Williamsburg Restaurants

by Keith Wagstaff - Citysearch Editor - 215 Reviews - 112 Lists

Updated: April 14, 2009

Williamsburg, once known for its starving artists, now has well-heeled residents in spades, and you can be sure they want Manhattan-level cuisine. Check out our list of the neighborhood's best award-winning bistros and some of the hippest eateries in the entire city.

Williamsburg's Best

  1. 1 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Zenkichi
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    77 North 6th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11211 (map)

    This is by far the most romantic restaurant in Williamsburg, with its dimly lit private booths, complete with buttons to summon the waitstaff. But this place doesn't thrive on atmosphere alone; the inventive Japanese small plates make it worth the trip even without a date.

  2. 2 La Superior
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    295 Berry St, Brooklyn, NY 11211 (map)

    This tiny ramshackle Mexican diner has plenty of Williamsburg cool (kitschy Spanish posters, indie rock on the stereo) but that doesn't mean the food isn't authentic. In any neighborhood, exquisite tacos, a BYOB policy and low prices are a winning strategy.

  3. 3 4 Star Rating: Recommended Peter Luger Steak House
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    178 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY 11211 (map)

    Before hordes of hipster-chic New American eateries invaded Brooklyn, the borough's most famous dining destination was this legendary steakhouse, opened in 1887. It almost goes without saying that the dry-aged porterhouse steak is the only way to go.

  4. 4 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Dressler
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    149 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY 11211 (map)

    DuMont's more expensive, Michelin-starred sibling draws eaters from across the river with its gorgeous dining room and the always exceptional contemporary American cuisine of chef Polo Dobkin (formerly of Gramercy Tavern).

  5. 5 4 Star Rating: Recommended DuMont
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    432 Union Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211 (map)

    A neighborhood staple, this warm and welcoming restaurant is a perfect date spot for those looking for fine New American fare that isn't exorbitantly expensive. On weekends, the patio in back fills up for the popular brunch service.

  6. 6 4 Star Rating: Recommended Walter Foods
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    253 Grand St, Brooklyn, NY 11211 (map)

    A relative newcomer to the Williamsburg scene, this masculine bistro from Danny Minch, formerly of Balthazar, and Dylan Dodd, who also owns Barrio Chino, is a haven for perfectly executed old-school classics with a twist.

  7. 7 4 Star Rating: Recommended Marlow & Sons
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    81 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY 11211 (map)

    Yes, it was featured in a Ford commercial, but this restaurant's acclaim isn't just hype. Meat is butchered in-house by Tom Mylan and the raw bar is one of the freshest in the city.

  8. 8 4 Star Rating: Recommended Fette Sau
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    354 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211 (map)

    Owners Kim and Joe Carroll, also of beer mecca Spuyten Duyvil across the street, operate this fat-happy barbecue joint with meat served Texas-style, by the pound on butcher paper. Don't forget the sweet and savory beans.

  9. 9 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Aurora
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    70 Grand St, Brooklyn, NY 11211 (map)

    This perfectly charming Italian restaurant has wide appeal, drawing everyone from large families to cozy dates to grown-up hipsters. The draw? Chef and co-owner Riccardo Buitoni's handmade pastas; although the leafy garden is reason enough to pay this restaurant a visit.

  10. 10 3.5 Star Rating: Average Egg
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    135 N 5th St, Brooklyn, NY 11211 (map)

    Williamsburg's most popular brunch spot is no secret. Breakfast items like farm-fresh eggs and homemade buttermilk biscuits keep this tiny, casual restaurant packed in the morning, but don't overlook lunch and dinner items like the juicy fried half-chicken and fried-oyster sandwich.

  11. 11 4 Star Rating: Recommended Moto Inc
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    394 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY 11211 (map)

    This is faux-vintage par excellence. Hidden under the JMZ tracks is this tiny triangular treasure, packed with worn and weathered decor for an ambience reminiscent of a 1920s speakeasy. Musicians often pack a cramped corner of the restaurant to provide a live soundtrack for diners enjoying hearty American cafe fare.

  12. 12 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Shachi's Restaurant
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    197 Havemeyer St, Brooklyn, NY 11211 (map)

    Of the increasing number of arepa joints popping up in the city, this unassuming Latin American restaurant, tucked near the less-than-scenic entrance of the Williamsburg Bridge, just might be the best. Opt for the pabellon arepa, a heavenly mix of shredded beef, plantains, black beans and cheese stuffed into a cornmeal cake.