Best Trendy Restaurants in Williamsburg
76 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Lilia
Chef Missy Robbins' Michelin-caliber handmade pastas in a converted garage with wood-fired cooking
Essential Picks
#1
Lilia
9.2
Chef Missy Robbins' wood-fired Italian destination transforms a former auto-body garage into one of Brooklyn's most sought-after dining experiences. Handmade pastas like the sheep's milk agnolotti and mafaldini with pink peppercorns showcase impeccable technique, while the grill delivers perfectly charred seafood and vegetables.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sheep's Milk Agnolotti, Cacio e Pepe Frittelle, Grilled Prawns with Fennel Pollen
What Makes it Special: Chef Missy Robbins' Michelin-caliber handmade pastas in a converted garage with wood-fired cooking
#2
Aska
9.1
Aska is Brooklyn's only two-Michelin-star restaurant, where chef Fredrik Berselius channels Nordic technique and foraged ingredients in a dark warehouse beneath the Williamsburg Bridge. The long-form tasting menu leans into smoke, acidity, and texture while the team delivers quietly precise, highly choreographed service. It is the ZIP's most serious special-occasion room, with every detail tuned for once-a-year dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Langoustine with preserved spruce (seasonal course), Bladderwrack seaweed with blue mussel emulsion, Lamb heart with celery root and black currant
What Makes it Special: Brooklyn's only two-star Michelin Nordic tasting menu led by chef Fredrik Berselius.
Notable Picks
8.9
Aurora is a long-running Williamsburg Italian restaurant known for handmade pastas, wood-fired mains, and a greenhouse-style back garden wrapped in ivy. Locals use it for date nights and small celebrations when they want rustic Northern Italian cooking in one of the neighborhood’s most atmospheric rooms.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pappardelle al ragù, Grilled octopus with potatoes, Housemade gnocchi with Gorgonzola
What Makes it Special: Rustic Northern Italian cooking served in a lush, glass-walled garden setting.
8.9
Birds of a Feather is a modern Sichuan restaurant where dan dan noodles, mouth-numbing stir-fries, and shared plates make it one of Williamsburg’s most reliable Chinese dinners. High review volume across platforms and steady crowds point to consistently strong cooking and a room that fits both dates and small group hangs.
Must-Try Dishes:
Dan dan noodles, Mapo tofu, Chongqing chicken
What Makes it Special: High-volume Sichuan spot where nearly everything works for sharing.
8.9
Ume runs a prix-fixe sushi set in a cottage-like space where floor seating, hand-washing rituals, and an enclosed garden make dinner feel like a small trip to Kyoto. The set menu focuses on pristine nigiri, a savory soup, and rotating salts and condiments drawn from the chef’s travels, so the experience is as much about play as it is about technique.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sushi Set prix fixe platter, Toro and uni nigiri when available, Mushroom-chicken style soup starter
What Makes it Special: Interactive, floor-seated sushi set with travel-inspired salts in a cottage-like space.
#6
Le Crocodile
8.9
Le Crocodile is a French brasserie in the Wythe Hotel where roast chicken, steak frites, and precise bistro cooking are paired with soaring ceilings and candlelit banquettes. Locals treat it as a special-occasion classic for anniversaries and big nights out when they want serious food and polished service in a grand room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Half roast chicken with jus and fries, Steak frites with peppercorn sauce, Escargots with garlic-herb butter
What Makes it Special: A grand French brasserie where NYT-praised cooking meets hotel-lobby romance.
#7
Antidote
8.8
Antidote is a modern Chinese restaurant and rooftop bar where Sichuan and Shanghainese dishes share the table with strong cocktails and skyline views. Locals use it for lively dinners built around big format spicy plates, late-night snacks, and a room that feels more like a bar than a traditional dining room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mapo tofu, Numbing cubes ribeye, Slice fish in chili oil
What Makes it Special: Elevated Sichuan and Shanghainese cooking served with cocktails and rooftop city views.
8.8
All-day New American restaurant known for elaborate brunch plates, malted pancakes, and strong cocktails in a multi-level corner space off Wythe Avenue. Locals treat it as both a destination brunch spot and a go-to for out-of-town visitors who want a Williamsburg moment with genuinely solid food.
Must-Try Dishes:
Malted pancakes with hazelnut praline, Egg and cheese sandwich on brioche, Biscuits and gravy
What Makes it Special: Big-deal brunch cooking and cocktails in a polished, multi-level Williamsburg setting.
#9
MyMoon
8.8
MyMoon is a dramatic Spanish restaurant and event space in a converted factory, known for Catalan-leaning tapas, paella, and a lush courtyard that fits special-occasion dinners as comfortably as weddings. High-volume reviews across platforms highlight polished service, strong execution on classics, and an atmosphere that feels built for date nights and celebrations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seafood paella, Croquetas de jamón, Patatas bravas
What Makes it Special: Spanish and Catalan cooking served in a striking indoor-outdoor factory conversion.
