January 7, 2015

Where to Eat in NYC: Brooklyn {Part 1}

Where to Eat in Brooklyn
Well this is long overdue now, isn’t it? Even though I did the Manhattan edition first, I actually eat out in Brooklyn more often than the city. Speak to any Brooklynite and they’ll probably say the same thing.  If you’re visiting New York, all of these are a quick and easy train ride from Manhattan. Probably quicker than going from uptown to downtown.I have many restaurants in Brooklyn that I love, so stay tuned for part II. For now, here are five of my favorites, in no particular order:


Bar Corvo

Where: Crown Heights/Prospect Park

I’ve been here over a dozen times and it still remains one of my favorite Northern Italian restaurants in Brooklyn. The vibe is cool and low key, the service is great and the prices are relatively reasonable for food that is just so good. Their sister restaurant, Al Di La, is another favorite, but I prefer this one for the food + atmosphere combo.

*Tip: The farro salad, and homemade pasta dishes are not to be missed!

Where to Eat in Brooklyn Bar Tabac

Bar Tabac

Where: Cobble Hill

Bar Tabac is a real example of how a restaurant’s ambiance is just as important as the food. The food is consistently good, but it’s the bustling atmosphere, often filled with live jazz music, great service and inexpensive cocktails and wine that keep me coming back. Keith and I always talk about how it’s probably our favorite restaurant in Brooklyn. Not necessarily for the food (good, but there’s better) but for the entire package. It’s always guaranteed to be a fun, yet relaxed, time.

*Tip: The les moules frites  (mussels & fries), beet and goat cheese salad, the chicken dish and cote du rhone wine are our favorites!

Where to Eat in Brooklyn Traif

Traif

Where: Williamsburg

Even though we have a car, we don’t head out to Williamsburg all that often because, to be honest, its not that close (to us) and so many places are a little too crowded and over-the-top hipstery. For Traif, we happily make the drive. This place is a true gem in Brooklyn with dishes that are unique, well thought out and most importantly, mouth watering. Highly recommend the tasting menu, which for New York standards, is cheap at $50 per person.

*Tip: Make reservations in advance! Also, the bacon doughnuts are crazy delicious.
(side note: as I was typing this post, I gave myself a calendar alert to call and make some reservations myself. It’s been awhile!)

Where to Eat in Brooklyn Sushi Katsuei

Sushi Katsuei

Where: Park Slope

I first heard about this place from Keiko and I can easily say, it’s one of the best sushi spots in New York. The fish is extremely fresh and flavorful, the service is warm and in comparison to the other great sushi spots in the city, it’s reasonably priced. In my opinion, the Omakase is the way to go, but everything  is always on point, from the  appetizers to the simple rolls and even to the sake. The decor is minimalistic and slightly too bright, but it doesn’t even matter. Here’s what the New York Times had to say.

Where to Eat in Brooklyn Cafe Luluc

Cafe Luluc

Where: Cobble Hill

Parisian bistro meets diner with some of the best pancakes I’ve tasted. Light and fluffy on the inside, golden cripsy on the outside. Seriously, they’re out of this world and if you’re a pancake fan (or not), you’ll want to come here. Aside from the pancakes, everything on their breakfast and brunch menu, which is my favorite time to come, is delicious. Keith and I usually share a croque monsieur or an eggs benedict and then an order of pancakes. Please note: portions are huge and on weekends, as for most good places in the city, expect to wait a little bit.

So there you have it! Five of my favorites. For those who live or have dined out in Brooklyn, what are yours?

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37 comments

  • Natali

    Seems like all of these spots are fantastic and places I'd like to check out! Thank you for the recommendation, now I can't wait to visit NYC and check some of these places off my list. 🙂

    http://lartoffashion.blogspot.com

  • sammie

    Thanks for sharing these inside tips 🙂 If I'm ever around the corner I will sure to visit the traif,i mean bacon doughnuts?!sounds awesome 🙂

  • Cheyenne

    This places look amazing, thanks for the recommendations.

    xx Cheyenne
    http://www.bohemianjourneys.blogspot.com

  • Jill Owen

    Awesome!! My biggest regret is not doing more shopping/eating in Brooklyn while I lived in NYC for the last two year's, but it's on my list for when I visit – and I am going to include these spots too! Thank you

    Jill
    Latest Post: The World's Most Accurate Fitness Tracker – My Week of Shocking Results!

  • Fortune Tarantola

    I live in Midtown Manhattan but one of my girlfriends recently moved to Brooklyn! Definitely going to suggest trying these places. Thanks for sharing!

    http://www.fortunetellerfashion.com/
    xxFTF

  • FASHION SNAG

    Totally keeping this guide for when I go!

    http://www.FashionSnag.com

  • TERESA A

    yeah bookmarking this for whenever i go to NY

    CHECK OUT MY NEW POST http://www.sapphirebrushstrokes.com/2015/01/outdoor-spaces-and-cabannas.html

  • Sasa Zoe

    Many places to explore in Brooklyn:)

    Shall We Sasa

  • Miss Pippi

    Lovely post! I wish I was there.

    http://misspippisstyle.blogspot.hu/

  • Ann Robie

    Its one of my biggest dream to visit NYC – so thank you for your tip!

