Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Foodies near the Brooklyn Bridge
Top Things to Do in New York City for Foodies near the Brooklyn Bridge
1. Time Out Market New York
A multi-vendor food hall inside the historic Empire Stores with sweeping rooftop views of the Brooklyn Bridge and Lower Manhattan. Dozens of kitchens and bars make it easy to sample a cross-section of New York flavors in one stop.
✓ Why Go:
It’s the most efficient way for food-obsessed travelers to taste multiple standout bites within steps of the bridge and Brooklyn Bridge Park.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekdays for lunch (11:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m.) or just before sunset for golden-hour views on the rooftop terrace.
✓ Insider Tip:
Go straight to the 5th-floor terrace for seats and skyline photos, then work your way down—the upstairs lines are usually shorter.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Bustling and photogenic; visitors love the variety and views, noting occasional lines but strong value for the setting.
2. Juliana's Pizza
Coal-fired pies from Patsy Grimaldi’s team served in a cozy, no-frills room at the foot of the bridge. Classic New York pizza with charred, airy crusts.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a pilgrimage slice for pizza purists, frequently cited among the city’s best within a few minutes’ walk of the bridge promenade.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoon before the dinner rush or right at opening to beat the queue.
✓ Insider Tip:
They don’t take reservations; order a simple margherita first to appreciate the crust and sauce, then add a white pie if you’re hungry.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Consistently praised as “worth the wait,” with special love for the balanced sauce and crisp-yet-chewy crust.
3. The River Café
Romantic, waterfront dining tucked directly under the Brooklyn Bridge with postcard views of the skyline and Statue of Liberty.
✓ Why Go:
A landmark special-occasion meal that combines refined American cuisine with one of NYC’s most iconic dining rooms.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Sunset dinner for dazzling bridge lighting; weekend brunch for a calmer, equally scenic experience.
✓ Insider Tip:
Dress smart—there’s an elegant dress code—and request a window table when booking for the best bridge views.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests rave about the setting and polished service, calling it a quintessential New York splurge.
4. Celestine
Modern Eastern Mediterranean plates and natural-leaning wines right on the water near the bridge, with floor-to-ceiling windows.
✓ Why Go:
Bright, shareable dishes and a serene riverside vibe make it a favorite for food lovers seeking seasonal cooking with a view.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Brunch on weekends or an early evening dinner to catch the changing light on the bridge.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask for a terrace or window seat when reserving; mezze and flatbreads are ideal for sharing.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Celebrated for its warm service and balanced flavors; diners highlight the relaxed, date-night-friendly atmosphere.
5. Cecconi's Dumbo
A chic, Venetian-inspired spot at Empire Stores serving hand-made pastas, cicchetti, and wood-fired pizzas beside the East River.
✓ Why Go:
Combines polished Italian comfort food with peerless bridge and skyline views in an elegant room.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday lunch for easier seating or twilight for outdoor tables with sparkling skyline lights.
✓ Insider Tip:
Request a riverside table when booking and save room for the tiramisu—it’s a crowd favorite.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests praise the ambiance and views, noting solid pastas and cocktails in a lively setting.
6. Almondine Bakery
Beloved French bakery turning out flaky croissants, baguettes, and fruit tarts from a quaint shop on Water Street.
✓ Why Go:
A perfect pastry-and-coffee stop before or after a bridge walk, with authentic French technique and neighborhood charm.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early morning for the freshest bakes and minimal lines.
✓ Insider Tip:
Grab a box of croissants and enjoy them on the nearby waterfront benches for a scenic breakfast.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Regulars and visitors alike call it a DUMBO staple, applauding the buttery layers and friendly staff.
7. Jacques Torres Chocolate
The famed chocolatier’s DUMBO shop offers artisanal truffles, cookies, and rich hot chocolate a few blocks from the bridge.
✓ Why Go:
Satisfy a sweet tooth with small-batch confections at the brand’s original neighborhood outpost.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Afternoons for a pick-me-up; winter for their signature hot chocolate.
✓ Insider Tip:
Try the spiced hot chocolate or seasonal ice cream sandwiches for an indulgent treat.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors gush over the quality and variety, calling it a must for dessert lovers.
8. Grimaldi's Pizzeria
Coal-oven pies served in a bustling room under the bridge; a Brooklyn pizza institution dating back decades.
✓ Why Go:
Its blistered crust and fresh mozzarella make it a rite of passage for pizza fans exploring the bridge area.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late lunch to avoid peak dinner waits; weekdays are quickest.
✓ Insider Tip:
They serve whole pies only—no slices—so bring a friend and split a classic pie.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Touristy but beloved; many still rank it high for flavor and nostalgia.
9. Tin Building by Jean-Georges
A sprawling culinary marketplace at the Seaport with chef-led counters, specialty groceries, bakeries, and bars just across the bridge.
✓ Why Go:
An immersive food playground where you can graze on seafood, noodles, pastries, and more under one architecturally striking roof.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early lunch on weekdays or later in the evening when crowds thin.
✓ Insider Tip:
Snack at a counter for the quickest experience, then grab provisions from the market to picnic on the nearby pier.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Widely praised for variety, design, and quality; some note premium pricing but feel the experience justifies it.
10. The Fulton
Seafood-focused restaurant by Jean-Georges perched at Pier 17 with floor-to-ceiling windows framing the Brooklyn Bridge.
✓ Why Go:
Polished raw-bar platters and seasonal fish dishes meet one of the best bridge views on the Manhattan side.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Sunset dinner or weekday lunch for easier reservations and softer light on the water.
✓ Insider Tip:
Reserve a window table and share a mix of raw-bar items to start; the view pairs perfectly with a crisp white wine.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Din ers highlight attentive service, pristine seafood, and unforgettable skyline vistas.