8.7
Masti serves a focused menu of regional Indian dishes with polished plating, a tandoor-driven grill, and a room that works equally well for dates and small celebrations. Locals use it as the go-to Williamsburg option when they want sit-down Indian with cocktails instead of another takeout night.
Must-Try Dishes:
Goat biryani, Saag paneer, Karaikudi pepper chicken
What Makes it Special: Stylish South Williamsburg spot marrying regional Indian flavors with a tandoor-focused menu.
8.7
Dokebi Bar & Grill has been serving Korean BBQ, soju cocktails, and late-night plates on Grand Street since 2005, making it a longtime Williamsburg standby. Locals use it for grill-your-own dinners, wings, and Korean tacos in a loud, energetic room that feels as much bar as restaurant.
Must-Try Dishes:
Kalbi BBQ short ribs, Soy garlic Korean fried chicken wings, Bibimbap with multigrain rice
What Makes it Special: Long-running Korean BBQ bar blending grills, tacos, and cocktails.
#12
Shota Omakase
8.7
Shota Omakase is a Michelin-starred counter where a tight progression of small plates, nigiri, and a hand roll leans on auction-level seafood and dual rice blends. The room is compact and focused, making the experience feel like a serious but welcoming Edomae-style sushi session on the South Side waterfront.
Must-Try Dishes:
18-course omakase nigiri progression, Shark skin flounder with aged ponzu, Hand roll and dessert finale
What Makes it Special: Michelin-starred omakase with dual-vinegar rice and big-ticket seafood.
#13
Fini Pizza
8.7
Vibes:
Trendy Table Hotspots
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Fini Pizza updates the classic New York slice with cheffy touches like lemon-zested white pies and tomato slices dusted in garlicky breadcrumbs. It’s priced above a corner slice shop, but people pack the narrow space for inventive flavors that still feel casual enough for a quick grab-and-go meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
White slice with lemon zest, Tomato slice with garlicky breadcrumbs, Long hot shallot slice
What Makes it Special: A designer slice shop where white pies get a fresh hit of lemon and toppings skew more inventive than traditional.
8.7
Mission Sandwich Social is a counter-service spot on Bedford where oversized, California-influenced sandwiches come on Dutch crunch bread with cheffy fillings and playful names. It’s become a destination for indulgent, photo-ready sandwiches that feel closer to composed plates than deli standards.
Must-Try Dishes:
Nicky Chicky Parm, Raging Bull, Steve Byrne Bulgogi & Kimchi
What Makes it Special: An over-the-top sandwich shop where chef-driven fillings hit Dutch crunch bread.
#15
I Cavallini
8.7
The Michelin-starred Four Horsemen team's Italian sibling brings Piedmont-inspired cuisine to Williamsburg with ingredient-driven seasonal plates. Dishes list components rather than names, and the 100+ Italian wine list from under-the-radar producers rivals any in the city.
Must-Try Dishes:
Farfallone with Calabrian Chili Butter, Trofie with Pesto, Sheep's Milk Agnolotti
What Makes it Special: Sister to Michelin-starred Four Horsemen with seasonal Italian and natural wines
8.7
The Domino Park outpost of Roberta’s runs wood-fired pies like the Bee Sting and Famous Original alongside pastas and a full bar in a polished, river-adjacent room. It’s where locals fold destination-level pizza into a broader night out on the Williamsburg waterfront.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bee Sting pizza, Famous Original pizza, Margherita pizza
What Makes it Special: Domino Park outpost of Roberta’s where wood-fired pies meet river views and a broader menu.
8.7
Mido Omakase Room is an intimate, reservation-only counter where a 15-course omakase leans into aged fish, precise nigiri, and thoughtful sake pairings. The space is compact and softly lit, making it one of the most focused, special-occasion sushi experiences in South Williamsburg without the ultra-luxury price tag.
Must-Try Dishes:
15-course omakase nigiri tasting, botan ebi with miso and citrus, miso black cod
What Makes it Special: Serious omakase technique in an intimate, design-forward South Williamsburg counter.
#18
Tonchin
8.7
The Brooklyn outpost of Tokyo’s Tonchin focuses on silky tonkotsu, firm wavy noodles, and a stronger drinks program than most ramen shops. It functions as a dimmer, date-leaning ramen bar where people linger over bowls, small plates, and natural-leaning wines.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tonkotsu ramen, Spicy tan-tan ramen, Fried chicken wings
What Makes it Special: Tokyo-rooted ramen with serious broth, small plates, and a real bar.
#19
Jajaja Mexicana
8.7
Jajaja Mexicana’s Williamsburg outpost is a plant-based Mexican restaurant where vegan tacos, colorful plates, and mezcal cocktails stay relatively accessible for the neighborhood. Tacos like the Buffalo Flower and Chipotle Sweet Potato clock in around the mid-teens for a full plate, making it one of the better value options in the area for groups that want to linger over drinks and shareable food.
Must-Try Dishes:
Buffalo Flower Tacos, Chipotle Sweet Potato Tacos, Our Birria Tacos
What Makes it Special: Plant-based Mexican spot where inventive vegan tacos and mezcal cocktails feel fun rather than fussy.
