Eatery Row is an occasional series here at Dandelion Chandelier assessing the best restaurants for a romantic night out, an important business lunch, or a luxurious meal with friends. We only recommend establishments that we’ve personally road-tested and approved. We’ll let you know if a hot place actually lives up to the hype, and whether a classic is still maintaining its high standards. Because an essential element of luxury is knowing that you’re in really good hands.
To start us off, our newly-appointed Food Editor has given us her insider’s view on the very best places to eat in Brooklyn right now:
Williamsburg, Brooklyn:
—Lilia. The Food Editor says that this is the absolute best new restaurant in Brooklyn. The chef and owner, Missy Robbins, just released her first cookbook (which we love). Lilia also has a cafe that serves coffee and pastries in the morning, sandwiches and snacks in the afternoon, and drinks and appetizers in the evening.
–The William Vale Hotel in Williamsburg has several notable eateries:
- Westlight – the rooftop bar has incredible views of Manhattan, and the food is from star chef Andrew Carmellini. The Food Editor advises “It’s great for sunset drinks and appetizers, and you can easily make a meal out of the small plates.”
- Du’s Donuts – the chef Wylie Dufresne (of WD50 and The Alder) opened this donut shop on the first floor of The William Vale, across the courtyard from the lobby. It has fun flavors that change seasonally. Our favorite is the cinnamon apple – just be sure to check the website to make sure they’re not sold out before you go.
- Mister Dips – also from Wylie Dufresne, on the rooftop of the same building as Du’s Donuts, there’s an Airstream trailer that serves delicious burgers, crinkle fries, boozy (or not) ice cream cones and shakes, beer, wine, and soft drinks. It’s a great dinner spot for families with young children; the burgers are delicious and the kids can run around and play.
—Four Horsemen – this is a terrific wine bar which would make any oenophile happy (our Food Editor reports that she frequently runs into visiting winemakers there), and the food is excellent. The bar takes reservations for larger parties, but for smaller groups, it’s first come, first serve and there’s usually a wait (unless you get there really early). Fun fact – the owner is James Murphy from LCD Soundsystem, and he’s frequently in the corner of the bar entertaining his friends.
—Aska – This restaurant’s Nordic 20+ course tasting menu has been raved about by critics. Many are served on freshly baked bread, and if you don’t have the time or inclination to commit to the full tasting menu, you can have a smaller meal at the bar.
—Llama Inn – our Food Editor raves about this Peruvian spot. “The cocktail list was put together by a former head bartender at Eleven Madison Park and The NoMad Bar, and the food is excellent. The anticuchos are a perfect way to start. We always get either the ceviche or the tiradito and the quinoa salad with bacon and banana (sounds weird, but it’s delicious!). Then we split the beef tenderloin which prepared like lomo saltado, or the whole roasted branzino which is worth ordering for the coconut rice alone.”
Bushwick, Brooklyn:
—Blanca and Roberta’s– Blanca is a tasting menu-only restaurant comprised of a counter for approximately 10 guests, created by the chef and owner of the cult pizza restaurant Roberta’s. Blanca offers two seatings for a 20+ course tasting menu that is, according to our Food Editor, “inventive and delicious.” Roberta’s is the more casual “big sister,” establishment, which also offers creative dishes that are big on flavor, in addition to its Neapolitan-style pizzas.
Fort Greene/Clinton Hill, Brooklyn:
—Mettā – Norberto Piattoni, the chef at this South American restaurant, worked for the renowned chef Francis Mallman, so it’s no surprise that nearly everything on the menu sees open flames at some point in its preparation. Says the Food Editor: “it’s a cute neighborhood spot, and the food is worth making the trip.”
—The Finch – The Food Editor reports “we love the food here. The setting is similar to Olmsted, and we think the food is more consistently delicious.” You heard it here first!
—Emily and Emmy Squared – Emily is a pizza and burger joint “unlike any that you’ve ever been to before. It’s developing a cult following for good reason. It’s perfect for pre-Barclays Center dining.” Their sister restaurant, Emmy Squared, on the edge of Williamsburg, serves the most delicious Detroit style pizza (and since we were raised in the Motor City, we know from Detroit pizza).
Prospect Heights, Brooklyn:
—Olmsted – The consensus is that you must go here at least once. The restaurant has been raved about and it’s still tough to get into, even after a year of operation. They have a beautiful back garden, so on an autumn evening, it’s lovely to sit with a warm beverage and make s’mores over the fire pits.
Gowanus, Brooklyn:
—Claro – A Mexican restaurant highly recommended by other restauranteurs, which is a very good sign. They have a petite outdoor garden, which is a bonus in the fall.
There you have it: our of-the-moment list of where to find a fantastic meal in Brooklyn right now. If you go, send pictures! Bon appetit.
