8 Best Restaurants in Brooklyn Heights, New York City

Colonie

$$$ | Brooklyn Heights Fodor's choice

The key to this restaurant's success lies in its use of ultrafresh ingredients, sourced from local purveyors and presented with style in an upscale, yet casual space that honors its neighborhood's historical roots. A selection of small plates and crostini complement popular main dishes like bison steaks, bone-in pork chops, and homemade pastas. Weekend's offer popular brunch fare including shrimp and grits and "eggs in purgatory" (spicy tomato pomodoro).

The River Café

$$$$ | Brooklyn Heights Fodor's choice

A deservedly popular special-occasion destination, this waterfront institution complements its exquisite Brooklyn Bridge views with memorable top-shelf cuisine served by an unfailingly attentive staff. Lobster, lamb, duck, and strip steak are among the staples of the prix-fixe menu ($195). The chocolate Brooklyn Bridge mousse delivers the perfect ending to dinner. 

Damascus Bread & Pastry Shop

$ | Brooklyn Heights
Named for the founder's childhood home in Syria, this family-run bakery and market has been a mainstay of the neighborhood's Middle Eastern community since 1930. Specialties include freshly baked pita, vegetable and meat pies, and baklava. For a quick take-away lunch, order a falafel sandwich, some hummus and pita, or a lighter-than-air spinach pie.

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Henry's End

$$$ | Brooklyn Heights
This neighborhood institution made its reputation serving wonderful food and excellent wines in an unpretentious, high-ceiling, exposed-brick dining room. Meat takes center stage here, with several nightly changing preparations of duck and veal, but there are fish and pasta dishes as well. The annual Wild Game Festival is a showcase of hearty fare, including elk, buffalo, venison, and rabbit. The wine list includes noteworthy selections at all price points.
American Dinner $$$
44 Henry St., Brooklyn, New York, 11201, USA
718-834–1776
www.henrysend.com
Known For
  • seasonal ingredients
  • meat and game dishes
  • neighborhood favorite
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: No lunch, Credit cards accepted

Iris Café

$$$ | Brooklyn Heights
Run by two Brooklyn-raised brothers, this bar, restaurant, and café sits on a quiet, cobblestone stretch of Columbia Place in Brooklyn's "Willowtown," a historic neighborhood dating to the 1810s. Sun streaming through large storefront windows illuminates daytime fare that includes baked goods, daily soups, well-made sandwiches, and excellent coffee. Dinner is a more sophisticated affair, with New American dishes and craft cocktails in a romantic bistro setting.

Noodle Pudding

$$ | Brooklyn Heights
Efficient waiters, consistently outstanding food, and the hum of conversation make a visit to this always bustling Italian restaurant exceedingly pleasant. Squeeze lemon over your calamari, savor gnocchi with sage butter, or dig into lasagna Bolognese: whether you're in the mood for pasta, risotto, meat, chicken, or seafood, you're bound to leave satisfied. Just be sure to hear about the daily specials before making your decision. The wines here are reasonably priced, too.
Italian Dinner $$
38 Henry St., Brooklyn, New York, 11201, USA
718-625–3737
Known For
  • Italian comfort food
  • large portions
  • reasonable prices
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No lunch

Salter House

$ | Brooklyn Heights

While this shabby--chic shop is now mostly a boutique featuring natural and sustainable housewares and their own branded line of women's house clothes, it's still a café serving coffee, tea, and gluten free baked goods, plus bagels on the weekend. When you're done shopping, there are a few tables to sip, relax, and take in the sun-flooded interior before venturing out to nearby Brooklyn Bridge Park. Next door is its sister shop Picture Room, featuring prints and photography.

Café Quick Bite $
119 Atlantic Ave., Brooklyn, New York, 11201, USA
347-987–4675
salter.house
Known For
  • sun-filled, shabby--chic interior
  • natural and sustainable clothing line
  • home goods shop and café

Table 87

$$ | Brooklyn Heights
A hot margherita pizza cooked in a coal-fired oven with a dark, smoky crust is basically the taste of Brooklyn. Stop by Table 87, "Home of the Coal Oven Slice," for the quintessential Brooklyn snack (a plain slice costs $4), or get a table in the casual back room for a simple but delicious meal.