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Looking for the best restaurants in Brooklyn? Let me be the first to tell you: There are so many excellent places to eat in the New York City borough that narrowing them down to a single list is, frankly, an impossible task. But a girl—or in this case, writers, editors, and more members of the Vogue staff—can try.
By some estimates, there are thousands of culinary establishments in Brooklyn, and that might not even count the food trucks, delis, bodegas, market stalls, carts, and stands where you can get some of the best food in town. Brooklyn is home to countless cuisines from all over the world, beloved family-run businesses, and treasured institutions that were founded more than a century ago.
In other words, if you want to send a food lover into a tizzy, ask them where to eat in Brooklyn. Everyone has a different “best burger” they swear by; a different steakhouse they feel is the quintessential New York spot; a Chinese place with the juiciest-yet-most-structurally-integral soup dumplings; or a special red sauce joint that sets the bar for chicken parmesan.
Plus, there always seems to be a trendy new wine bar (and ensuing debate about what, exactly, constitutes a “restaurant” these days), or a buzzy must-try taco or pizza place. Luckily, we at Vogue are always trying new places. Without further ado, check out a list of Vogue staffers’ favorite restaurants in Brooklyn below. We will be updating this guide periodically, so stay tuned.
Bong
724 Sterling Pl, Brooklyn, NY 11216
Bong is perhaps still one of the most challenging reservations to get in all of Brooklyn, but I believe it has earned its buzz. While I’ve only been able to grab dinner there once, the meal was memorable: corn brushed in sweet and salty coconut milk and scallion oil, crunchy fried squid with salted duck egg, grilled pork jowl with ripe melons. When I see a whole fish on the menu at an Indochinese restaurant, it’s an obligation, not a choice: This whole dorado was fried to perfection and served with a handful of herbs and two sauces: peanut tamarind and a spicy fish sauce, both of which I would purchase by the bottle. All in all, Bong is a masterclass in rich, complex flavor combinations—the kinds of bites that are followed by audible groans. I highly recommend scheduling some Resy alerts for an open week in your calendar so you can experience it, too. —Amalie MacGowan, director of creative development, Teen Vogue
Badaboom
421 Bainbridge St, Brooklyn, NY 11233
A relatively recent newcomer to Bed-Stuy as of 2025, this place is a strange amalgamation of dining experiences: It presents as a natural wine bar, but first and foremost, it is a chicken restaurant. Go with a friend and split the half chicken for around $30, which comes swimming in sauce on a bed of potatoes. The rest of the menu is French-inspired (the green beans are served in a bath of butter so deep it would make Julia Child smile), and you can order a side of sauces like pistou or béarnaise to zhuzh up your order. Not that it needs it; the regular au jus is incredible on its own. —Elly Leavitt, lifestyle shopping editor
Peter Luger
178 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Nobody does it like Peter Luger’s. First opened in 1887 as a German beer hall in Williamsburg, Luger’s is a true New York experience. The wood-paneled rooms, the antique beer steins lining the walls, the white-aproned servers, the chorus of “Happy Birthday” singalongs and ripples of applause from nearby tables—it’s a kind of magic. As someone who grew up going here, I feel lucky every time I get to experience it. But let me not bury the lede, which is, of course, the steak. I’ve had steak here that tasted like butter and sliced just as smoothly, usually with a dose of “vitamins” (their term for the melted butter and fat juice that pools in the sizzling-hot platter). My favorite sides are the creamed spinach and German potatoes, and I recommend pairing it all with a crisp Bitburger or a dirty martini. Steak is the star here, of course, but the bacon appetizer is an if-you-know-you-know indulgence. And don’t forget dessert: You can’t go wrong with the “Holy Cow” hot fudge sundae, apple strudel, or chocolate mousse cake topped with whipped cream (a.k.a. the famous “schlag”). —Anna Grace Lee, lifestyle writer
Briscola Trattoria
798a Franklin Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238
This Crown Heights gem has everything you want from a modern trattoria: long wooden tables occasionally covered in red gingham tablecloths, carafes of well-priced (for New York, anyway) house wine, and mini tins of olive oil for the table. My tagliatelle bolognese arrived with a side dish of extra bolognese—for dipping bread in, or eating by the spoonful, depending on what kind of day you’re having. There’s outdoor seating, if you’re looking for a new summer spot. I recently spotted them advertising some good-looking Ligurian ravioli, so I’m going to have to expedite my long-overdue return. —E.L.
