Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Foodies in Brooklyn
Top Things to Do in New York City for Foodies in Brooklyn
1. Time Out Market New York
A multi-vendor food hall in DUMBO where you can graze from standout Brooklyn chefs, then head upstairs for sweeping East River and skyline views.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a one-stop tasting tour that pairs serious eats with some of the borough’s best photo ops.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekdays for lighter crowds; aim for golden hour to catch sunset from the rooftop.
✓ Insider Tip:
Grab your food first, then take it to the rooftop terrace—tables turn faster up top than downstairs.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Travelers love the variety, views, and convenience, calling it an easy way to sample Brooklyn in a single stop.
2. Smorgasburg Williamsburg
Brooklyn’s open-air weekend market along the Williamsburg waterfront gathers dozens of rotating vendors serving global street-food hits.
✓ Why Go:
Nowhere else lets you try so many cult-favorite bites—from creative dumplings to outrageous desserts—in one scenic spot.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late morning on market days, especially spring through fall, before the longest lines form.
✓ Insider Tip:
Go with friends and share dishes so you can sample more; lines move fastest right after opening.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Foodies rave about the diversity and energy; expect lines, but most say the flavors are worth the wait.
3. Di Fara Pizza
A pilgrimage-worthy Midwood pizzeria famed for its crisp-yet-chewy pies, basil-shower finish, and old-school Brooklyn soul.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a benchmark New York slice experience—simple, meticulous, and deeply satisfying.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Mid-afternoon on weekdays to avoid peak waits; expect lines on weekends.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order a whole round pie to appreciate the balance of sauce, cheese, and char; slices go fast and sell out.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Devotees call it life-changing pizza and a Brooklyn rite of passage.
4. L&B Spumoni Gardens
A Bensonhurst landmark known for hefty Sicilian square slices and nostalgic spumoni served from a classic outdoor window.
✓ Why Go:
It’s the platonic ideal of Brooklyn comfort food: crunchy-edged squares followed by a creamy spumoni swirl.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoon or early evening; outdoor seating shines on warm days.
✓ Insider Tip:
There are separate windows for pizza and spumoni—splitting your party speeds things up.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Generations of locals swear by it; visitors call it a delicious blast from the past.
5. Peter Luger Steak House
A Williamsburg institution serving dry-aged steaks in a wood-paneled tavern setting that feels frozen in time.
✓ Why Go:
The porterhouse is a New York legend, and the throwback atmosphere is pure Brooklyn character.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Lunch for a slightly easier reservation; book dinner well in advance.
✓ Insider Tip:
If you’re a burger fan, the coveted Luger burger is typically a weekday lunch-only treat.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Steak lovers call it iconic and worth the splurge when visited with the right expectations.
6. DeKalb Market Hall
A sprawling underground market in Downtown Brooklyn featuring dozens of vendors, from classic deli fare to regional specialties.
✓ Why Go:
Perfect for groups and indecisive eaters, it’s a flavor tour under one roof—rain or shine.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday lunch or early dinner; weekends get lively and crowded.
✓ Insider Tip:
Come hungry and build a progressive meal: start with small plates and finish with a sweet from a local bakery stall.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors praise the range, value, and convenience near multiple subway lines.
7. Hometown Bar-B-Que
Red Hook’s smokehouse draws carnivores for Texas-meets-NYC barbecue, craft beers, and a warehouse vibe.
✓ Why Go:
The brisket, ribs, and market-style specials make it a destination-worthy meal on the waterfront.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early evening on weekdays or right at opening on weekends to minimize the queue.
✓ Insider Tip:
Walk your tray over to nearby Valentino Pier after dinner for harbor views and sunset breezes.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Fans call it the borough’s best barbecue and a must on any Brooklyn food itinerary.
8. Win Son
A Taiwanese-American gem in East Williamsburg turning out vibrant, shareable plates and natural-leaning wines.
✓ Why Go:
Bold flavors and inventive takes on Taiwanese comfort dishes make it a chef-darling spot.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early dinner on weekdays; reservations recommended for peak hours.
✓ Insider Tip:
Pair a few small plates with a noodle or rice dish—sharing is the way to sample the menu’s range.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Diners gush about the creative flavors and fun, neighborhood feel.
9. Sahadi's
A beloved Middle Eastern market on Atlantic Avenue with bulk spices, cheeses, house-baked breads, and a ready-to-eat mezze counter.
✓ Why Go:
Stock a picnic with labneh, olives, and pastries, then explore nearby brownstone streets.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Mornings for the freshest baked goods and the quickest counter service.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order a warm mezze plate to go and stroll to the Brooklyn Heights Promenade for a scenic lunch.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors admire the welcoming staff, quality ingredients, and fair prices for artisanal goods.
10. Tanoreen
Bay Ridge favorite serving soulful Palestinian and Levantine dishes with generous portions and a neighborhood vibe.
✓ Why Go:
From smoky eggplant spreads to richly spiced mains, it’s a masterclass in Levantine flavors.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weeknights for a relaxed meal; reserve weekends to avoid a long wait.
✓ Insider Tip:
Start with a mezze spread and save room for knafeh or other house-made desserts.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests praise the warm hospitality and say it’s worth the trip to Bay Ridge for a memorable feast.
