Just a quick hop on the subway and you will find yourself in Brooklyn. There are so many great eats across the East River, I simply could not leave Brooklyn out of this New York City guide.
Gair
Dumbo’s premier destination for elevated, distinctive cocktails, Gair serves locally-sourced, seasonally-inspired dishes in an unmatched environment. Located on Washington Street, guests can snap their iconic Manhattan Bridge photo before heading to Gair for delicious cocktails and appetizing share plates. My drink pick is the Mezcal based cocktail, Under the Influencer and you will want to order the Fried Chicken Sandwich. Conceptualized and owned by architectural designer and Dumbo local Kevin Cimini, Gair was developed to create an elegant yet approachable destination that serves as an oasis for its community, and an authentic New York experience for visitors.
The Norm
The Norm’s food is inspired by the cultural diversity of the Brooklyn Museum’s namesake borough. The menu encourages a gastronomic exploration of the borough’s multi-cultural heritage, using local produce and global flavours. As it is a Great Performances restaurant, seasonal ingredients from the catering, hospitality and events company’s organic Katchkie Farm in Kinderhook, NY are incorporated throughout the menu. While located in the Brooklyn Museum and designed to give guests the sense of dining within the cultural institution’s inner sanctum, The Norm can be accessed directly off the museum’s lobby without any admission payment.
elNico
Located on the 11th floor of The Penny Williamsburg, the name is derived from ancient Greek and Italian roots meaning “victory for the people.” At the helm, is emerging Chef Fernanda Serrano who comes to elNico after serving as executive sous chef at The NoMad London. A native of Mexico City, Serrano’s menu is a journey through her life, featuring casual, yet elegant colourful dishes that are rooted in her Mexican heritage. elNico is filled with colorful and unfussy elements that are both relaxing and bold, setting the stage for an elevated but approachable food and drink adventure.
Fandi Mata
Positioned in the heart of Williamsburg, Fandi Mata is a bi-level space featuring a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant downstairs, with a secluded mezcaleria upstairs. The rustic and industrial establishment is shielded by sky-high ceilings, with lush, verdant foliage and colorful mosaic accents giving an indoor-outdoor feel. On the ground level, the restaurant offers a seasonal, cross-continental menu, ranging from seafood-focused small plates and vegetable-driven mezze platters to hearty, spice-fueled mains. Meanwhile, on the second floor, an intimate mezcaleria, Little Oaxaca, brings a line-up of delicious and creative cocktails, crafted by bar industry veteran, Milos Zica.
The Osprey by Dan Churchill
The Osprey at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge is pleased to announce its partnership with Dan Churchill, Australian performance chef, author, and CEO, to offer The Osprey by Dan Churchill, a brand-new dinner and brunch menu. The menu will prioritize creative, plant-forward, and locally inspired cuisine with a robust selection of Australian wines and beverage pairings. Every bite and beverage will spotlight indigenous ingredients, traditional cooking methodologies, and local customs that honour Australian culture and emphasize our shared desire to prioritize the wellbeing of the planet in everything we do.
Sustainability has always been a key ingredient at The Osprey—from supporting local farmers and growers to upcycling food scraps—and Churchill’s passion for healthy and sustainable cuisine makes this collaboration a seamless fit. He has mastered the art of designing flavorful meals that nourish the body, mind, and palate while minimizing food waste, uplifting the planet, and telling a beautiful story of culture and unification along the way.
Ainslie
Ainslie offers year-round dining in the heart of Williamsburg, with decor and a menu that enchants. Under the masterful guidance of Executive Chef John DeLucie, savor the sublime, from wood-fired pizzas that dance with charred perfection to succulent pastas, free-range chicken, New York Strip Steak, and Atlantic Salmon. Foodies who drop by on weekends can enjoy All You Can Drink Brunch, a delightful affair from 11 am to 4 pm on Saturdays and Sundays, that promises to elevate your senses and raise your spirits.
Isla & Co.
Nestled beside The William Vale in Williamsburg, this gastronomic haven beckons foodies with an Australian menu that traverses culinary boundaries while retaining its distinct essence, evolving with the seasons to tantalize your taste buds with signatures like Spicy Shrimp Vodka Rigatoni, and a supreme brunch spread. My pick is the Kangaroo Tucker (Australian rubbed Kangaroo skewered over herbed tahini, marinated cucumbers, pickled onions, fried lentils) and Crispy Halloumi (almond romesco, honey, Spanish dukkah) to share, with the Braised Lamb Shoulder (Swiss chard, crispy fingerlings, labneh, zhoug) as a main.
Little Rascal
A warm, intimate gathering place founded by brothers Halil and Öner Gündogdu, the cocktail list at Little Rascal features unexpected flavor combinations, classic techniques, and house-made ingredients led by world-renowned bartender Keith Larry. Try the Flaco and Audrey (Fundy Gin, preserved cherry blossom, chamomile cordial, London Essence, white peach soda, egg white), or the Dough of Existence (rum, soursop, lime juice, house-made falernum, avocado-pit orgeat, wormwood bitters). Add a Mediterranean-inspired plate or two (Fan-favorite Smoked Salmon Fattoush) to complete your visit at Little Rascal.
Slate Rooftop
Visit the Slate Rooftop above The POD Brooklyn Hotel (247 Metropolitan Avenue) for breathtaking, open-air views. The atmosphere pairs perfectly with an amazing menu of shareable bites, and frozen drinks from Executive Chef Darryl Harmon and Liquid Lab NYC. As the sun bids adieu, engage in an evening of spirited amusement with signature games like Sub Soccer and Giant Jenga, igniting the night with playful camaraderie.
Fornino
Experience the Fornino legacy and watch the sunset at their seasonally open Brooklyn Bridge location, a quaint rooftop at Pier 6, overlooking Brooklyn Bridge Park and the East River. Chef Michael Ayoub’s masterfully crafted menu, found at Fornino’s year-round Greenpoint (849 Manhattan Ave.), and Time Out Market New York (55 Water Street) locations, provides a historical approach to delicious pizza with First Generation Neapolitan, Second Generation Regional Italian and Third Generation Original Fornino varieties made in a wood-burning oven plus salads, sandwiches and a comprehensive wine list.
The Springs
The Springs is a Palm Springs-inspired retro bar, lounge and massive patio located in Greenpoint at 224 Franklin St. Guests can come to chill, soak up the sun, and drink frozen Aperol Spritz cocktails on Monday – Friday beginning at 4 pm and Saturdays and Sundays beginning at 2 pm. On Fridays and Saturdays, guests will be able to order small bites and Brioche Donuts from Eat with Nana NYC. The spot is also dog-friendly as long as you keep a leash on your furry friend.
Ten Hope (Temporarily Closed)
Ten Hope’s new brunch with bottomless brunch options is sure to delight taste buds and satisfy brunch cravings in Williamsburg. The brunch deal offers a generous 90 minutes of bottomless brunch for $35 per person with the purchase of just one entree. While their menu boasts an array of mouth-watering options, some standout items include their Mezze Platter with assorted Dips like Stuffed Mushroom and Babaganoush, the New England Crab Cakes, and the Chorizo Hash.
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