Best Trendy Restaurants in Brooklyn Heights
11 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Din Soup Dumplings
Handmade soup dumplings and dim sum-style plates in a compact upstairs dining room.
Notable Picks
8.9
Din Soup Dumplings is an upstairs Brooklyn Heights spot focused on handmade soup dumplings, noodle soups, and small plates that skew more specialized than a typical neighborhood takeout joint. High-volume, consistently strong reviews point to careful dumpling work, speedy service, and a menu that rewards repeat visits rather than one-off orders.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pork Soup Dumplings, Spicy Beef Noodle Soup, Wild Mushroom Bao
What Makes it Special: Handmade soup dumplings and dim sum-style plates in a compact upstairs dining room.
#2
Al Badawi
8.8
Al Badawi brings Palestinian home cooking to Atlantic Avenue, turning a narrow Brooklyn Heights dining room into a busy hub for mezze and family-style platters. Since opening in 2021, it has earned Michelin Guide attention for wood-fired breads, slow-cooked meats, and generous hospitality that make it a destination well beyond the neighborhood.
Must-Try Dishes:
Msakhan with sumac-roasted chicken and onions, Lamb chops over rice with roasted peppers, Warm house flatbread with hummus and mezze
What Makes it Special: Palestinian feasts built around wood-fired breads, slow-cooked meats, and shareable mezze in a Michelin-recognized setting.
#3
Khaosan
8.7
Khaosan brings a slightly more polished, ingredient-focused approach to Thai on Montague, with an emphasis on vegetarian-friendly options and upgraded classics. Dishes like curry dumplings, khao soi, and garlic udon with hanger steak show more regional nuance than the average neighborhood spot.
Must-Try Dishes:
Curry Dumplings, Khao Soi Chicken, Garlic Udon Hanger Beef
What Makes it Special: Modern Thai with strong vegetarian options and more regionally expressive dishes.
#4
Mikado
8.6
Mikado is a polished Brooklyn Heights Japanese restaurant where sushi, sashimi, and cooked plates are treated with equal care in a relaxed but upgraded room. Locals lean on it for reliably fresh fish, generous lunch specials, and a menu that works for both casual meals and low-key celebrations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tuna tart with crispy rice, Spicy tuna crunch maki, Chef’s assorted sashimi plate
What Makes it Special: Upscale neighborhood sushi with consistently high-quality fish and polished execution.
#5
Kogane Ramen
8.6
Kogane Ramen is a Brooklyn Heights standby for rich tonkotsu and miso broths, lobster ramen, and a wide range of classic and seasonal bowls. Regulars treat it as the neighborhood’s go-to ramen shop, with steady lines at peak hours and a menu that works for both quick solo meals and casual dinners. The cozy space near the Clark Street station makes it an easy stop before or after a walk on the promenade.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lobster Miso Ramen, Spicy Miso Ramen, Pork Gyoza
What Makes it Special: Neighborhood ramen shop with a deep menu and lobster miso bowls.
8.5
Perched atop 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, Harriet's Rooftop pairs Japanese-inspired bar bites with sweeping views of the Brooklyn Bridge and Lower Manhattan. Cocktails lean seasonal and sustainability-focused, while small plates like okonomiyaki fries and chicken gyoza skew more lounge-snack than full dinner. It’s a polished, scene-y choice for date nights and celebrations that are really about the skyline.
Must-Try Dishes:
Okonomiyaki Fries, Chicken Gyoza, Crispy Rice & Spicy Tuna
What Makes it Special: Elevated cocktails and Japanese-inspired bites with direct bridge and skyline views.
#7
Inga's Bar
8.4
Inga’s Bar is a modern neighborhood tavern just off the promenade where candlelight, framed art, and a tight menu of bistro-ish comfort food create an unexpectedly romantic backdrop. It feels casual enough for a Wednesday burger date but special enough for anniversaries if you snag one of the more tucked-away tables. The bar is equally appealing for solo glasses of wine and snacky first dates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Inga's Burger, Steak Frites, Deviled Eggs
What Makes it Special: Candlelit tavern-style dining with bistro-level cooking and a real neighborhood feel.
8.3
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Comfort Food Classics
Trendy Table Hotspots
Business Lunch Power Players
Table 87 bills itself as the "Home of the Coal Oven Slice," pairing coal-fired pies and by-the-slice options with a full menu of Italian plates and cocktails. The Brooklyn Heights location doubles as a neighborhood hangout where you can grab a quick slice at the counter or settle into the back dining room for a longer meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita coal-oven slice, Prosciutto and arugula pizza, Square veggie pie
What Makes it Special: Coal-oven slices, a full Italian menu, and cocktails under one roof.
8.2
Felice Montague brings a Tuscan-inspired wine bar and trattoria to a 1930s art deco building in the heart of Brooklyn Heights. Plush banquettes, candlelight, and a long list of Italian wines make it feel built for dates, from first glasses of Chianti to celebratory dinners. The menu focuses on pastas, crudo, and grilled mains that are approachable but polished enough for a dressed-up night out.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tagliatelle al Ragu Toscano, Cacio e Pepe, Branzino alla Griglia
What Makes it Special: Tuscan wine-focused dining room with art deco details and candlelit tables.
8.1
Sushi Lin brings a slightly more refined, omakase-leaning approach to the Clark Street strip, with a tight space centered around carefully plated nigiri and chef-driven specials. It’s a step up in polish from most neighborhood spots while still feeling intimate rather than formal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chef’s omakase nigiri flight, Fatty tuna nigiri, Seasonal maki roll special
What Makes it Special: Small, chef-focused sushi bar emphasizing nigiri quality and omakase-style experiences.
Worthy Picks
7.9
Lantern Thai Kitchen has been serving Brooklyn Heights for nearly two decades with a broad menu of curries, noodles, and a surprisingly strong bar program. The dim, brick-lined room leans a bit moodier, making it a neighborhood move for casual dates or cocktails plus pad thai.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pineapple Roasted Duck, Crispy Basil Duck, Pad Thai
What Makes it Special: Longstanding neighborhood Thai with a moody room and cocktail-friendly menu.