Welcome to Williamsburg, a vibrant neighborhood in Brooklyn renowned for its eclectic culinary scene. With a diverse range of cuisines, hidden gems, and innovative trends, Williamsburg offers an unforgettable dining experience. Embark on a gastronomic journey as we uncover the best food Williamsburg has to offer.
From award-winning restaurants to charming hole-in-the-walls, Williamsburg’s culinary landscape is a melting pot of flavors and cultures. Prepare your taste buds for an extraordinary adventure as we explore the top-rated restaurants, must-try dishes, hidden gems, and food trends that define this culinary destination.
Best Restaurants in Williamsburg
Williamsburg, Brooklyn, is a vibrant neighborhood known for its diverse culinary scene. From upscale dining experiences to casual eateries, there’s something to satisfy every palate. Here’s a list of the top-rated restaurants in Williamsburg:
Top Restaurants
| Restaurant Name | Cuisine | Price Range | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peter Luger Steak House | Steakhouse | $$$$ | peterluger.com |
| Lilia | Italian | $$$ | lilianewyork.com |
| Casa Enrique | Mexican | $$ | casaenrique.com |
| Roberta’s Pizza | Pizza | $ | robertaspizza.com |
Whether you’re looking for a special occasion meal or a casual night out, Williamsburg has a restaurant that will exceed your expectations.
Must-Try Dishes in Williamsburg
Williamsburg’s culinary scene offers a tantalizing array of dishes that have earned a reputation for their unique flavors and exceptional ingredients. From innovative twists on classic favorites to authentic international cuisine, here are some of the must-try dishes that will leave a lasting impression on your palate:
Appetizers
- Crispy Oysters with Bacon Vinaigrette(Peter Luger Steak House): Plump oysters fried to perfection and drizzled with a tangy bacon vinaigrette.
- Tuna Tartare with Avocado and Wasabi Mayo(Fette Sau): A refreshing and flavorful combination of tuna, avocado, and a spicy wasabi mayonnaise.
- Burrata with Roasted Grapes and Balsamic(Barano): Creamy burrata cheese served with sweet roasted grapes and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.
Main Courses
- Dry-Aged Prime Rib(Peter Luger Steak House): A classic steakhouse dish featuring a succulent prime rib aged for 28 days, resulting in an incredibly tender and flavorful experience.
- Roasted Suckling Pig(Le Crocodile): A whole roasted suckling pig with crispy skin and tender meat, served with a flavorful jus.
- Lobster Roll(Lobster Place): A generous portion of fresh lobster meat served in a toasted bun with melted butter and lemon.
- Pastrami on Rye(Katz’s Delicatessen): An iconic New York City sandwich featuring thinly sliced pastrami piled high on rye bread with mustard.
Desserts
- Chocolate Babka(Balthazar): A rich and decadent chocolate babka with a swirl of chocolate filling.
- Key Lime Pie(Peter Luger Steak House): A classic dessert featuring a tangy key lime filling in a graham cracker crust.
- Apple Pie(Four & Twenty Blackbirds): A traditional apple pie made with a flaky crust and a warm, comforting filling.
Hidden Gems of Williamsburg
Venture beyond the well-known dining spots and uncover hidden culinary gems that showcase Williamsburg’s diverse culinary landscape. These lesser-known restaurants offer authentic flavors, exceptional dishes, and an intimate ambiance that will delight your taste buds and leave you craving more.
Get ready to embark on a gastronomic adventure as we unveil some of Williamsburg’s best-kept secrets:
Pete’s Candy Store
- Location:709 Lorimer Street
- Ambiance:Quirky and charming, with vintage decor and a cozy vibe
- Signature Dishes:Mouthwatering burgers, creative cocktails, and decadent milkshakes
Saltie
- Location:372 Metropolitan Avenue
- Ambiance:Rustic and industrial, with a communal dining experience
- Signature Dishes:Artisanal charcuterie boards, wood-fired pizzas, and seasonal small plates
Marlow & Sons
- Location:81 Broadway
- Ambiance:Sophisticated and elegant, with warm lighting and exposed brick walls
- Signature Dishes:Farm-to-table American cuisine, featuring roasted meats, fresh seafood, and seasonal vegetables
Sweetwater Social
- Location:225 Union Avenue
- Ambiance:Modern and stylish, with a spacious outdoor patio
- Signature Dishes:Southern-inspired dishes, including crispy fried chicken, savory biscuits, and flavorful salads
Lilia
- Location:567 Union Avenue
- Ambiance:Intimate and romantic, with candlelit tables and a cozy atmosphere
- Signature Dishes:Michelin-starred Italian cuisine, featuring handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and exquisite seafood
Williamsburg Food Scene Trends: Best Food Williamsburg
Williamsburg’s culinary scene is constantly evolving, with innovative chefs and restaurateurs pushing the boundaries of flavor and creativity. In recent years, several notable trends have emerged, shaping the neighborhood’s dining landscape.