  • heather epstein

    Cafe Luluc always has a line out the door for lunch. Them along with Bar Tabac are still places in the hood that I need to try. Have you gone to Hunter's yet? LOVE LOVE LOVE their food (esp the truffle fries) and their cocktails!

    <3
    heather
    fashionistanygirl.com

  • Beautyosaurus Lex

    This timing is perfect, thank you, THANK YOU! I am in the middle of planning a trip to NYC and I have on a mad dash to plan some spots to get really good food at 🙂 All of these sound so lovely!

    Beautyosaurus Lex

  • Carly--The Doctor Diva

    These all sound amazing! The first meal looks like a piece of artwork. I love it when the food is plated perfectly
    The Doctor Diva

  • Kristie Glenn

    The sushi looks amazing!

    http://www.bluelabelsboutique.com

  • age136

    Brucie might take the cake for my all-time favorite Brooklyn restaurant. Amazing food every time – the menu rotates, but any pasta with their tomato butter is a must order. I also love Miriam in Park Slope for its happy hour. Ample Hills is my go-to dessert spot.

  • Rhiannon Lorenzo

    they all look and sound amazing!

    http://www.amoderngypsy.blogspot.com

  • Shoshana

    This places look fantastic. I try not to be a Manhattan snob but sometimes it's a challenge to get out there. However these are places worth hopping in Uber for. Thanks for sharing.

    http://www.stylegonerogue.com

  • Ashley Rae

    I will definitely have to try these places out! I'm from NY and have always ate in the city, but have always heard great foodie places around Brooklyn. I'll have to give these places a try! 🙂

    xx, Ashley Rae

    http://www.dress2byou.blogspot.com

  • Grace Denny

    I cannot WAIT to get over to New York this year (I'm from Ireland). Your post has just made me super excited! I'll have to try and visit a few of these little gems on my trip. They look fab!

    XO, G from grace'd

  • Girl and the Polka Dot

    awesome restaurants

    Mel
    http://girlandthepolkadot.blogspot.com/

  • Melissa Tierney

    Great picks! I want to stop by them all!
    xo,
    Melissa
    MissyOnMadison.com

  • Melissa Tierney

    Great picks! I want to stop by them all!
    xo,
    Melissa
    MissyOnMadison.com

  • Nicole Walker

    Such great picks, I love Bar Tabac!

    xoxo Nicole

    http://www.brazenbrunette.com

  • Eden Mint

    Dare I say Brooklyn has the best food? Definitely need to check these places out next time I'm in the neighbourhood 🙂

    http://www.mintnotion.com

  • Trang' s corner

    Thanks for sharing these inside tips! It looks amazzzingggggg! So delicious! Need to try this recipe.
    Happy new year!
    http://www.trangscorner.com

  • Jenny

    Nice picks – they sound great!

    Jenny
    http://sequinsandsweets.com

  • Christina Le

    I really wish I saw this before I went to NY this past weekend but I'll save this for future visits. I actually just did a post on my first REAL trip to NYC. What a great time! Awesome blog, by the way.

    Itsonlystina.com

  • Vanessa Ciliberto

    the salad looks so delicious!

    TheVogueWord
    TheVogueWord

  • Joy Shiness

    Such great places !

    http://fruityandpassion.blogspot.co.uk/

  • Kristin

    1 or 8 in Williamsburg, Walter in Fort Greene, Pok Pok in Columbia Waterfront District, Colonie on Atlantic Ave, Paulie Gee's in Greenpoint, Diner in Williamsburg – YUM! Lived in Brooklyn for 15 years – moved to London a little over a year ago. I miss all my Brooklyn favs!

  • The Style Circus

    Thank you for sharing your favourite places! Def have to try them when I get the chance! 🙂

    Love, L

    THESTYLECIRCUS.net

  • Liz Lizo

    Loving this series. Gotta check out these eats!

    xx
    Liz Lizo
    <a href="http://www.voguedout.com”>Vogued Out</a>

  • Jenni / ByJenni

    I have only been to Brooklyn twice during a vacation to New York and I so love what I have seen until now.
    A place we went for lunch was The rabbit hole in Williamsburg (I think on Bedford Avenue) The food was good but not the best I have tasted, but the interior and the armosphere was lovely. Besides, the waiter was so sweet and nice to us.

  • Hayley

    My husband an I are visiting the city later this month for our first anniversary, and I really would like to have lunch in Brooklyn and walk the bridge. Thanks for giving me such great options to choose from! I think we'll be checking out Cafe Luluc!

    Thanks,
    Hayley
    StyledandTaylored.com

  • mackyton

    Yep I have been to couple of places when I was staying there. Now I recently migrated to Boston and don’t find similar food joints to hangout or to have a great gastronomical experience. I find Boston restaurants too plain and simple especially when you have known about quality offered in NYC.

  • Allie

    What are your thoughts on Brooklyn Heights? My husband and I are 30 somethings looking to move there from the Village, and we’re concerned it might be a bit too quiet. But it looks like it’s pretty close to the lovely Cobble Hill spots you mention above!

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