NYC is a city for foodies (I am sure everyone agrees on that). But within that dense urban life of quaint eateries, rooftop bars, and cozy coffee shops tucked in corners, the restaurants in downtown Brooklyn deserve a special mention on our blog, don’t they?
I am not an advocate of choosing only fancy restaurants and the trendiest spots on Instagram to dine in, but there is something about these downtown Brooklyn restaurants that drive me crazy (or I should say, drive my food cravings crazy).
Some of these restaurants are packed with hungry New Yorkers due to their fair prices (plus points for delicious dishes, too), and some of them have earned a reputation for a unique twist on classic American food. Others bring flavors from all over the world or a memorable ambiance that definitely deserves a place on your foodie bucket list.
So, no matter what mood you are in or what food you are craving, these are the best restaurants in downtown Brooklyn, NY, that you should try out at least once.
The Most Ambient And Flavorful Restaurants In Downtown Brooklyn
Pollo D’Oro
Address: 306 Gold Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201, United States
Cuisine: Peruvian
Price Range: $$
In a word: A versatile space for delicious food and cocktails
Whenever I am missing a Peruvian feast or just fancy a traditional rotisserie chicken, I look no further than Pollo D’Oro. It is one of the best restaurants in downtown Brooklyn, no matter if I am in the mood for breakfast, lunch with my colleagues, or a quick dinner before I head home. The restaurant has such a charming vibe, with tables on one side with stunning views of Downtown Brooklyn and an eccentric bar on the other where a large TV screen plays your favorite sports channels.
Gage & Tollner
Address: 372 Fulton Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201, United States
Cuisine: American
Price Range: $$$$
In a word: A Downtown Brooklyn legacy
Gage & Tollner is a must-visit for NYC’s out-of-towners. With a vintage vibe, a retro décor, and a historic setting, nothing can go wrong with any of the items on the menu. As far as the best restaurants in downtown Brooklyn, NY go, Gage & Tollner is not only one of the best choices for a bone-in ribeye or the best daily selection of clams on the half shell or east coast oysters but also perfect for an instant buzz with their cocktails, wine, and beer.
Bacchus
Address: 409 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11217, United States
Cuisine: French
Price Range: $$$
In a word: Unpretentious and magical
As far as creative Eurocentric downtown Brooklyn restaurants go, Bacchus surely tops the list. And believe me when I say that every corner of this restaurant urges me to take out my cell and take some aesthetic pictures for my Instagram. The exposed red bricks, the hardwood floors, the French bistro chairs, and the fairytale-like outdoor garden that occasionally holds wedding ceremonies. Don’t forget to check out their prix fixe menu before ordering to get the best Eggplant Parmesan, Chicken Madeira, Crême Brulée, and much more on a bargain.
Sunken Harbor Club
Address: 372 Fulton Street, 2nd Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11201, United States
Cuisine: Tropical cocktail bar
Price Range: $$$
In a word: An ocean-themed intimate cocktail bar
Ask me how I picture a perfect evening, and I would say, “a hearty steak at Gage & Tollner before sipping the refreshing cocktails at Sunken Harbor Club.” Yes, this cocktail bar is right above Gage & Tollner, making it another cool place to eat in downtown Brooklyn. This bar looks like it is telling a story, with its ocean themed décor and menu items, which start from In The Shallows cocktails like Ship of Fools and Star Cycle and end at On Dry Land nonalcoholic drinks like The Elixir and Eye of the Storm.
Botte Brooklyn
Address: 327 Gold Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201, United States
Cuisine: Italian
Price Range: $$
In a word: Traditional Italian food and drinks under one roof
Another one of my favorite restaurants in downtown Brooklyn is Botte, and I am saying that because I can drop by at any time of the day, no matter if it’s a Sunday afternoon or an after-work drinks session, and the restaurant will have the most appropriate food on their menu. There are the classic antipasti, charcuterie boards, homemade pasta, and fresh pizzas with either a gluten-free crust or a cauliflower crust, available every day in its warm and laid-back ambiance.
Han Dynasty
Address: 1 Dekalb Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11201, United States
Cuisine: Sichuan
Price Range: $
In a word: A stylish restaurant in downtown Brooklyn in City Point Brooklyn
The menu at Han Dynasty has so many options that it is enough to leave me confused and indecisive, but as a picky eater, I did find a fair share of my favorites, like beef and tripe in chili oil and cold sesame noodles. Surprisingly, they also have a gluten-free menu with equally delicious food items (cue Sichuan-pickled vegetables, cabbage with dry peppers, and much more), and the beverages are a must-try for sure! They even have the original bubble tea and Boylan red birch beer.
Next Level Burger
Address: 292 Ashland Place, Brooklyn, NY 11217, United States
Cuisine: Vegan
Price Range: $$
In a word: Vegan and extremely delicious burgers, fries and shakes
For quick munchies, you can never go wrong with a trip to Whole Foods Market. But what’s even better is the vegan burger joint for your plant-based diet. The organic cheeseburgers, artisan BBQ burgers, maverick, and house-seasoned fire burgers truly take veggie grilling to the next level. I can happily indulge in that and even more, such as the organic peanut butter or cookies and cream shake, without worrying about any unforeseen increase in my waistline.
