 

What is it? One of the first vegan Ethiopian restaurants in the country, this restaurant is a beloved find in Bushwick. 

Why we love it: More than ten years later, New Yorkers still seek out the bright yellow building on Flushing Avenue, in search of a filling feast at this Ethiopian charmer. One order of the beyaynetu and you’ll get a spread of red lentils in berbere sauce, mashed split peas simmered with tomato and a chickpea stuffing with kale. Visit with a group and you might just manage to try everything on the menu; or come alone so you don’t have to share. 

Time Out tip: Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 5pm, Bunna hosts a coffee ceremony where beans are ground, roasted and served to guests at no cost. Come for the coffee and community and say yes to the shot of ginger in your cup. 

Address: 1084 Flushing Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11237

Opening hours: Mon noon–10pm; Tues 5–10pm; Wed, Thu noon–10pm; Fri noon–11pm; Sat noon–4pm, 5–11pm; Sun noon–4pm, 5–10pm

What is it? A classic since the 60's, Di Fara's remains a benchmark for pizzerias in NYC. 

Why we love it: Legendary pizziaolo, Dom Demarco sadly passed away in 2022 at 85 years young, but his legacy persists through his family who continue to pump out incredible pizza for a hungry public from their unassuming Midwood storefront. There’s a reason Di Fara is consistently regarded as a standard bearer: their pie is a hybrid of slice-shop and artisanal styles, making it simply, truly, the perfect New York-style pizza.

Time Out tip: Go for the special with sausage cups, peppers and plenty of mushrooms and onions.

Address: 1424 Ave J, Brooklyn, NY 11230

Opening hours: Tue–Sun noon–8pm

What is it? A tiny Cobble Hill restaurant where the pastas and tiramisu just taste like home. 

Why we love it: Even in the absence of booze or a bathroom, crowds still flock to this tiny pasta emporium for peak-form house-made meatballs, fettuccini with speck and zucchini, branzino, lasagna and broccoli rabe. There are lots of bars nearby for the other two things. 

Time Out tip: Lillo is also missing a credit card reader, so make sure you bring some cash. 

Address: 331 Henry St, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Opening hours: Thu–Sat 12:30-8:15pm; Sun 12:30pm–8:00pm

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What is it? A counter-service spot where Trinidadian doubles and aloo pies are so well-renowned, they earned themselves an award from the James Beard Foundation.

Why we love it: A&A Bake and Doubles is a small, no-frills Bed-Stuy roti shop that serves truly stellar Caribbean food. Almost every bite offers a bolt of fragrance, flavor or texture—often, all three. Doubles (small stuffed dough pockets) come standard with a craveable chickpea stew, and you’d do well to grab an order as a quick snack or appetizer. The more substantial bakes and rotis (a stuffed bun and a burrito-like wrap, respectively) are savory, spicy and comforting. This is the kind of food you’ll find yourself obsessing over long after your last bite.

Time Out tip: It is easy to find a cheap meal here, as doubles will only run you $2.50, and aloo pies only $4 more. 

Address: 1337 Fulton Street, Brooklyn, NY 11216

Opening hours: Mon 7am–3pm; Tue–Sat 7am–7:30pm

What is it? A counter service joint where the chicken is jerked and the base price will only run you $10. 

Why we love it: There’s a lot to recommend Peppa’s, but the perfectly grilled smoked chicken keeps us coming back. You can easily pay a lot more for NYC’s finest fowl, and this stands up to the best of them. Complement it with a cup of coconut-soaked rice and beans or sweet fried festival bread.

Time Out tip: The Crown Heights location actually has seating if you want to eat your chicken nice and hot. 

Address: Multiple locations