Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Foodies in Park Slope
Top Things to Do in New York City for Foodies in Park Slope
1. Al Di La Trattoria
A Park Slope icon serving Northern Italian comfort with handmade pastas and slow-braised classics in a cozy, wood-accented dining room that feels timeless.
✓ Why Go:
The kitchen’s soulful Venetian-inspired dishes and thoughtful wine list make it a pilgrimage for pasta lovers. It’s the spot locals name when asked where to send a serious eater.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early weeknight dinner to skip peak waits; late lunch is relaxed and equally rewarding.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask about seasonal specials—malfatti and any slow-braised ragu tend to sell out on busy nights.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Travelers describe it as a “destination restaurant in a neighborhood setting,” praising the pastas and warm, unpretentious service.
2. Masalawala & Sons
A buzzy Park Slope standout spotlighting regional Indian dishes—especially from Kolkata and Bengal—served in a lively, design-forward space.
✓ Why Go:
Bold, aromatic cooking and a menu rich with street snacks and homestyle plates make it a must for diners seeking India’s depth beyond the usual staples.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Go for an early dinner on weekdays; weekend prime time fills fast.
✓ Insider Tip:
If you like heat, let your server know—some signature dishes shine with a little extra kick.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests rave about intensely flavorful plates and say it’s “worth crossing the river for,” even on busy nights.
3. Haenyeo
Korean coastal-inspired cooking named for the free-diving women of Jeju—think seafood-forward plates, modern banchan, and cocktails that echo the menu’s briny brightness.
✓ Why Go:
Inventive takes like tteokbokki fondue and seafood pancakes keep regulars returning, while the vibe stays intimate and neighborhood-focused.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Later evenings midweek for a quieter meal; weekend brunch for playful riffs and shareable plates.
✓ Insider Tip:
Pair a seafood dish with a soju cocktail to catch the kitchen’s sweet-salty balance at its best.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Diners call it “creative but comforting,” applauding consistent execution and friendly guidance on the menu.
4. Pasta Louise
A neighborhood favorite for fresh, house-made pasta and sauces crafted with market ingredients in a bright, family-friendly setting.
✓ Why Go:
From perfect radiatori to silky tagliatelle, textures and sauces shine; it’s equal parts feel-good and seriously delicious.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Lunch for a breezier experience; early dinner with kids before the evening rush.
✓ Insider Tip:
Snag fresh pasta and sauce to-go for a next-day picnic or easy dinner.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors love the “joyful comfort” of the dishes and the welcoming staff who treat regulars and newcomers alike with warmth.
5. Bagel Hole
Tiny, old-school bagel shop turning out hand-rolled, properly boiled bagels with a crisp shell and tender chew.
✓ Why Go:
For purists, these are some of the city’s canonical bagels—no frills, just classic execution and balanced schmears.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early morning for the freshest batches and shortest line.
✓ Insider Tip:
Keep it simple: a sesame bagel with plain or scallion cream cheese lets the craftsmanship shine.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Bagel fans call it a “destination counter,” praising consistency and the just-right bake.
6. Grand Army Plaza Greenmarket
Brooklyn’s flagship farmers market where regional farms, cheesemakers, bakers, and fishmongers set up every week at the gateway to Park Slope.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a one-stop, seasonal trove for produce, heritage meats, and artisan staples—ideal for stocking a picnic or tasting New York’s harvest.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Saturday mornings, 8–10 am, for peak selection and space to browse.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring a tote and plan a Prospect Park picnic—cheese, bread, fruit, and a sweet treat are easy to assemble here.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Shoppers love the “vibrant, community energy” and breadth of vendors, calling it a must-do for food lovers.
7. Old Stone House Farmers Market
A beloved Sunday market encircling the colonial-era Old Stone House, focused on local produce, baked goods, and small-batch specialties.
✓ Why Go:
Smaller than Grand Army Plaza, it’s easier to chat with producers and discover neighborhood-made treats.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late morning for lively crowds and still-solid selection.
✓ Insider Tip:
Check nearby Washington Park benches and lawns—perfect for sampling pastries right after you buy them.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors describe it as “neighborly and relaxed,” ideal for a leisurely stroll and snack run.
8. Colson Patisserie
Belgian-rooted bakery crafting textbook croissants, canelés, and seasonal tarts alongside strong coffee and savory viennoiserie.
✓ Why Go:
Technique-driven pastries and buttery layers make it an essential stop for breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mornings for the widest pastry case; after-lunch coffee for a quieter break.
✓ Insider Tip:
If you spot kouign-amann, grab it—regulars know it disappears quickly.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Pastry lovers call it “worth the detour,” praising flaky lamination and balanced sweetness.
9. Russo's Mozzarella & Pasta
Old-school Italian market known for hand-pulled mozzarella, fresh pasta, and stacked deli sandwiches.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a one-stop shop for picnic provisions and a slice of classic Brooklyn Italian-American food culture.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late morning to avoid sandwich-line rush; afternoons for leisurely shopping.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask for warm, just-made mozzarella—then build a simple caprese with tomatoes from a local market.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Shoppers speak of “nostalgic charm” and generous portions, with mozz that wins repeat visits.
10. Bklyn Larder
A cheese and provisions shop curating small-producer cheeses, charcuterie, prepared foods, and gelato—great for grazing or gifting.
✓ Why Go:
Thoughtful staff help tailor cheese boards and picnic packs, spotlighting regional makers alongside European classics.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Afternoons for tasting and conversation without a crowd.
✓ Insider Tip:
Let the monger choose a three-cheese flight with contrasting textures, plus a local honey or jam.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests call it a “cheese-lover’s haven,” praising knowledgeable guidance and stellar sandwiches.