Good Ol Days Diner
212 Patchen Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11233
On the average weekday, you may overlook this unassuming Black-owned diner, snugly nestled on Patchen Ave among the usual hubbub of Bedford-Stuyvesant. On the weekend? The hungry crowd awaiting tables on and around the singular bench directly in front of the restaurant would stop you in your tracks. If you're longing for that suburban diner experience or just want some food that brings you comfort, look no further and enjoy a coffee-flavored Oreo milkshake, along with an order of the restaurant's unique twist on a certain fast food chain's breakfast sandwich–fried chicken breast, spicy maple slaw, sandwiched between two fluffy syrup-infused pancake buns. And don't forget a side of their Smash Browns! —Edgar Gatsinzi, associate manager, social media
L&B Spumoni Gardens
2725 86th St, Brooklyn, NY 11223
I spent much of my childhood waiting in long lines for slices of square Sicilian pizza, followed by many scoops of spumoni, at this now-legendary pizza spot in Bensonhurst (a.k.a. the real heart of Brooklyn). On a summer evening, the vibe of the outdoor seating area cannot be beat, and the people-watching is top-notch. Don’t sleep on the meatball parm heroes, either, nor the very excellent soft serve. —Jill Weiskopf, VP of communications
Bernie’s
332 Driggs Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222
Eating at Bernie’s requires some strategizing. Go too early and you’ll be having a 5 o’clock dinner, or languishing outside while you wait for your friend. Go too late and they likely won’t be taking names for the list anymore. It’s all a bit much, but it’s worth the effort, because Bernie’s goes big. Think: a wedge salad piled high with layers of iceberg, blue cheese dressing, and a slab of bacon stabbed through the heart; an ice cream sundae (best ordered with a mix of both vanilla and mint chocolate chip) with a towering puff of whipped cream that’s a Jenga-like disaster waiting to happen, and perfectly chewy brownie bites. Other highlights include the eggplant parm, the vinegar chicken, and the burger with fries. I love the stained glass lamps, the red booths, and the general hullabaloo. Get a martini and enjoy the scenery. —A.G.L.
Saraghina
350 Lewis Ave Brooklyn, NY 11233 (and additional locations)
Whether I’m bringing out-of-towners or meeting local friends, Saraghina Pizzeria always lives up to the hype. While this Bed-Stuy spot is known for its Neopolitan pizza—I recommend the Buffala—you truly can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. I’m also quite fond of the pancakes and the crispy Brussels sprouts. A true testament to its powers? Saraghina singlehandedly turned my former roommate from an avowed Brussels sprouts hater into a fan. —Hannah Jackson, fashion writer
Taqueria Ramirez
94 Franklin St, Brooklyn, NY 11222
Taqueria Ramirez makes some of the best tacos in town. It’s a small place in Greenpoint (though the team also has Carnitas Ramirez in the East Village, and an upcoming seafood wine bar, El Camaron Peludo, in the West Village, plus a second Taqueria Ramirez location opening soon in Carroll Gardens). They have a small menu and colorful reusable plates. You’ll want to get two or three tacos (at least!) for a meal. I recommend getting the Campechano, which gives you the best of both worlds (it’s a combo of suadero, the slow-cooked beef confit, and longaniza, the spiced ground pork), with lots of red onion, cilantro, and lime, and a Topo Chico. —A.G.L.
Milly’s Neighborhood Bar
397 Greene Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11216
Even though Milly’s Neighborhood Bar is technically not a restaurant, don’t let that stop you from experiencing the food at this Bed-Stuy gem. Newcomers to Greene Ave, Milly’s makes you feel like you’re stepping into a family party. You’ll be greeted by the friendliest staff (often it’s co-owner Ron Leakey himself, who opened the bar with his longtime friend, Hamilton star Anthony Ramos), who immediately make you feel like a regular. The menu isn’t extensive, but it feels intentional. There’s something for everyone, including what I call bar food re-imagined. A few of my favorites: the chopped cheese egg rolls (dip them in the spicy banana ketchup even if you don’t like banana, trust me), the guava BBQ-glazed wings, Debbie’s Caesar, and the “Milly’s Burger” has never let me down. —Gaetane Lewis, audience director
Traif
229 S 4th St, Brooklyn, NY 11211
While seasonal small plates restaurants are a dime a dozen in Brooklyn, Traif has a memorable elevator pitch: smack-dab in an ultra-Orthodox community, the restaurant is dedicated to an unkosher menu. But this isn't just a provocative concept: the food is excellent (the pomegranate-cherry-cinnamon glazed ribs and the beef and foie gras meatballs were a particular highlight of my last visit), and the staff is also tremendously kind. Traif may be constantly changing up their menu, but the dessert is always consistent. The key lime pie, especially, is not to be missed. —H.J.