#20
Laser Wolf
8.6
Laser Wolf is chef Michael Solomonov’s Israeli rooftop shipudiya atop The Hoxton, built around unlimited salatim, charcoal-grilled skewers, and Manhattan skyline views.﹖cite﹖3﹖turn3search1﹖﹖cite﹖19﹖turn1search19﹖ The fixed-price format and lively room make it more of a celebratory group dinner than a hushed tasting menu, but the food, views, and energy all land in special-occasion territory.﹖cite﹖10﹖turn2search10﹖
Must-Try Dishes:
Salatim and hummus spread with house pita, Lamb kofta or mixed grill skewers, Brown sugar soft-serve sundae with crunchy toppings
What Makes it Special: A rooftop Israeli grill with unlimited salatim and skyline views.﹖cite﹖19﹖turn1search19﹖
#21
Shalom Japan
8.6
Shalom Japan blends Jewish and Japanese traditions into dishes like lox bowls, okonomiyaki with pastrami, and refined small plates in a warm, brick-lined dining room. It’s a South Williamsburg fixture for creative cooking that still feels grounded and personal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lox bowl with sushi rice, Okonomiyaki with pastrami, Miso ramen matzo ball soup
What Makes it Special: Jewish-Japanese plates and sake in a cozy, chef-driven neighborhood spot.
8.6
The Butcher's Daughter is a design-forward, 100% vegetarian café and restaurant known for its daytime brunch, juices, and seasonal plant-forward plates. Floor-to-ceiling light, greenery, and an always-busy room make it a go-to for Williamsburg brunch, casual dates, and drinks that feel more polished than typical neighborhood cafés.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spiced pear waffles, Wake & Bake breakfast sandwich, Seasonal grain and veggie bowl
What Makes it Special: High-energy, plant-forward brunch café where vegetables and juices lead.
#23
Birdee
8.6
Waterfront bakery and all-day café in The Refinery at Domino where Brazilian-influenced pastries, churro croissants, and substantial sandwiches run alongside specialty coffee. It’s become the go-to Domino Park stop when people want destination-level laminated pastry without the city’s longest lines.
Must-Try Dishes:
Churro croissant, Burnt honey cake, Garlic-knot pretzel
What Makes it Special: Park-adjacent bakery where churro croissants, modern cakes, and design-forward space feel tailor-made for pastry pilgrimages.
#24
Misi
8.6
Misi focuses almost exclusively on vegetable antipasti and a tight lineup of handmade pastas in a minimalist room facing the East River. It’s one of the borough’s most sought-after Italian reservations, with a bar that runs on precise cooking rather than a sprawling menu.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sheep’s milk ricotta occhi with bottarga, Rigatoni with spicy sausage ragù, Charred seasonal vegetables with garlic and chili
What Makes it Special: A pasta-first East River spot where every dish feels laser-focused and dialed-in.
#25
Salt + Charcoal
8.6
Japanese steakhouse and robata grill in Williamsburg where dry-aged porterhouse, wagyu cuts, and charcoal-grilled meats are the main event. Locals treat it as the neighborhood’s steak destination when they want serious beef with Japanese technique, cocktails, and a moody room rather than a traditional American chophouse.
Must-Try Dishes:
30-Day Jyukusei Porterhouse Steak, Japanese Wagyu Truffle Roll, Wagyu Yukke Tartare
What Makes it Special: Japanese robata grilling and long dry-aging turn steakhouse standards into charcoal-driven showpieces.
8.6
IWAK Sushi + Kitchen is a modern Japanese spot where a long list of creative rolls and sashimi plates is backed by consistently strong fish quality and a cozy, date-friendly room. With hundreds of recent reviews praising freshness and ambiance, it’s a reliable choice for couples who want a fuller dinner beyond just omakase.
Must-Try Dishes:
Big Mac signature roll, negitoro scallion roll, chef’s choice sashimi platter
What Makes it Special: High-volume neighborhood sushi with standout rolls and a warm room.
#27
Xixa
8.6
Xixa is a chef-driven, wine-focused Mexican spot where happy hour overlaps with inventive small plates, serious cocktails, and a flexible tasting menu at the bar. Early evenings tilt more toward couples and friends splitting duck carnitas and elote over agave spirits before the room gets louder and more energetic later at night.
Must-Try Dishes:
1/2 Duck Carnitas, Foie Gras al Pastor, Buffalo-Style Elote
What Makes it Special: Tasting-menu caliber Mexican cooking and deep wine list wrapped in a moody, candlelit bar setting.
#28
Maison Premiere
8.6
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Birthday & Celebration Central
Trendy Table Hotspots
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Maison Premiere is a James Beard Award–winning oyster and cocktail bar styled after New York, Paris, and New Orleans hotel lobbies, with a back garden and greenhouse-like table that works for intimate private dinners. Guests come for deep oyster lists, absinthe service, and late-night hours that make it a go-to for celebratory seafood-focused evenings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chef’s Oyster Selection (La Maison Plateau), Shrimp Cocktail, La Petite Maison Seafood Tower
What Makes it Special: Award-winning oyster and cocktail bar where semi-private garden tables turn celebrations into theatrical seafood spreads.
