Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Foodies in Williamsburg
Top Things to Do in New York City for Foodies in Williamsburg
1. Smorgasburg Williamsburg
NYC’s most famous open-air food market lines the East River with dozens of small vendors serving everything from birria tacos and lobster rolls to creative desserts—set against skyline views.
✓ Why Go:
It’s the fastest, tastiest way to sample Williamsburg’s entrepreneurial food scene in one spot and discover rising vendors you’ll brag about finding first.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late morning on spring–fall Saturdays; arrive before noon to beat peak lines and snag a shady picnic spot.
✓ Insider Tip:
Start at the back rows where lines are shorter, share plates so you can try more stalls, and bring a light blanket for riverside lounging.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Energetic, scenic, and delicious—visitors love the variety and views, with many calling it a must for first-time Williamsburg food adventures.
2. Lilia
Missy Robbins’ wood-fired Italian kitchen turns out silky handmade pastas, charred vegetables, and pristine seafood in a loft-like space that hums from open to close.
✓ Why Go:
For pasta perfection—dishes like malfadini with pink peppercorns and ricotta agnolotti are bucket-list bites for carb-loving travelers.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early dinner or weekday lunch; reservations are snapped up quickly, so set an alert and be flexible with dates.
✓ Insider Tip:
Solo or duo? Aim for bar seats to watch the kitchen work the grill, and save room for the gelato trio.
✓ What Visitors Say:
“Worth the hype” is the refrain—diners rave about pitch-perfect seasoning and craveable pastas they dream about long after the trip.
3. Peter Luger Steak House
A no-frills Brooklyn institution since 1887, famous for dry-aged porterhouse, creamed spinach, and a history-steeped dining room beneath the bridge.
✓ Why Go:
To taste a defining New York steakhouse experience where the focus is on top-tier beef, simple sides, and timeless service.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday lunch for easier tables and a classic feel; dinner is buzzy and books far in advance.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order the porterhouse for two (or more), dunk onion rings in steak juice, and don’t skip the clouds of schlag for dessert.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Devotees praise unrivaled steak flavor and old-school charm; first-timers call it a pilgrimage that lives up to legend.
4. Maison Premiere
An oyster and absinthe bar channeling New Orleans elegance, with a horseshoe bar, lush garden, and a deep raw-bar selection.
✓ Why Go:
For impeccably fresh oysters paired with thoughtful cocktails in one of the neighborhood’s most atmospheric rooms.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoon on weekdays for oyster specials and easier seating; warm evenings are perfect in the back garden.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask the bar team to build a coast-to-coast oyster flight and try an absinthe drip for a sense of place.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests gush over transportive vibes, polished service, and oysters “so good you order another round.”
5. Devoción
A soaring, plant-filled coffee roastery and cafe pouring ultra-fresh Colombian beans roasted on-site, with pastries that match the brews.
✓ Why Go:
Serious coffee lovers find peak freshness and nuanced single-origin cups—plus a photogenic space to savor them.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Mornings on weekdays for quiet, natural light, and prime seating; weekends get lively.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order a pour-over of a limited single origin and grab a bag of beans—roasted just steps away—for the trip home.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Travelers rave about the aroma, the skylit setting, and coffee that “ruins you” for other cups.
6. St. Anselm
A neighborhood grill turning humble cuts into cult favorites—think butcher’s steak with garlic butter and cast-iron potatoes.
✓ Why Go:
For char-kissed meats at fair prices, cooked with precision and paired with hearty, shareable sides.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early evening or late-night dinner; small parties are seated fastest.
✓ Insider Tip:
Split the butcher’s steak and upgrade sides with pan-fried mashed potatoes and the grilled broccoli salad.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Repeatedly called a “can’t-miss” Williamsburg dinner—guests love the value-to-flavor ratio.
7. Fette Sau
A craft-beer-and-bourbon-fueled BBQ hall serving dry-rubbed brisket, ribs, and house pickles by the pound at communal tables.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a smoky, convivial slice of American barbecue culture right in Brooklyn, ideal for groups and casual feasts.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early dinner on weekdays to avoid the line; meats sell out on busy nights.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order small portions of several cuts to sample broadly, add half-sour pickles, and check the chalkboard for limited specials.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Fans highlight juicy brisket, generous portions, and a fun, unfussy vibe perfect after a day of exploring.
8. Sunday in Brooklyn
A beloved all-day spot known for legendary malted pancakes, seasonal plates, and standout cocktails across a warm, multi-level space.
✓ Why Go:
For an elevated brunch that defines Williamsburg weekends—indulgent yet chef-driven, with options for every appetite.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday brunch or early weekend openings to dodge the rush; dinner is calmer and underrated.
✓ Insider Tip:
Split the pancakes as a shared “starter” and ask about off-menu seasonal riffs.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors call it a highlight meal—memorable flavors, friendly staff, and a cozy neighborhood feel.
9. Llama Inn
A vibrant Peruvian kitchen where anticucho skewers, ceviches, and creative pisco cocktails showcase bold flavors and market-driven produce.
✓ Why Go:
It’s inventive, share-friendly cooking with bright, surprising combinations that keep the table buzzing.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Prime-time dinner for full energy; book ahead for weekends.
✓ Insider Tip:
Grab counter seats for a front-row view of the kitchen and let the team build you a balanced lineup of plates.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests praise the punchy flavors, knowledgeable staff, and dishes they “still talk about on the flight home.”
10. The Four Horsemen
A Michelin-starred natural wine bar with a fiercely seasonal menu of small plates designed for pairing, curated by a passionate team.
✓ Why Go:
For a deep dive into natural wine guided by pros, alongside refined, minimalist cooking that overdelivers.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weeknights for a slower-paced tasting; later evenings suit walk-ins at the bar.
✓ Insider Tip:
Let the staff choose a progression of wines by the glass and add the milk bread and whatever crudo is on.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Wine lovers are smitten—many call it their most nuanced, intimate meal of the trip.
