Come here to satisfy your yearnings for Singaporean kaya toast, Indonesian gado gado, Malaysian nasi lemak, and so much more at this restaurant that’s a true labor of love among a group of Singaporean expats who worked on the international expansion of Roberta’s. (Fittingly, they’re in the former home of Foul Witch.) Don’t leave without tasting the housemade pandan chiffon cake, too.
It’s the much-awaited and equally apostrophe-phobic sequel to Brooklyn Heights’ beloved Ingas Bar, serving burgers, brick chicken, and of course, cocktails in their low-lit, cozy corner space. Try to score a seat at the bar if you can.
Love Thy Neighbor takes their celebration of the Queer community to heart — and to the design of their space, with beautifully curved walls and tables, giving it a soulful, fluid feeling that matches the warm hospitality and excellent food and drink. The menu leans Japanese, with cocktails and small bites that are all yours for the taking.
It’s a sprawling temple to contemporary Greek cuisine, courtesy of a trio of hospitality veterans who have worked at such esteemed spots as Estiatorio Milos, Periyali, Scarpetta, Avra, and Kyma. Better yet, it feels like a true respite from the city, spread out across three floors, with a lush garden terra and a retractable rooftop atrium, too. Don’t leave without having some whole grilled fish or roasted lamb chops.
For those in-the-know (and those without Carbone reservations), Parm is a hack for getting that famed rigatoni vodka without the long waits and crowds. Don’t sleep on the meatball parm, either, if you know what’s good for you.
Originally an Atlantic Avenue spot that opened in 1988, Moustache knows what they’re doing. Don’t sleep on anything that comes out of their ovens, especially the fresh baked pita and lamb kebab, and do get an iced tea to wash it down.
There are lots of showstopping dishes on the menu at Chi, but the one that we must insist make it to your table has to be the Mystery of the Pyramid, shaped from pork belly with lotus seed, water chestnut, pickled mustard green, and broccoli. Pro tip? Stop by for their lunch special if you’re in the neighborhood.
From The Noortwyck team, Oriana places its focus on live-fire cooking. The results are as good as they sound, with dishes like salmon in smoked butter sauce, charred broccolini, and a whole barbecue duck. Put extra consideration to the wine list here, too.
It’s an early-aughts pizza darling that quickly became a mini empire over the last decade. Known for their mastery of the Detroit-style square pie, Emmy Squared serves up some truly unique combos – we’re partial to the Founders, with house pickled jalapeños and pepperoni.
It’s part of a mini-empire known for their serious square pizza chops. At Emily, you’ll also want to try the Emmy Double Stack Burger, too, served on a pretzel bun and with waffle fries.
It’s an early-aughts pizza darling that quickly became a mini empire over the last decade. Known for their mastery of the Detroit-style square pie, Emmy Squared took over this corner space with plenty of outdoor seating much to the neighborhood’s delight.
Everyone’s favorite Fort Greene destination for dry-aged seafood has headed to the coast for the summer with this Governors Island pop-up. Your ticket grants you a welcome cocktail, live-fire small bites, and access to the after-hours bar should you choose to keep the night going.
From acclaimed chef Aarthi Sampath, a “Chopped” and “Beat Bobby Flay” winner, comes Dravida, serving up South Asian cuisine like duck nihari hand pies, khameeri roti, and lhasa lamb momo. Pro tip: Ask to check out their downstairs speakeasy once you finish your meal.
It’s an early-aughts pizza darling that quickly became a mini empire over the last decade. Known for their mastery of the Detroit-style square pie, Emmy Squared serves up a list of pies so long it might take you weeks to get through it. Challenge accepted.
It’s an early-aughts pizza darling that quickly became a mini empire over the last decade. Known for their mastery of the Detroit-style square pie, Emmy Squared serves up some of the city’s favorite crispy-cheese-coated crust and ’roni cups.
It’s an early-aughts pizza darling that quickly became a mini empire over the last decade. Known for their mastery of the Detroit-style square pie, Emmy Squared serves up some truly unique combos – try the Big Hawaiian or Nashville Hot Chicken.
Do head here for a fantastic five-course Thai menu, served all at once and centered around rice. Expect dishes like wok-tossed squid, grilled scallop, and coconut sweet corn mille-feuille – and do know that the wine pairing is worth it, too.
The word “simply” can sometimes imply boring, but here it takes on a much richer meaning – no-frills Greek food done extremely well alongside warm, generous service. Come when the weather’s warm and the windows are open.
Who among us wouldn’t want to be eating ribs on an island? If you’re a little short on funds for a getaway just for meat, Island Ribhouse has you covered. Make sure you order well, the ribs, plus the curry mussels and any rum-based cocktail.
Summers at The Ritz-Carlton never sounded so good. Dahlia’s is a seasonal pop-up that focuses on small plates like duck arepas, roasted figs with goat cheese, and octopus ceviche for their prix-fixe menu. Don’t miss the cocktails, either, some of which come served in delicate bird-shaped glassware.
Cocotazo finally has a permanent home after runs at the Queens Night Market and La Marqueta. Expect the same rich focus on flavor — don’t skip the slow-roasted pernil, rican (“like a Cuban but better”) sandwich, and in-house condensed milk ice cream, add the maduros.
For this second location, Buena Vista went big. It’s 2,000 square feet, which means there’s all the more room to spread out as you enjoy your bounty of satisfying paella, churrasco, and croquettes. Go ahead, stay awhile — they encourage a good linger.
From the team behind New Jersey favorite Spice Rack, aRoqa serves lightly reimagined Indian cuisine ideal for sharing. Do know that the shrimp moilee and kadai paneer should be on your table.
You’re here for the wine list, which is carefully curated and highlights hybrid grapes, but know that the bites are nothing to scoff at. Pair your pour with chopped chicken “tendees” and a house bread with dip.
It’s the original location of what would become a blueprint for ramen shops in our fair city, and for good reason. Order the classic Karaka Spicy ramen and some juicy pork buns.
Because it’s a beachy, refined Peruvian spot on 30th Avenue in Astoria. Do know that the lomo saltado, tiger’s milk ceviche, and yuca fries should be on your table.
From the Sunnyside flower shop of the same name comes this charming spot for afternoon tea where mini cucumber sandwiches, cookies, and cakes abound. It should come as no surprise that the florals here are stunning, so come ready to take some pictures.
By day, it’s a Vietnamese coffee house. By night, you’ll find cocktails and not-your-average bar bites; think beef tartare with prawn chips, spring rolls with caviar, and crispy turmeric shrimp tacos. Plus, they’re open every day until 2 a.m.
Because the Seoul original of the same name is one of the city’s favorites — for good reason. Zoo Sindang is a speakeasy-style spot with a hidden garden feel, serving up cocktails inspired by the Eastern zodiac that look as good as they taste.
As the name implies, you’d be remiss not to order the oysters. Here, they’ve got a rotating list of varieties, plus heartier fare like lobster rolls and Old Bay fries served right near the DUMBO waterfront.
Prime cuts prevail at this steakhouse where no detail is overlooked. Do settle into one of their crimson banquettes and order yourself a feast of steakhouse classics, from shrimp cocktail and Maine lobster to ribeye and creamed spinach.
Greenpoint Fish & Lobster Co. has taken over operations at Carroll Gardens’ Bar Bruno, which means you should order anything seafood based on the menu. The whole roasted seabass, bright green guac, and icy margaritas should all be on your table.