#29
Noods n' Chill
8.5
Noods n' Chill is a tiny counter-service Thai noodle shop praised by local guides for some of the most flavorful Thai food in Williamsburg. The focus is on deeply seasoned noodle bowls and curries, making it ideal for quick but memorable weeknight meals rather than long, lingering dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Khao soi, Boat noodles, Pork buns
What Makes it Special: Micro-sized noodle counter turning out intensely flavored Thai bowls.
#30
Barano
8.5
Barano is a wood-fired, modern Italian restaurant off the Williamsburg Bridge where the Lasagne Napoletana—layered with dry-aged meatballs, sausage, herb ricotta, and mozzarella—sits alongside a tight lineup of pastas and pizzas. The room feels like a contemporary trattoria, and the lasagna has become a cold-weather staple highlighted across their menus and social feeds.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lasagne Napoletana with dry-aged meatballs and sausage, Tagliatelle with dry-aged beef bolognese, Wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizzas
What Makes it Special: Modern Italian cooking centered around a deeply layered, housemade Neapolitan lasagna and a wood-fired kitchen.
8.5
A natural‑wine focused small‑plates spot with rotating New American tapas and surprisingly serious food in a cozy setting. Locals love it for its relaxed vibe and ever‑changing menu that rewards repeat visits.
Must-Try Dishes:
Charcuterie board, Mussels with aioli, Cured fish with yuzu kosho
What Makes it Special: Natural‑wine bar with rotating inventive small plates and underground credibility.
Reverie is a vegan dessert and cocktail bar where composed plates, artisan sweets, and a full bar turn donuts and pastries into part of a broader night-out experience. Café breakfasts and brunch sessions feature vegan donuts and baked goods, while evenings lean into elaborate plated desserts and cocktails in a low-lit room.
Must-Try Dishes:
The Rainbow red velvet tartlet, Candy Bar Mousse Cake, Seasonal vegan donuts from the café program
What Makes it Special: A modern vegan dessert-and-cocktail room where plated sweets, brunch pastries, and donuts are treated with the same care as the drinks.
8.5
Hole In The Wall brings Australian-style brunch to a big Bedford and Grand corner with strong coffee, cocktails, and substantial breakfast plates. It’s where locals meet visitors over mushroom toast, breakfast burritos, and benedicts in a room that can handle everything from laptops to birthday brunches.
Must-Try Dishes:
HITW breakfast burrito, Mushroom toast with poached egg, Pork benedict
What Makes it Special: A busy Aussie café where big-format brunch plates, coffee, and cocktails run all day.
8.4
Macchina runs in the back of The Bedford as a wood-fired pizza room, turning out burrata-topped pies and wine-friendly combinations until around midnight. It’s a sit-down option for people who want real service and cocktails but still plan their night around pizza.
Must-Try Dishes:
Burrata Pizza, Marinated Cherry Tomato Pizza, Garlic knots
What Makes it Special: A late-running, wood-fired pizza program hidden inside a neighborhood bar-restaurant.
#35
Enso
8.4
Enso is a design-forward omakase on Berry Street inspired by Kyoto-style minimalism, with a chef’s counter, lounge, and garden that all run fixed-course tastings. Early reviews highlight precise nigiri, cocktails, and a room that feels like a quieter, more intimate alternative to Manhattan omakase temples.
Must-Try Dishes:
16-course omakase tasting, Katsuo tataki, Hojicha pudding
What Makes it Special: Kyoto-inspired omakase where the room, cocktails, and sushi all feel choreographed together.
#36
Isla & Co
8.4
Isla & Co is an Australian all-day café and restaurant just off the waterfront, known for brunch plates, espresso, and a dinner menu that runs from burgers to kangaroo skewers. Its sidewalk seating welcomes dogs, so locals use it as a laid-back spot to linger over coffee or cocktails with their pups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Breakfast Burrito, Avocado Toast, Kangaroo Skewers
What Makes it Special: Australian-style café where brunch, dinner, and dog-friendly patio all align.
#37
Lighthouse BK
8.4
Lighthouse BK is a farm-to-table Mediterranean restaurant and bar that leans into seasonal vegetables, sustainable seafood, and a serious natural wine list. The space feels casual but grown-up, with a lively bar, communal energy, and plates built for sharing rather than rigid coursing. It’s the kind of place locals use interchangeably for dates, small celebrations, and a glass of wine plus a couple of bright, produce-forward dishes.
Must-Try Dishes:
Whole grilled fish with lemon and herbs, Roasted seasonal vegetables with labneh, Lamb ribs with spiced yogurt
What Makes it Special: Sustainably minded Mediterranean cooking with strong cocktails and natural wines.
