Let's tawk New Yawk restaurants
In my opinion....
I’ve always felt very fortunate to grow up in New York, but I did not realize just how spoiled I was until we started visiting my Nana in Florida. We would land and feel elated to run on the beach, splash by the pool, and drive alongside the palm trees with the windows down…but then we’d sit down for lunch or dinner to discover that it was, in fact, possible to burn pasta. One restaurant would be worse than the next. “Mom, Dad, can I order something else?” I’d ask sheepishly. “We’re not in New York anymore,” my mom would say, forever shifting my perspective. (Do consider that this was the 90’s in Delray Beach, Florida, and I believe restaurant culture has moved to a place where good food can be found everywhere)…but for the sake of this review, we’re tawkin New Yawk! Brooklyn, specifically.
…And to further contradict this whole story, Italy exists! And my all-time favorite restaurant is in Philly (shoutout Zahav). BUT the volume of good food in New York is hard to match anywhere else. Don’t get mad because…
Local Faves (Brooklyn)
Featured are places I would confidently recommend to anyone coming to town, knowing I’ve steered them right. Proud to be considered a ‘regular’ at some of these joints where they know us by name and order... sad or cool? Unsure. And some others that make me happy!
Colonie - My husband and my number one - American Fare with an inventive spin
If you’re looking for consistent, elevated flavors and a romantic open-kitchen atmosphere where you can either perch at the chef’s table, lounge in the cozy nook in the front window, or enjoy your privacy in the dining area, this dimly lit restaurant with exposed brick and beautifully maintained greenery is for you. Here you’ll find locally sourced food with a beautiful list of natural wines. We have a lot of memories here… shoutout chef Kone.
Menu standouts: Mushroom Pate (if this were my last bite on earth I’d be happy), Celery Salad, Spicy Rigatoni, Halibut
Daigo - Hidden gem handroll bar
If you’re a fan of Kazu Nori in Manhattan or LA, Daigo gives it a run for its money. I have trouble deciding which of the two is my favorite, but here you’ll expect a quick, casual weeknight sushi vibe, where you pull up to the bar and enjoy. The One Cup sake is also delicious and an A+ addition to a nice meal. *They have happy hour specials for lunch.
Menu standouts: Snow Crab Avocado handroll, Spicy Tuna handroll
Lucali - I’ll admit, I’m not a ‘regular’ at the most famous pizza spot in New York, but they do know us by face...I think. Authentic Italian pizza spot with lots of rules, but worth the hype to try!
I would be remiss to not let you know if the hype is real at the celebrity hot spot (that closes down on a dime if someone of note feels like renting it out that evening) located just several blocks down from me. What I’ll say is that pizza is very personal, but objectively speaking, they make a great pie. To get a reservation, you line up outside the restaurant around two hours before opening to secure a slot for later that day. How it works: you order by the pie, add your preference of fresh ingredients from what they have listed on the chalkboard outside (you can do halves with different toppings), and there’s a one-hour window to get in and get out. If you’re looking for a more well-rounded meal, this is not the place for you because they only serve pizza and calzones, with the occasional fusilli special that is sometimes offered and is absolutely delish. Carbs on carbs. If you want to feel like you’re in Italy with the authentic Italian, cozy and rustic interior, which I love, this is the place for you. *BYOB if you want to drink a nice red with your ‘za. Good luck!
Menu standouts: Classic cheese pizza with anything spicy - thanks!
Red Hook Tavern - Classic American Tavern fare known for having one of the best burgers in New York (and my favorite I’ve ever had) (wow, I’m spoiled)
A place I feel lucky enough to live not too far away from and famous for THE burger. I started eating meat again last year, and my first burger was unfortunately at Red Hook Tavern (I say unfortunately because it has never gone up from here). I know they use a mix of meats in their famous burger, but I don’t know the secret behind how they make it so juicy and perfect. Nothing beats it. *Pro tip - ask if they can do a side of creamed spinach. **They opened another location called Sag Harbor Tavern last summer out east that I believe is set to be permanent. I had the pleasure of testing it out, and I’m glad to report the integrity of the food is maintained.
Menu standouts: Dry-Aged Red Hook Tavern Burger, PEI Mussels, Chopped Kale, Creamed Spinach, Oysters
Poppys - Favorite local cafe. A must try.
It would not be a local review without including our near and dear, most favorite cafe, and sweet Cobble Hill staple. Poppy’s is female-owned with two locations, one in Cobble Hill, and the other in Brooklyn Heights. The food is as delicious and fresh as their beverages, which is not always a given for a coffee shop. There is a lovely outdoor area out front with picnic tables and benches that are good for mornings with your partner, children, and/or pets, meetings, or having a nice moment to yourself. Trying to snag a seat on a warm weekend morning is up to mere chance, but it is absolutely worth the venture.