One significant trend is the rise of locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. Many Williamsburg restaurants are partnering with local farmers and purveyors to create dishes that showcase the freshest and most sustainable ingredients available.
Notable Chefs and Food Festivals
Williamsburg is home to a number of acclaimed chefs who have made a significant impact on the neighborhood’s food scene. These chefs include:
- Matt Orlandoof Amass, a Michelin-starred restaurant known for its innovative Nordic cuisine.
- Alex Stupakof Empellón Taqueria, a popular Mexican restaurant chain with a location in Williamsburg.
- Christina Martinezof The Fly, a critically acclaimed restaurant serving modern American cuisine.
In addition to its talented chefs, Williamsburg is also home to several popular food festivals, including the Williamsburg Food & Wine Festival and the Smorgasburg food market.
Restaurant Openings and Closures
The Williamsburg food scene is constantly changing, with new restaurants opening and closing all the time. Some of the most notable recent openings include:
- Semilla, a modern Mexican restaurant from the team behind Empellón.
- Sweetwater, a new American restaurant from the owners of The Fly.
- Oxomoco, a Mexican restaurant from chef Edgar Rico.
Unfortunately, some Williamsburg restaurants have also closed in recent years, including:
- The Bedford, a popular gastropub.
- The Diner, a classic American diner.
- Frankies Spuntino, a beloved Italian restaurant.
Impact on Williamsburg’s Food Culture, Best food williamsburg
The Williamsburg food scene trends discussed above have had a significant impact on the neighborhood’s food culture. The focus on locally sourced, seasonal ingredients has led to a greater appreciation for the bounty of the region. The rise of notable chefs and food festivals has made Williamsburg a destination for food lovers from all over the world.
And the constant influx of new restaurants has kept the neighborhood’s dining scene fresh and exciting.
Food Tours and Experiences in Williamsburg
Williamsburg offers a diverse range of culinary experiences and food tours that showcase the neighborhood’s vibrant food scene. These tours provide an immersive way to explore the flavors of Williamsburg, discover hidden gems, and learn about the culinary traditions of the area.
Popular Food Tours
- Williamsburg Food Tour(A Slice of Brooklyn): A 3-hour walking tour that takes participants through the heart of Williamsburg, sampling food from local favorites like Roberta’s Pizza, Williamsburg Pizza, and Saltie.
- Williamsburg Food Crawl(Taste Williamsburg): A 2-hour tour that focuses on the neighborhood’s craft beer scene, with stops at local breweries and beer-centric restaurants.
- Williamsburg Street Food Tour(NYC Food Tours): A 3-hour tour that explores the diverse street food offerings of Williamsburg, from tacos to dumplings to falafel.
- Williamsburg Pizza Tour(Secret Food Tours): A 2.5-hour tour that takes participants on a pizza pilgrimage, sampling slices from some of the best pizzerias in the neighborhood.
- Williamsburg Culinary Tour(The Food Enthusiast): A 4-hour tour that combines food tasting with a visit to the Smorgasburg food market, where participants can sample a wide variety of cuisines.
FAQ Resource
What are the must-try dishes in Williamsburg?
Some of the must-try dishes in Williamsburg include the famous Peter Luger Steak House’s Porterhouse steak, the authentic Neapolitan pizza at Motorino, and the mouthwatering ramen at Ramen Setagaya.
What are some hidden gems in Williamsburg?
For those seeking off-the-beaten-path dining experiences, Williamsburg offers hidden gems like Le Crocodile, a charming French bistro, and Win Son, a Taiwanese-American restaurant with a cozy and intimate atmosphere.
What are the latest food trends in Williamsburg?
Williamsburg’s food scene is constantly evolving, with new trends emerging regularly. Some of the latest trends include the rise of plant-based cuisine, the popularity of fermentation techniques, and the growing emphasis on sustainability and locally sourced ingredients.