#38
Meadowsweet
8.4
A refined modern-American bistro blending seasonal ingredients with thoughtful plating and cozy Brooklyn charm — a reliable pick for full meals that don’t try too hard. Ideal for brunch or relaxed dinners with friends.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wild nettle & ricotta ravioli, Crispy‑chicken sandwich, Seasonal vegetable sides
What Makes it Special: Seasonal farm‑to‑table mains in laid‑back Brooklyn setting.
#39
Santa Fe BK
8.4
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Group Dining Gatherings
Trendy Table Hotspots
Santa Fe BK channels New Mexican flavors into Brooklyn, from green chile breakfast burritos to smothered burros and enchiladas. It works as an all-day spot where you can grab a loaded burrito at lunch or settle in at night for margaritas and chile-forward plates that still land under typical Williamsburg dinner prices.
Must-Try Dishes:
Green chile breakfast burrito, Smothered burro with red or green chile, Chicken enchiladas
What Makes it Special: New Mexican green chile and smothered burritos rare in NYC.
8.4
Small but constantly busy, this Wythe Avenue scoop shop serves dense French-style ice cream, vegan flavors, and rotating collab specials that feel bigger than the footprint. Locals treat it as the default 11249 stop for both classic scoops and headline-grabbing limited editions.
Must-Try Dishes:
Honeycomb Ice Cream, Earl Grey Tea Ice Cream, Peanut Butter Brownie Honeycomb
What Makes it Special: French-style ice cream shop pairing core classics with playful seasonal collabs.
8.4
The Williamsburg outpost of Egg Shop turns egg sandwiches into an all-day format, layering runny yolks, sauces, and good bread in a bright, design-conscious room. It’s a go-to when people want brunch-style sandwiches, coffee, and cocktails without leaving the Bedford corridor.
Must-Try Dishes:
Eggs Benedict, Pepper Boy Bacon-Egg Sandwich, Farmhouse Scramble Bowl
What Makes it Special: A brunch-focused cafe where egg sandwiches and bowls anchor an all-day menu.
8.4
Sushi On Me’s Williamsburg outpost is a rowdy, sake-fueled omakase where loud music, neon, and chef banter turn dinner into a one-hour party. The fish quality is solid, but couples come as much for the bottomless pours and hand-fed bites as they do for the nigiri.
Must-Try Dishes:
15-course omakase with bottomless sake, toro nigiri with caviar, anago hand roll to finish
What Makes it Special: High-energy omakase with bottomless sake and playful chef interaction.
#43
Psaraki
8.3
Waterfront Greek restaurant at 420 Kent where whole grilled fish, seafood towers, and family-style mezze bring a modern taverna feel to the South Williamsburg shoreline. Floor-to-ceiling windows and a spacious terrace frame bridge and skyline views that match the menu’s Mediterranean lean.
Must-Try Dishes:
Whole grilled branzino with ladolemono, Lobster pasta, Kritharoto seafood orzo
What Makes it Special: Greek seaside-taverna cooking translated to a Brooklyn waterfront dining room with serious views.
8.3
Nozomi runs a 12-course chef’s tasting in a small, modern counter tucked just off Grand Street, blending Japanese technique with richer, French-leaning touches like dry-aged meats. It feels more intimate and playful than many omakase rooms, with music, cocktails, and a menu that balances raw courses with cooked plates.
Must-Try Dishes:
12-course omakase chef’s tasting, Dry-aged lamb or meat course when offered, House sashimi and nigiri selection
What Makes it Special: Compact chef’s counter where a 12-course tasting mixes sushi with bistro-style plates.
#45
Stretch Pizza
8.3
Stretch’s Domino Park shop from chef Wylie Dufresne serves creative slices—like the Everything Bagel and Buffalo Chicken Square—alongside classic cheese and pepperoni. It’s a modern slice bar that works as a later-night stop after the park or nearby bars, especially on weekends.
Must-Try Dishes:
Everything Bagel pizza, Pepperoni Square, Buffalo Chicken Square
What Makes it Special: Chef-driven slice combinations served near the park in a casual, modern room.
8.3
Blend Williamsburg is a Latin fusion restaurant on the Kent Avenue waterfront known for an all-day happy hour that pairs discounted cocktails with shareable plates and big-portion entrees. It’s where groups book booths for margaritas, tacos, and skirt steak while watching the light change over the East River.
Must-Try Dishes:
Blend Saltado, Crispy Arepas, Pollo a la Plancha
What Makes it Special: Waterfront Latin fusion spot where extended happy hour and big plates make it a default group meetup.
#47
Mesiba
8.3
Mesiba, inside the Moxy Williamsburg, serves modern Levantine dishes and cocktails in a dim, high-energy dining room that leans more toward party than quiet date. The menu riffs on Middle Eastern flavors with shareable plates and breads that pair naturally with the bar’s drinks. It’s as much about the scene and soundtrack as the food, making it a go-to for pre-going-out dinners and celebratory nights.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wood-fired pita with spreads, Charred eggplant with tahini and herbs, Slow-braised lamb with spices
What Makes it Special: High-energy Levantine restaurant in the Moxy with cocktails and share plates.
