Best Trendy Restaurants in Brooklyn Heights & Downtown Brooklyn (11201)
6 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: January 2026
Our Top Pick
Em Vietnamese Bistro
Modern DUMBO Vietnamese bistro where seafood plates, pho and cocktails share the spotlight.
Notable Picks
8.8
Em Vietnamese Bistro brings a modern Vietnamese dining room to DUMBO, with coconut mussels, beef pho and Ly's chicken wings backed by cocktails and a polished room. Locals treat it as a go-to for dates, small celebrations and pre- or post-waterfront dinners when they want Vietnamese that feels a bit more special than a neighborhood pho shop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ly's chicken wings, Beef pho (pho bo), Oc xao dua coconut mussels
What makes it special: Modern DUMBO Vietnamese bistro where seafood plates, pho and cocktails share the spotlight.
8.8
Time Out Market New York is a two-story food hall in Empire Stores with a fifth-floor rooftop terrace looking out at the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges. Dozens of curated vendors serve everything from ramen and barbecue to pastries and cocktails, so groups can mix and match while sharing skyline views. It’s the go-to rooftop option when you need something for everyone without leaving DUMBO.
Must-Try Dishes:
Clinton St. Pancakes from Clinton St. Baking Company, Bark Barbecue brisket sandwich, Mr Taka Ramen bowl
What makes it special: Multi-vendor food hall with a dedicated rooftop bar and bridge views.
8.6
Tucked on a cobblestoned block near the waterfront, Vinegar Hill House pairs a wood-burning oven and seasonal, New American plates with one of Brooklyn’s coziest dining rooms and a leafy back garden. It reads more like a country inn than a city restaurant, which makes it especially appealing for low-key dates. Regulars treat it as a go-to for celebratory brunches, fireside dinners, and intimate parties in the carriage house.
Must-Try Dishes:
Red Wattle Pork Chop, Chicken Liver Mousse, Pear Sourdough Pancakes
What makes it special: Rustic townhouse dining with a wood-fired menu and romantic garden.
#4
Celestine
8.5
Celestine is a Mediterranean-leaning restaurant at the base of the Manhattan Bridge with wraparound windows framing the skyline and river. Its mezze, lamb, and seafood skew slightly upscale without feeling formal, making it a favorite for date nights that hinge on both flavor and views. The terrace and soft, candlelit interior tilt romantic whether you’re sharing a bottle of wine or a family-style spread.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seasonal Mezze Platter, Harissa Roasted Chicken, Whole Branzino
What makes it special: Riverfront Mediterranean plates with dramatic bridge views and soft lighting.
8.3
Cecconi’s Dumbo is a waterfront Italian restaurant from the Soho House family, pairing hand-made pastas and wood-fired pizzas with chandeliers, marble, and terrace views of the Manhattan skyline. It is a go-to for dressed-up dinners and celebrations that still feel buzzy rather than stiff.
Must-Try Dishes:
Zucchini fritti with lemon aioli, Cacio e pepe, Wood-fired pizza with seasonal toppings
What makes it special: A high-ceilinged, waterfront Italian dining room where hand-made pasta and pizzas share equal billing with Manhattan skyline views.
Worthy Picks
#6
The Randolph
7.8
Vibes:
Brewery & Beer Garden Republic
Group Dining Gatherings
Sports Bar Central
Trendy Table Hotspots
Randolph Beer’s DUMBO location is a sprawling brewpub and arcade with self-serve taps, retro games, and a seasonal rooftop overlooking the neighborhood. The menu leans into elevated bar food, making it a popular choice for casual hangs, office outings, and nights when the vibe matters more than a formal dinner.
Must-Try Dishes:
Churro pretzel with Nutella and powdered sugar, Kitchen nachos loaded with cheese and toppings, Smash-style burger with house sauce
What makes it special: Brewpub with self-serve taps, arcade games, and a rooftop.