Despite its evolution into a world-famous borough with real estate prices only a surgeon or stock broker could afford, Brooklyn remains mystical and far-flung to many tourists visiting New York City and even, still, to a surprising number of Manhattanites. That means that even as Brooklyn restaurants have created a dining destination to rival any major city in America, you won’t have to fight for a table on most nights. Not to say that it’s a ghost town: Recently, I’ve been shut out of a great but packed Mexican cocktail bar (Leyenda), endured an hour-plus line for brisket and ribs (Hometown BBQ), and had to settle for a seat at the sweltering chef’s counter of a hot spot that misplaced my reservation but was too slammed to accommodate me at a table (Olmsted).
Brooklyn’s restaurant scene is brilliant right now, with long-established restaurants staying on their game to keep up with competition, and a mix of cool-casual spots and more ambitious culinary endeavors from rising-star chefs. There are world-class cocktail bars with almost-secretly good food and tasting menu–only hideaways showcasing New England, vegetarian or Nordic cuisine. The decor, generally speaking, has diversified beyond the mundane Edison-bulb-and-repurposed-wood look. In short, there’s never been a better time to explore this sprawling borough. Here, I’ve curated a list of 65 recommended restaurants — with an emphasis on a full dinner menu — based on my experiences over the past few years and especially in recent weeks, and added some reports from trusted friends who dine out frequently. (Additional reporting by George Embiricos, Pichet Ong and Emily Saladino.) Use it as a cheat sheet for yourselves or for friends visiting from out of town but willing to make the trip to Brooklyn.
Battersby
Friends and co-chefs Walker Stern and Joseph Ogrodnek worked together at Alain Ducasse, and separately at Blue Hill and Gramercy Tavern, before opening this intimate tasting room in Cobble Hill a few years back. Their shareable, seasonal plates have included curried zucchini, beef daube ravioli, and roast duck with peaches and chanterelles.
255 Smith St.; 718-852-8321; battersbybrooklyn.com
תגובות