Best for: a hangover
On the corner of a busy street near McCarren Park in Greenpoint, Frankel's is a bright and airy Jewish delicatessen with about 15 seats, serving up classics such as lox, latkes, brisket and pastrami. While everything on the menu is excellent, some form of a bagel with cream cheese is the must-order item. If you're especially hungry (or have a hangover) try the specialty combo #1, which consists of a generous portion of pastrami salmon, cucumber and scallion cream cheese on your choice of bagel. If you're looking for something a bit lighter, an everything bagel with scallion cream cheese will never disappoint.
Address: Frankel’s Delicatessen, 631 Manhattan Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11222
Phone: +1 718 389 2302
Website:frankelsdelicatessen.com
- La Vara
Best for: sharing plates
So well does La Vara blend in with the brownstones on a lovely tree-lined street in the heart of Cobble Hill, one might walk past its modest exterior and not look twice – which would be a crying shame for the distracted passerby. Operated by a husband-and-wife team who also run Txikito and El Quinto Pino in the city, this lively local serves up inventive and tasty Spanish tapas influenced by Jewish and Moorish flavours. It’s great for a date, or a catch-up with friends, and sharing is a must. Try the berenjena con miel – a perfectly fried aubergine drizzled with honey and cheese – as well as the cordero al ajo cabañil – a cumin-roasted lamb breast that's been shaped into a rectangle. It sounds strange but we'd never go back without ordering it.
Address: La Vara, 268 Clinton Street, Brooklyn, New York 11201
Phone:+1 718 422 0065
Website: lavarany.com
- Chez Ma Tante
Best for: brunch
Named after a beloved hot-dog shack in Montreal, Chez Ma Tante is as unassuming as it is tasty. The tidy space has whitewashed brick walls, a simple bar and, when the weather permits, Parisian-style tables on the pavement outside, perfectly suited to Aperol Spritzes in the sunshine. The European-inspired menus offer elevated versions of classic dishes, such as chips with garlicky aioli, extra peppery Caesar salad, kedgeree with perfectly poached cod and a smooth and sweet maple crème brûlée. Whether for lunch, dinner, or weekend brunch – and if it’s the latter, do not pass up the pancakes – whenever you choose to visit, you really can’t go wrong with this neighborhood gem.
Address: Chez ma Tante, 90 Calyer Street, Brooklyn, New York 11222
Phone: +1 718 389 3606
Website:chezmatantenyc.com
- Lilia
Best for: grown-up dining
No list of Brooklyn's best restaurants would be complete without a mention of Lilia. Chef and owner Missy Robbins has transformed this former garage into a destination restaurant while still keeping its neighbourhood feel fully intact. Lilia offers pasta, fresh vegetables and an all-Italian wine list, and foodies from the world over flock here for the cacio e pepe fritelle, rigatoni diavola and sheep's-milk-cheese-filled agnolotti. The constant buzz around this place makes it notoriously difficult to get into, so try to book a month or so in advance. However, if you do end up having to wait, seize the opportunity to explore a more hipster side of Williamsburg with a drink at Pete's Candy Store or Hotel Delmano.
Address: Lilia, 567 Union Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11222
Phone: + 1 718 576 3095
Website: lilianewyork.com
- Blanca
Best for: serious foodies or a seriously special occasion
In hip Brooklyn fashion, to get to Blanca you have to wander through the gritty, graffiti-lined streets of Bushwick, past the backyard tiki bar of the widely adored Roberta's and finally arrive at a nondescript door that could easily lead to an empty warehouse. The setting may seem a bit odd, but behind that door is one of the best and most unique dining experiences in all of Brooklyn. In a small cement-floored room with only 12 stools, a bright-white bar and a shimmering open kitchen, Blanca offers a 19-course tasting menu for £150 a head. You can expect tiny yet mind-blowing courses, such as maitake mushroom with uni and pear, bread made from Roberta's pizza dough and toasted milk grappa – each of which is notably amplified by the £75 drink pairing. Yes, it's expensive, but it's a special occasion kind of place, one that creates an event in and of itself, Brooklyn style.
Address: Blanca, 261 Moore Street, Brooklyn, New York 11206
Phone: +1 646 703 2715
Website: blancanyc.com
Like this? Now read:
11 essential things to know before you visit New York City
New York's best restaurants
Why everyone's talking about Dumbo