#48
East Hae
8.3
Korean gastropub and rooftop above N 6th Street where grilled seafood, kalbi, and bar snacks meet strong cocktails and Williamsburg skyline views. Diners come for sharing plates, happy hour, and a lively, late-night crowd in a two-level space that feels more like a bar-with-serious-food than a traditional restaurant.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chargrilled oysters with garlic miso butter, Korean fried chicken wings with gochujang glaze, Bulgogi ssaam platter
What Makes it Special: Korean gastropub and rooftop with wood-fired plates and strong cocktails.
8.3
Tokyo-rooted Afuri brings its yuzu-forward ramen and a full cocktail bar to a bright, warehouse-like space by the North Williamsburg waterfront. Locals use it for casual nights when they want lighter, citrusy broths, plenty of dumplings, and an easy table near the waterfront hotels and venues.
Must-Try Dishes:
Yuzu shio ramen, Tonkotsu shio ramen, Buta gyoza
What Makes it Special: Yuzu-accented ramen and dumplings in a roomy, cocktail-driven setting.
#50
Llama Inn
8.3
A polished Peruvian‑inspired spot serving bold Latin flavors in a stylish setting — a standout when you want more than pizza or tapas. Great for a night out with friends or something a bit different in Williamsburg.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ceviche sampler, Charred octopus, Seasonal Peruvian‑style dessert
What Makes it Special: Contemporary Peruvian‑Latin cuisine rarely seen in the area.
8.2
Two Hands brings an Australian, health-forward café model to the Kent Avenue waterfront, serving all-day brunch built on locally sourced, produce-heavy plates. It’s where Domino Park regulars and remote workers converge for coffee, smoothie bowls, and bowls that read as farm-to-table casual rather than indulgent brunch.
Must-Try Dishes:
Salmon Quinoa Bowl, Smashed Avo Toast, Lemon Poppyseed Waffle
What Makes it Special: Australian café serving health-leaning, locally sourced brunch right off Domino.
#52
K'Far
8.2
Israeli bakery-cafe in The Hoxton’s lobby where kubaneh, Jerusalem bagels, and elaborate brunch plates lean Mediterranean but feel distinctly Tel Aviv. The glassy atrium and pastry counter make it as suited to a solo coffee as to a lingering weekend breakfast.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pistachio sticky bun, Jerusalem bagel with smoked salmon, Pita French toast
What Makes it Special: Israeli bakery-cafe where pastries and brunch plates feel more like a destination than a standard hotel restaurant.
#53
KRU
8.2
KRU is a modern Thai dining room from chefs Ohm Suansilphong and Kiki Supap that revives historic royal and aristocratic recipes with contemporary plating. Dishes like braised beef shank and tripe in rich broth, refined relishes, and complex curries lean more contemplative than street-food casual, while the room stays polished but approachable. It has quickly become a reference point for serious Thai cooking in North Brooklyn and brought Michelin recognition along with James Beard attention.
Must-Try Dishes:
Braised beef shank and tripe noodle soup with pork cracklings, Nam prik almond relish with vegetables and herbs, Crab curry or seasonal curry special
What Makes it Special: A Michelin-listed Thai restaurant where chefs Ohm Suansilphong and Kiki Supap revive historic recipes with modern technique.
#54
Tacocina
8.2
Seasonal waterfront taco stand in Domino Park where tacos, nachos, and frozen margaritas are served under umbrellas facing the East River. It functions as both a daytime snack stop and an early-evening hang when the priority is views and drinks as much as the food.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pork pibil taco, Pollo adobo taco, Chips with guacamole
What Makes it Special: A Domino Park taco stand where waterfront seating, frozen margaritas, and made-to-order tacos share equal billing.
#55
MEILI
8.2
Meili is a skyline-facing Chinese restaurant and rooftop bar where elevated Sichuan dishes meet a cocktail-first atmosphere. The menu leans toward shareable plates like dan dan noodles, truffle beef tenderloin, and chili crab tofu, making it a choice for groups who want a night out as much as a meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Dan dan noodles, Truffle beef tenderloin, Tea-smoked duck fried rice
What Makes it Special: Rooftop Chinese spot pairing Sichuan-leaning plates with polished cocktails and views.
#56
Gus and Marty's
8.2
Gus and Marty's is a smoky, high-energy Greek spot off McCarren Park known for hand-stretched pita, dialed-in dips, and a natural-leaning Greek wine list. It feels built for pre-going-out dinners and loud group nights, with share plates and grilled fish that keep the table busy long after the first round of mezze.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hand-Stretched Pita with Taramasalata and Whipped Feta, Moussaka a la Eggplant Parm, Slow-Cooked Lamb Shoulder
What Makes it Special: A pita-obsessed Greek taverna with big flavors and a serious Greek wine program.