ATTI
Address: 294 Livingston Street, Brooklyn, NY 11217, United States
Cuisine: Korean BBQ
Price Range: $$
In a word: A new restaurant in downtown Brooklyn reflecting Korean soul and values
There is only one reason why I will allow you to visit Atti, and that is you won’t come back without trying their seafood platters. And as far as the bone-in short ribs are concerned, well, get ready to have the best dinner in downtown Brooklyn. The meat is seared and presented at your table, with so many ban-sang side dishes that reflect the whole “sharing with the family and friends” values of the restaurant.
CAVA
Address: 345 Adams Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201, United States
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Price Range: $
In a word: Fancy but affordable Mediterranean pitas and salads
CAVA is such a cute little spot on Adams Street, one of my favorite places to eat in downtown Brooklyn when I don’t want to over-splurge but also spend my time in a cozy restaurant. The thing I love about this place is that it feels so airy and clean, and of course, there are always the thoughtful Mediterranean salad bowls, grilled chicken, dips, and chef-curated pitas that keep me coming back for more, especially for my favorite customized grain bowls.
As You Are
Address: 252 Schermerhorn Street, Brooklyn, NY 11217, United States
Cuisine: American
Price Range: $$
In a word: Excellent food and drink options from breakfast to lunch
For comfort American fare that will leave your mouth watering (even before the dish is served at your table), this is the best restaurant in downtown Brooklyn, NY. I always try to snag a table near the windows from where I can watch the people go by as I enjoy my lunch in downtown Brooklyn – sometimes with crispy avocado toast and chicken sesame salad and sometimes with my favorite Dragon bowl and coconut green juice. They even had a guava lassi, which was nothing like I had ever tasted before.
Sottocasa
Address: 227 Malcolm X Boulevard, New York, NY 10027, United States
Cuisine: Italian
Price Range: $
In a word: The best Italian pizza in Downtown Brooklyn
Sottocasa is Luca and Mariarosa’s place. And they are adamant on bringing the best of Italian food in the heart of NYC! Known for authentic Italian food, this is one of the best downtown Brooklyn restaurants. For starters, you will be swept away by their Neapolitan pizza – Margherita, Romana, verdure, and salsiccia are some of my favorites. They taste so good that you will also want to try something from the antipasti menu, such as pizza bread, Italian cheese and cured meats and chickpeas, and tuna salad.
Fat Fowl
Address: 445 Albee Square West, Brooklyn, NY 11201, United States
Cuisine: Caribbean
Price Range: $
In a word: Delectable Caribbean food in a fantastic ambiance
You will find this Caribbean restaurant, and let me tell you that it has an enviable reputation! You must stop by for a curry shrimp burger, a creamy mac n cheese, or a coconut quinoa and peas. The setting is very vibrant and island-inspired, but for lunch or dinner in downtown Brooklyn you will never forget, this is the perfect place to eat. The menu is so extensive and unique that you will always find a new favorite, but there is also a lot of food for vegans and vegetarians, such as Jerk Tamarind Mushroom with two sides.
Charm Kao
Address: 193 Schermerhorn Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201, United States
Cuisine: Thai
Price Range: $
In a word: A charming and quaint space with authentic Thai food
There aren’t many restaurants in downtown Brooklyn that offer as delicious food as Charm Kao and at a budget-friendly price. This Thai restaurant focuses on fresh ingredients, sweet and spicy flavors, and satisfying cravings in its stripped-back, cozy setting. I feel like an urbanite of Brooklyn when I dig into the beef curries, mango salads, fried chicken, and Thai iced tea. It’s indeed a small, cozy, and wallet-friendly place where I can drop by anytime I like.
Shake Shack
Address: 409 Fulton Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201, United States
Cuisine: American
Price Range: $
In a word: A fancy upgrade of the beloved American comfort foods
If you fancy a twist on your childhood comfort food, like burgers and froyo, look no further than Shake Shack! From a simple hot dog cart to one of the fanciest places to eat in the city, Shake Shack is a downtown Brooklyn restaurant that has come a long way. And that is due to the leveling up of classic American feasts, such as the Carolina BBQ burger, summertime shakes, frozen custard, and Yuzu Honey Lemonade.
Dekalb Market Hall
Address: 445 Albee Square W, Brooklyn, NY 11201, United States
Cuisine: Multiple cuisines in one place
Price Range: $$
In a word: An incredible selection of restaurants from all over the world under one roof
And since we are talking about spicing things up, how about visiting a bustling space with more than 40 food and drink vendors? Dekalb Market Hall is a spectacular place to eat in downtown Brooklyn, where you will find a variety of restaurants, street food vendors, and bakeries. If you find yourself craving a Tokyo-inspired crepe but at the same time want a slice of NY’s pizza, buffalo wings, and craft beer, this is the place that has it all!
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