Miss Ada
184 Dekalb Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11205
Located in my favorite neighborhood, Fort Greene, is my go-to spot: Miss Ada. It serves, in my opinion, the best Mediterranean food in New York—no contest. The space is always buzzing, and I’m happiest grabbings a seat at the bar or out in the courtyard. The whipped ricotta is a must—it usually hits the table first, right when I’m at my hungriest, but even if it came last, it would still steal the show. I also always order the halloumi and the short rib hummus, both just as memorable. If there’s a wait, I promise it’s worth it. Put your name down and take a stroll through Fort Greene Park. It’s beautiful year-round, but especially perfect on a summer evening! —Molly Barstein, associate manager, audience development
Cafe Rue Dix
1451 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11216
Not only is the food at this Senegalese spot in Crown Heights delicious, filling, and reasonably priced (don’t sleep on the mafe), but the shop and salon next door—Marche Rue Dix—is stocked with fab vintage treasures and thoughtfully made beauty products, making this the perfect spot to hit for brunch followed by a browse with friends. —Emma Specter, culture writer
Leo
123 Havemeyer St, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Leo is so good that I want to keep it a secret (though I think many would say the secret’s already out). Opened in 2019 by the team behind Ops, this Williamsburg spot can do it all. I’m always impressed by Leo’s versatility, both in menu and in vibe. It works for catching up with friends, dinner with the parents, or a low-key date night. And menu-wise, how many places can say they have a flavorful and tender steak frites dish; a cheesy, tangy, perfectly al dente cacio e pepe; an array of sourdough pizzas; and proper cocktails? And that’s all without mentioning one of the best parts: the dessert. Leo is known for their house-made soft serve, beautiful twists of seasonal flavor combinations like blueberry and corn, which are consistently fun and delicious. —A.G.L.
Roll-N-Roaster
2901 Emmons Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11235
Roll-N-Roaster, tucked away on Emmons Ave, deep in south Brooklyn, is everything fast food should be: made-to-order, not too greasy, but still extremely comforting. Perhaps best known for fluffy roast beef sandwiches and cheese fries, the chicken tenders are also insanely good, as are the onion rings. The best part, though, might be knowing you are eating at a little piece of Brooklyn history: Roll N Roaster has actually been around since the 1970s, and this very excellent commercial is proof. —J.W.
Theodora
7 Greene Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238
Though I do not believe in waiting in lines for buzzy NYC restaurants, I certainly did make my way to Theodora 30 minutes before its opening to score a seat at the bar. I was that determined to try it, after hearing endless rave reviews. Whipped ricotta and tuna crudo? Sign me up! By chef/owner Tomer Blechman (also of the equally popular Fort Greene jaunt Miss Ada), every single bite was incredible. Each plate more flavorful than the last. On entrees, I’d recommend the black cod, the half chicken, or the lamb. The branzino is an absolute must... I’m drooling just thinking about it. I can’t wait to go back. —Kiana Murden, beauty editor, Replica Handbag Store Shopping
The Snail
544 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222
When construction began on the ground floor of an apartment building in my neighborhood on what would eventually become The Snail, I assumed we’d be getting another conceptual coffee shop. I could not have been more wrong, or delighted, once it opened. The Snail calls itself an American bistro, and does a little bit of everything really well, from garlicky escargot, zesty crudo, and fresh capelletti to a really outstanding cheeseburger. Speaking of which, basically any type of meat you could ask for is on the menu, without it feeling crowded and disorienting. While you may have to stand in line for a bit to put your name down, much like fellow Greenpoint institution Bernie’s a block away, the amazing food, kind staff, and warm atmosphere more than make up for it. I recommend sitting outside on a dwindling summer day, ordering a Gilda-adorned gin martini immediately, and leaving room for dessert because their sticky toffee date pudding might be the best I’ve ever had in my life. —Fred Sahai, associate commerce producer, Replica Handbag Store Shopping
Gus and Marty’s
232 N 12th St, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Walking into Gus and Marty’s is like walking into a family dining room, if your family was proficient in cooking a perfect Saganaki and Moussaka. Not fussy or pretentious, the Williamsburg spot serves up traditional Greek-American recipes seasoned to perfection—go with a group, because the menu is begging to be shared. No two human beings should be forced to decide between a whole roasted branzino, lemony caper chicken, and souvlaki steak frites! —Lea Donenberg, associate producer, video
The Fly
549 Classon Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11238
Upon entering The Fly—it’s dimly lit booths and community tables framed around their centerpiece bar, which boasts bottle after bottle of small-producer, natural wines—you immediately want to become a regular. Since 2019, The Fly, from the same restaurant family as Hart’s and Cervo’s, has been slinging half or whole organic roasted chickens, which you can pair with their “white” or “green” sauces (note: they are both divine) and a short list of vegetable side dishes. I’ve always said that it’s impossible to have a bad meal here, seeing as the ten-item menu and sides are made excellent by their simplicity and dependability. Walk in on the early side to snag a booth, and be sure to get a bird, a bottle, fries, and a Caesar salad to share. Scintillating conversation optional, not required. —A.M.