#57
Púsù
8.1
Púsù is a design-forward Chinese restaurant on Bedford where a mostly plant-focused menu has evolved into modern Chinese plates with cocktails in a softly lit room. Diners treat it as a dressier Williamsburg option for pumpkin mapo tofu, wide Canton-style noodles, and plated dishes that lean more toward dinner-party energy than takeout.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pumpkin mapo tofu, Canton fried noodles, Truffled winter melon soup
What Makes it Special: Modern Chinese cooking with a strong vegetarian thread served in a striking, lounge-like room.
8.1
Two-story Asian fusion izakaya where Korean flavors show up in dishes like Korean fried cauliflower alongside dumplings and brunch plates. Locals use it for brunch, cocktails, and casual dates in a space with a rooftop-style patio and photogenic plating.
Must-Try Dishes:
Korean Fried Cauliflower, Black Sesame French Toast, Chicken Dumplings
What Makes it Special: Asian fusion izakaya with standout Korean-influenced brunch and bar snacks.
#59
Night of Joy
8.1
Night of Joy is an antique-filled cocktail bar with a seasonal roof patio and frozen margaritas that become one of Williamsburg’s best-value happy hour plays. With herb-infused spirits, $7-ish frozen drinks early in the evening, and a crowd that ramps up quickly, it’s a go-to pre-dinner or pre-Barcade stop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Frozen Lime Margarita, Dill & Beet Vodka Cocktail, Basil & Lime Vodka Gimlet
What Makes it Special: Frozen margaritas and infused cocktails on a vintage-feeling rooftop patio.
#60
The Cactus Shop
8.1
Hidden behind a storefront on Kent, The Cactus Shop runs like a Mexican-leaning speakeasy with cocktails first and tacos, flautas, and snacks to back them up. It’s where Williamsburg leans for date-y drinks, brunch plates, and late-night rounds in a lush, plant-filled room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tinga quesadilla, Esquites chilangos, Flautas de birria
What Makes it Special: Speakeasy-style Mexican bar where cocktails share equal billing with tacos and snacks.
8.1
The Williamsburg outpost of Sugarfish brings the Nozawa Group’s set-menu sushi to Wythe Avenue, with warm rice, carefully cut fish, and a strict progression of nigiri and hand rolls. It’s a straightforward, no-tipping operation built for consistent quality rather than ceremony, especially if you order one of the Trust Me boxes.
Must-Try Dishes:
Nozawa Trust Me set, Don’t Think. Just Eat. set, Toro hand roll
What Makes it Special: Set-menu sushi with warm rice and Nozawa-style Trust Me boxes.
#62
Bar Baserri
8.1
Spanish wine and vermouth bar on Kent Avenue where a Casa Mono alum runs a tight tapas menu and deep Spanish bottle list. It’s used as a low-lit Williamsburg date spot and a place to graze on jamón, conservas, and Basque-leaning small plates over a long evening.
Must-Try Dishes:
Arroz caldoso with prawns, Pulpo a la gallega, Patatas bravas
What Makes it Special: Spanish wine and vermouth-driven tapas bar that feels like a Basque night out on Kent Avenue.
#63
Gran Torino
8.1
Gran Torino is a sprawling Italian-leaning café, bar, and restaurant with a big patio and multiple indoor zones that feel built for groups and daytime hangs. A dedicated dog menu and plenty of outdoor seating make it a staple for Williamsburg dog owners looking to linger over spritzes and casual food.
Must-Try Dishes:
Gran Torino Bowl with Smoked Salmon, Breakfast Burrito, Crab Cake Burger
What Makes it Special: Multi-zone café-bar with a dog menu and a huge patio.
#64
Good Days
8.1
Good Days is a modern American bistro tucked under the Williamsburg Bridge, pairing a low-lit interior with a back patio framed by the bridge structure. The menu leans seafood, steak frites, and small plates that feel considered without turning into a scene-y, reservation-only ordeal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steak frites with au poivre sauce, Hamachi crudo with brown butter–yuzu vinaigrette, Jumbo shrimp cocktail with burnt onion dijonnaise
What Makes it Special: A new-school bistro where serious cooking meets a under-the-bridge patio built for lingering.
#65
Nora Thai
8
Nora Thai is a design-forward Northside restaurant focusing on Southern-leaning Thai dishes, cocktails, and a wide mix of vegan and classic options. It’s a sit-down choice when you want more atmosphere than a takeout counter but still want approachable, recognizable Thai flavors.
Must-Try Dishes:
Zucchini pad thai, Mango soft-shell crab, Green curried salmon
What Makes it Special: Southern-style Thai cooking in a stylish room with cocktails.
#66
Midnights
8
Midnights is a Williamsburg cocktail bar with a serious kitchen, where happy hour means discounted drinks and shareable bar snacks on a lively North 6th Street patio. Locals use it as an early-evening meet-up spot that easily stretches into a full night of cocktails, sliders, and small plates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Berry Man cocktail, Gyoza dumplings, Pork belly bao
What Makes it Special: Cocktail-focused happy hour where serious drinks meet a real food menu.
