Add these to your list of must-try restaurants while in Brooklyn.
Le Crocodile at the Wythe Hotel: I love the feel of the Wythe Hotel at 80 Wythe Ave. This is an older factory building dating from 1901 that was converted to a new, hip boutique hotel. Their restaurant, now called Le Crocodile, is a French restaurant and from the people behind Chez Ma Tante in Greenpoint. It was the perfect spot for lunch. There is also a rooftop bar where you can enjoy great views of Manhattan at night. Both the hotel and restaurant have received very good reviews.
At 66 S. 2nd St., you will enjoy 1 or 8 Japanese Restaurant which has a sleek, white décor with great sushi and a very innovative menu.
Brooklyn Brewery, at 79 N. 11th St., where you can sample a number of local craft beers.
There is also the Brooklyn Flea Food Market or Smorgasburg on Saturdays near the East River and East River Park in Williamsburg between N. 6th and N. 7th. Here you can find many local restaurants and food trucks offering every imaginable ethnic food. It is a festive atmosphere so head over for lunch. The market moves to the Brooklyn Bridge Park on Sundays.
French Louie: This is a small, charming French Bistro at 320 Atlantic Avenue in Boerum Hill. They serve lunch, dinner and brunch on weekends.
For my next trip, I definitely want to try Lilia Ristorante for their pasta and Italian food after I saw chef Missy Robbins featured on CBS This Morning Saturday. They also have a Lilia Caffe for coffee, pastries, foccacia and fritattas, Midday brings sandwiches and tortes and soft serve gelato. In the evening they feature aperitivi and snacks. 567 Union Ave. in Williamsburg.
Aska is known for its contemporary Scandinavian tasting menus. Expensive, it has two Michelin stars. It is in Williamsburg at 47 S 5th St. and helmed by Chef Fredrik Berselius who is influenced by his native Sweden.
Diner: Diner, opened in 1999, in a classic Kullman Diner underneath the Williamsburg bridge at 85 Broadway. It is open for lunch and dinner along with a weekend brunch. The menu changes daily. I enjoyed the pork sandwich and salad and my friend his burger. The atmosphere is right out of the past including old tile floors. I highly recommend it.
Marlow & Sons: Located next door at 81 Broadway, they serve great breakfast items from a frittata, smoked whitefish salad, scones, lox and bagels, to oysters and green tomato sandwiches. I went for dessert of coffee and almond ice cream after lunch next door at Diner.
The Bedford: At 110 Bedford Ave., this is a casual, rustic restaurant located on the site of a former garage. It has a menu that features burgers, seasonally sourced oysters and local meats. It is a great spot for coffee, drinks, brunch or dinner. According to them “the back room and bar are perfect for after-work cocktails or late night drink with friends.”
Mable’s Smokehouse: This is a fun spot, known for its BBQ platters, sandwiches salads and sides. They feature chicken, brisket, pulled pork, andouille sausage and ribs. 44 Berry St.
SIMPLE Cafe: This is a small cafe featuring French Algerian cuisine. It is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as for brunch on Saturday and Sunday. 346 Bedford Ave.
