Brooklyn, New York is fast becoming a food mecca with traditional favourites meeting new concepts and trends.
Neighbourhoods which were once reserved for locals are now attracting visitors to experience their exciting food and beverage offering.
From the quirky breakfast bars to the ever-growing craft brewery scene, there is something for every palate at any time of day.
Food events are also abundant and are often blended with art, culture and music for the complete travel experience.
Here are some of the best places to enjoy food and drinks in Brooklyn:
Smorgasburg
With two locations in Brooklyn, Smorgasburg is a great place to get a taste of the local food scene.
Open from April to October (on Saturdays in Williamsburg and on Sundays in Prospect Park), stallholders set up a foodie marketplace and sell dishes to the masses.
Try a cup of sweet lemonade and devour a plate of buffalo wings. Or go for a brisket sandwich, fresh clams, Japanese corn, Italian woodfire pizza or pulled pork tacos.
Dishes range in price from $2 and cash is favourable at most stalls.
The Prospect Park event has a picnic atmosphere so bring something to sit on, as seating is limited, and graze your way through the day.
Williamsburg: East River State Park, 90 Kent Ave (at N. 7 St), Brooklyn, NY.
Prospect Park: Breeze Hill, East Drive at Lincoln Rd, Brooklyn, NY.
Pitanga
Located in the upcoming area of Bushwick, and tucked behind a simple shopfront on Starr St, is Pitanga.
Laidback Latin music plays in the background, giving this space a truly Zen vibe.
Pitanga is vegetarian, organic, NON-GMO and certified local. The menu heroes include acai bowls, accompanied by fresh juices and coffees, as well as avocado toast with eggs.
Brunch is available until 5pm daily.
Pitanga: 207 Starr St, Bushwick, Brooklyn, NY.
Randazzo’s Clam Bar
Step back in time to this traditional clam bar in Sheepshead Bay on the south side of Brooklyn.
This restaurant has been serving guests at this waterfront location since 1986, but the family has been in the fish business since 1932.
Obviously, the clams are a winner – give the baked cherrystones a go, but also grab a cup of clam chowder.
If you feel like splashing out, order the lobster roll, available at market price.
This family-friendly restaurant is nothing fancy, but the food is great, and the staff are extremely attentive and know the dishes intimately.
Randazzo’s: 2017 Emmons Ave, Brooklyn, NY.
Sea Wolf
Sea Wolf has a welcoming beach vibe with huge glass doors that open onto street seating – perfect for outdoor dining in good weather.
While the restaurant’s name may suggest it only offers seafood, the menu mixes popular and quirky items from land and sea, including vegetarian options. The cocktails are unique and delicious.
Sit at the bar and chat with the cruisy bar tenders or choose a table for a more private experience.
Sea Wolf: 19 Wyckoff Ave, Brooklyn, NY.
Roberta’s Pizza
We can’t talk about food in New York without mentioning pizza.
Roberta’s is one of the trendiest locations for pizza and is said to have been visited by many famous movie and TV stars.
The pizzas are traditional, thin base and cooked in a large woodfire oven. The open kitchen allows you to see the creators as they slide the pizzas in and out of the oven.
There is a well-stocked bar where you can sample some of the local craft brews.
There are no reservations as it is walk-in only, and a take away shopfront is available next door to the restaurant.
Roberta’s Pizza: 261 Moore St, Brooklyn, NY.
Wafels and Dinges Factory Tour
For a truly unique foodie experience, this tour will take you inside de Royal Dinges Factory, the commissary, production space, and headquarters of this rapidly growing, Belgian-style waffle company.
Take the one-hour, fully guided tour to learn about the food truck business in New York, then move through the factory where waffles and ice-cream are made by hand daily. You’ll even get to make your very own waffle.
Wafels and Dinges with Turnstile Tours: Tours begin at de Royal Dinges Factory, 264 Butler St, Brooklyn, NY.
Night of Joy
If cocktails are a must on your list, then make your way to Night of Joy.
This unassuming corner building has a charming interior with chaise lounges, Persian rugs, overstuffed ottomans and flickering candles.
The menu offers a list of carefully crafted drinks that push the boundaries of tradition while offering palate-pleasing combinations.
Night of Joy: 667 Lorimer St, Brooklyn, NY (at the corner of Meeker Ave).
Westlight
Situated on the 22nd floor of one of Williamsburg’s more modern buildings, at Westlight you can enjoy some of the most outstanding views of the Manhattan skyline.
This popular spot serves gourmet small plates paired with a refined cocktail list and international wine selection. Note that it offers standing room only, unless you book a table in advance.
Westlight is great place to enjoy a sunset drink and an appetizer before venturing into some of the amazing eateries, craft beer halls and hip bars of Williamsburg.
Westlight: 111N. 12th St, Brooklyn, NY (22nd floor).
Disclaimer: The writer travelled at their own expense, with the exception of being a guest of Wafels and Dinges Tour hosted by Turnstile Tours.