Worthy Picks
7.9
Vibes:
Late Night Legends
Birthday & Celebration Central
Girls Night Out Approved
Trendy Table Hotspots
Elite Williamsburg is a Latin-leaning restaurant-lounge where DJs, frozen cocktails, and a late-kitchen keep the room going until 2am on most nights. People use it for birthdays and nightlife-heavy dinners where tacos, empanadas, and shared plates are part of a larger party playbook.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Tacos, Shrimp Tacos, Chicken Empanadas
What Makes it Special: A Latin-inspired supper club where DJs, cocktails, and a late-running kitchen blur dinner into nightlife.
7.9
Temakase Williamsburg is a waterfront hand-roll bar at 260 Kent Avenue specializing in made-to-order temaki, crispy rice, and build-your-own sushi boxes. The counter-format service and short, focused menu make it a strong option when you want hand rolls, not a drawn-out omakase.
Must-Try Dishes:
Toro scallion roll, Spicy tuna crispy rice, Standard DIY hand roll kit
What Makes it Special: Hand-roll–only bar where temaki, crispy rice, and sushi boxes are built to order at a waterfront counter.
7.9
Long-running French bistro established in 2007, known for a leafy atrium dining room and a seasonal rooftop terrace. It’s a flexible pick for brunch, casual dates, and group meals built around steak frites, eggs, and classic bistro plates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steak frites, Eggs forestiere, Lamb burger
What Makes it Special: Rooftop-friendly French bistro with a lush indoor garden and all-day menus.
#70
We Got Company
7.9
We Got Company is a small, design-minded cocktail bar where daily happy hour, thoughtful drinks, and a short snack menu skew more mellow than party. It’s a strong choice when you want serious cocktails without blasting music, especially before moving on to busier Williamsburg spots.
Must-Try Dishes:
BBQ Mixed Nuts, Antipasto Plate, Tequila Chocolate Balls
What Makes it Special: Cocktail-focused happy hour with low-key music and snacky plates.
#71
Disco Tacos
7.9
Vibes:
Trendy Table Hotspots
Girls Night Out Approved
Quick Bites Champions
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Disco Tacos sits just off North 6th with a small, disco-influenced dining room, mezcal-heavy bar program, and tacos that are priced reasonably for the area. It’s less bare-bones than a classic taqueria but still keeps taco plates and nachos within a casual budget, especially if you treat it as a pre-show stop rather than a long, cocktail-heavy dinner.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fish Tacos, Disco Nachos with Steak, Churro Doughnuts
What Makes it Special: Retro-leaning taco bar near the waterfront where tacos, mezcal, and a playful soundtrack come as a package.
7.8
Namdo is a newer Williamsburg Korean restaurant inspired by the dishes of Korea’s southern Jeollanam-do region, serving stews, platters, and fried chicken in a modern space. It leans more toward sit-down meals and drinks than quick takeout, with shareable plates designed for small groups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Soondubu with rice, Potato pancake (gamjajeon), Pa-dak scallion fried chicken
What Makes it Special: Jeollanam-do-inspired menu with stews, chicken, and strong drinks.
Wonder’s Williamsburg hub for José Andrés’ Spanish tapas, built around patatas bravas, jamón, and paellas designed for delivery and fast-fine service. It’s where locals pull in polished Spanish flavors without a sit-down reservation, often mixed with dishes from other Wonder concepts.
Must-Try Dishes:
Patatas bravas, Paella de mariscos (for two), Carrilleras de cerdo
What Makes it Special: Celebrity-chef Spanish tapas and paella calibrated for Wonder’s fast-fine, multi-concept format.
7.8
Williamsburg Pizza’s Union Avenue shop is a narrow, counter-focused slice joint known for its grandma pies, creative toppings, and solid vegan options. It’s best for families with older kids who are happy to eat standing up or grabbing slices to go between neighborhood errands.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grandma pie with cup-and-char pepperoni, Vodka sauce slice, Vegan veggie slice
What Makes it Special: Neighborhood slice shop with standout grandma pies and options for vegans.
#75
Tacombi
7.7
Tacombi’s Williamsburg outpost brings the brand’s Yucatán-born taco stand aesthetic to a larger neighborhood space, with Baja fish, al pastor, and snacks backed by cocktails and aguas frescas. It’s not the cheapest on this list, but works when you want sit-down tacos with a bit more scene while still staying below full-on restaurant pricing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Baja fish tacos, Al pastor tacos, Elote or esquites
What Makes it Special: Beachy taco-stand energy with polished service and a full bar.
7.6
Williamsburg branch of the downtown cafe blending American comfort with Mediterranean and Israeli touches in a bright, tightly packed room. It’s used primarily for brunch and casual dinners built around shakshuka, grilled chicken, and salads rather than long, drawn-out meals.
Must-Try Dishes:
Green shakshuka, Peri-peri chicken, Rosewater waffles
What Makes it Special: Lively Mediterranean-inflected cafe where brunch classics get Israeli flourishes and the room stays bright and social.