Menu standouts: Matcha Latte, Seasonal Scone, Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf, Vegan Banana Bread, Overnight Oats, Eggs (the freshest eggs you could buy), Turkey Sandwich, Bisquit Egg Sandwich
12 Chairs Cafe - Casual or Night-out Israeli restaurant that captures Israeli food and culture perfectly - my most favorite restaurant in all of Manhattan/Brooklyn
The most consistent, delicious, fun, and happy restaurant that pops off for brunch and dinner. If you know anything about Israeli culture, they love to celebrate. I remember the day New York opened from COVID restrictions, and I dined outside at their Williamsburg location with my best friend; they were blasting New York songs, standing on tables, and banging on tambourines. It’s not always rowdy, and if you come on the early side it’s more kid-friendly and chill. Some of the best local Israeli food I’ve ever had that has tasted the same for the last 10 years I’ve been dining there. The Manhattan location only serves beer and wine, but the Brooklyn spot has a full liquor license.
Menu standouts: Hummus, Greek Salad, Chicken Schnitzel, Baladi Eggplant, Cauliflower, Lamb Burger (so I hear), Sweet Potato Fries
Nura - Moody, beautifully designed open concept warehouse in Greenpoint that serves up the most incredible flavors, putting a spin on Mediterranean/Indian food with their interesting use of spices that you’d never expect would be some of the best bites you’ve ever had. (I don't personally like Indian food, but I love this).
If you’re looking for stand-out dishes with a twist or a tang that are cooked to perfection, Nura is the spot you need to try next. My husband and my favorite date night is going to the Brooklyn Bathhouse, followed by a meal at Nura. They love to change up their menu, but the tried and true are always on there. Trust me on this one. Flavor bomb central.
Menu standouts: Dips, Na’an, Parker House Rolls, Pickled Vegetables, Spicy Peanuts, Japanese Sweet Potato, Half Chicken, Seasonal Salads
Popina - Modernized Italian with a twist
Worth the hype, in my opinion. Well known for the hot chicken milanese dish that will leave your mouth slightly on fire, but that’s always ok by me. Refreshing but small menu with a cozy indoor atmosphere as well as a large backyard area with corn hole for kids to play and run around. It’s a versatile space where you can have a date night experience inside or a family fun night out in the back.
Menu standouts: Hot Chicken Milanese, Winner Sourdough, Spaghetti, Romaine
Hometown Barbeque - From the owners of Red Hook Tavern, a casual BBQ dive. They are not fucking around with their meat
This neighborhood staple has the world’s most delicious barbecue. Since I’m a meat-newbie, I don’t explore the meats enough to recommend specific dishes, but based on my family’s order I will give you some of our faves (which are a little lame, I’m sorry). I honestly think that no matter what you order on the menu, it will be one of the best you’ve ever had. The line can get long, and they make each meal one at a time, so be prepared to wait (unless you find yourself in Red Hook on a weekday afternoon). If you show up 10 minutes or so before opening, that’s also your best bet on eating quick on weekends.
Menu standouts: Chicken Tacos, Brisket Tacos, Brisket, Brisket Queso
Noodle Pudding - No website for this old-school, cash-only Italian comfort food Brooklyn staple that’s been around for over 30 years
Large portions of Italian comfort food that will leave you full for days. My husband and I had our ‘rehearsal dinner’ for our wedding here, aka a large meal with both of our families, and it was the perfect spot for the occasion. They have family-style dishes, the restaurant is comforting and lively, and it feels like you’re in grandma’s kitchen (if your grandma is Italian, which mine isn’t). They only take reservations for larger parties, but walk-ins are doable.
Menu standouts: Garlic Bread, side Eggplant Parmesan, Lasagna, Seared Tuna with Eggplant Capanada, Mezzi Rigatoni Alla Norma
Laser Wolf - More Israeli, more vibes, crazy views.
Can you tell I love Israeli/mediterranean food? And who doesn’t love an uninterrupted view of the Manhattan skyline over the East River? And of course, Michael Solomonov (of Zahav) is behind this one. Here, each table starts with a complimentary and refillable ‘Salatim’, which is essentially an array of small dishes with one large Hummus in the center and pita for dipping. The rest of the meal is a pre-fixe choice of an item from the grill (meat, fish, or veggie), and a free dessert (usually a tasty soft serve with a tahina magic shell and crunchies). There are a few a la carte options as add-ons as well, but honestly the sheer volume of food makes it difficult to add to the order. The food is delicious, elevated, and the view makes the restaurant a special spot to check out. *They now do brunch!
Menu standouts: Salatim, French Fries, Salad, Chicken, Dorode, Grilled Eggplant, Spiced Cauliflower
More eats…
*I will publish a restaurant guide for other areas of New York like NYC, Hamptons, Upstate, and Long Island, as well as standouts in different U.S. cities, and will expand to abroad favorites. But I’ll let you digest this one first…ba dum chhh.. cool dad joke Dana ok bye!
Thank you for reading. Til next time!
xx, DG