What does Blue Door Seafood Taverna, Levant on Smith, K'Far, and Cafe Mogador all have in common? They are a handful of my favorite restaurants in Brooklyn! The next time you find yourself hungry in Brooklyn, check out this list for ideas. I promise you won't be disappointed!

Having lived in Brooklyn for nearly five years, I’ve had plenty of time to compile a list of my favorite restaurants. Of course, this list could never be exhaustive—after all, New York City boasts well over 20,000 restaurants and bars! It would take at least five lifetimes to try them all.

I’m excited to start this series. I’ll share my favorites borough by borough. For clarity, every restaurant on this list is one I’ve visited at least three times and would happily return to!

So, the next time you’re craving something delicious in Brooklyn, don’t hesitate—check out my list for some great ideas, whether it’s lunch, brunch, or takeout. In no particular order, let’s eat in Brooklyn!

Grimaldi’s

I don’t know about you, but I have eaten at several restaurants that tout hundreds of years of history and tradition. Being a lover of food history, I will take up any opportunity to eat at an establishment around 100-400 years ago. However, for the most part, when I leave these establishments, I often feel underwhelmed and confused as to how some of them are still in business. Grimaldi’s is not one of those places. ‌‌For over 100 years, it’s been one of the staple pizza shops in Brooklyn. Funny enough, every year, I hear a new story about this shop and its sister store, Juliana’s, right next door. Word of mouth got me in the door, and the flavors keep me coming back!

This spot is perfect for takeout or a break after walking over the Brooklyn Bridge. Even better, grab your food to go and enjoy a picnic under the bridge—you can’t go wrong!

Favorite Menu Item(s) 😋: Prosciutto Arugula Pizza‌‌

📍 1 Front St, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Saravá - The Modern Bistro

Saravá is a must-visit for Brazilian flavors if you’re in Bay Ridge! We first discovered this little gem when we moved to Brooklyn years ago. You can't go wrong when you have a caipirinha in hand.

Favorite Menu Item(s) 😋: Caipahrina, Picanha, Spicy Mussels, Truffle Fries, Pao De Queijo

📍6819 3rd Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11220

Levant on Smith

I don’t know what enticed me to try a Niçoise salad. The first time I saw the ingredients listed on the menu, I thought, “What the heck? It’s giving Cobb Salad, but with fish; let’s try it.” I’m so glad I did. This salad has quickly become one of my favorites!

Favorite Menu Item(s) 😋: Nicoise Salad, Creme Brulee

📍223 Smith St, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Seamore’s - Dumbo

I typically visit Seamore’s in late summer or early fall—prime oyster season! There’s nothing better than enjoying a dozen locally sourced oysters paired with a crisp glass of white wine.

Favorite Menu Item(s) 😋: Oysters, Clam Chowder, Pear “No-Jito” Fresca (non-alcoholic)‌‌

📍 66 Water St, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Twist

Although Twist has an extensive menu, I’ve only ordered delivery exclusively when craving a seafood boil. It’s honestly the closest to Joe’s Crab Shack that I could find so far! IYKYK!

Favorite Menu Item(s) 😋: Snow Crab Leg Cluster w/ Spicy Twist Sauce (original) ‌‌

📍 4202 3rd Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11232

Blue Door Seafood Taverna

It’s incredible how much our palates can change as we get older. I distinctly remember disliking gyros as a kid, but now? I can’t get enough of them! Of course, Greek cuisine is so much more than just gyros, and that’s one of the reasons I love Blue Door Seafood Taverna. Every time I try something new, they never disappoint.

Also, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the decor. Maybe I am partial because my favorite color combinations are the same as the Greek flag, but something about the stark white walls and blue door makes me feel like I teleported from Brooklyn to a seaside village in Greece. When I eventually go to Greece, I wonder if I will think of Blue Door. I guess I’ll have to book a trip to find out. 😉

Favorite Menu Items 😋: Spanakopita, Branzino Lavraki, Smoked Potato Soup, Salonika Lamb Sandwich

📍 8413 3rd Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11209

Cafe Mogador

Much like my growing love for Greek food, my overall appreciation for Mediterranean cuisine has blossomed recently. When I don’t feel like making French Toast or crave a gimlet or halloumi eggs, Café Mogador is my go-to spot.

This place is always packed, and it’s easy to see why. The patrons know what’s up! If you are lucky, you’ll be seated in the back, where their indoor garden is located. It’s a fantastic spot to dine 365.

Favorite Menu Items 😋: Moroccan Benedict, Middle Eastern Breakfast, French Toast

📍 133 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249

K’Far

K’Far was my first experience with Israeli cuisine, and it left a lasting impression. This restaurant is nestled in the Hoxton, Williamsburg Hotel. I particularly love the greenery and bright, direct light—this creates a refreshing, almost outdoor-like atmosphere that feels miles away from the city. While the brunch menu is limited, it’s consistently delicious. I’ll have to make it a point to visit for dinner sooner rather than later!

Favorite Menu Items 😋: Potato and Scallion Feta Boreka, Shakshuka ‌‌

📍97 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249

Honorable Mentions

Although both restaurants I am about to mention have recently closed, if you enjoyed being there, you know just how good the food and service were!

Santo Bruklin - Carroll Gardens (Closed)

Along with Saravá in Bay Ridge, it was my go-to spot when I craved a hearty Brazilian steak or my favorite dish, feijoada. Here’s to hoping another Brazilian restaurant will open soon in the Carroll Gardens area.

Taylor Made (Closed)

I rarely dine in for Jamaican cuisine. I am used to either cooking at home or driving to Harlem's Caribbean Starr for takeout. Personally, I've had trouble finding consistently delicious Jamaican food in Brooklyn. So imagine my surprise that after years of searching and finding Taylor Made, they closed a month later. We were devastated. Truly, we were! Nonetheless, it was reassuring to know that there are indeed delicious Jamaican restaurants in Brooklyn, but we must return to the drawing board. P.S. That rum punch WILL be missed.

If you've made it this far, you are a real one, and I appreciate you! Stay tuned for parts 2, 3, and 4. As I mentioned above, many places exist in Brooklyn and NYC. I am excited to share my favorite finds with you!

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