Eyval
25 Bogart St, Brooklyn, NY 11206
From the team behind Sofreh comes Eyval, an airy Persian spot in Bushwick. I am obsessed with their Mast o Musir—a deliciously creamy strained yogurt with pickled Persian shallot and turmeric oil—which pairs perfectly with their fluffy Barbari bread. The octopus kebab is also a winner, and I’d recommend trying one (or several) of their fun cocktails. —A.G.L.
Lore
441 7th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215
I didn’t know I needed Chicken Tikka Masala Pot Pie, but Chef Jay Kumar of Lore surprised and delighted once again. Not only does Chef Kumar pack a zinging flavor into the smallest morsel of food, but he also offers distinct personal charm at the cozy Park Slope haunt. His world travels are decadently apparent on the plate: expect to see dishes like lamb kheema bolognese, chocolate cake with cardamom salt, and the dosa to end all dosas. Believe me, the Lore is true. —L.D.
La Cantine
60 Saint Nicholas Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11237
By day, La Cantine is a charming French-inspired café, serving exceptional pastries and thoughtfully crafted sandwiches. Come evening (right around sunset), it transforms into a bistro and natural wine bar, with a weekly rotating menu that keeps things fresh and a little unpredictable. Whatever you do, save room for dessert. There’s almost always a tiramisu variation, and it’s the kind you’ll find yourself thinking about long after you’ve left. —Taylor Lashley, senior manager, social media
Hart’s
506 Franklin Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11238
For a fine dining experience without the frills or overstimulation of Lower Manhattan, Harts in Bed-Stuy is my go-to spot when my parents come to town, as well as when I want to treat myself to a solo night out. Tucked away beside the overpass of the Franklin C stop, this intimate 30-seat restaurant known for its Mediterranean fare serves up fish so fresh I almost feel transported back to my home state of Maine. I’m partial to a glass of the chilled red with the yellowfin tuna crudo served with olives and fermented chili to start. The parsley-forward clam toast and the crispy pork Milanese are also reliable standouts on their ever-changing seasonal menu. —Alex Jhamb Burns, producer, The Run-Through With Vogue
East Harbor Seafood Palace
714 65th St, Brooklyn, NY 11220
When I picture the perfect dim sum scene—families in overlapping conversations, spinning the lazy Susan to grab the last pork bun like it’s a competitive sport—East Harbor Seafood Palace is what comes to mind. This popular restaurant in Sunset Park is rightfully packed on the weekends, but it is fun and delicious. You pick your dishes from their roving dim sum carts, and it’s all delicious. My advice? Get there before 11 a.m., take a number, and get ready to enjoy. —A.G.L.
Macosa Trattoria
310 Tompkins Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11216
Generally, I am the kind of person who believes pasta is a dish best made at home—a box of De Cecco rigatoni and a jar of Rao’s goes a long way. But the fresh pasta at Macosa is my exception to that rule. I’ve gone to the adorable Bed-Stuy establishment for birthdays, first (and last) dates, and just because I had the craving. Their unique vintage dishware is a selling point alone, but I keep going back for their grilled radicchio and the pappardelle Oxtail ragu. In the summer, their burrata with sourdough and grilled peaches is the perfect savory take on peaches and cream, and don’t forget to order the tiramisu for dessert. —A.J.B.
