New York: Top 10 Brooklyn Restaurants Worth The Wait

Jena Steinbach

Updated October 15, 2009

Whether it's by foot, bike, bus, boat, train, or cab, these are the Brooklyn destinations worth making a trek for.

Acqua Santa

New York Restaurants » Williamsburg » Italian

The romantic, go-to spot for the more committed hipster types. Italian favorites, like spaghetti puttanesca and fettucine amatriciana, are easily paired with a bottle of vino.

Al di Là

New York Restaurants » Park Slope » Italian

Park Slope’s favorite Italian job comes with the longest wait. Rustic fare (pork loin scallopine, tagliatelle al ragu, roasted duck) is served in a purposefully deteriorating dining room.

Applewood

New York Restaurants » Park Slope » American

Mom and pop joint serves up responsible food in a cozy, ski-lodge setting; think fireplace, wooden tables, and flowers. The meal won’t weigh as heavily on your conscience as it will your wallet.

Flatbush Farm

New York Restaurants » Park Slope » American (New)

Everything you'd expect from a restaurant with "Farm" in the name: local, organic, sustainable. Decor is more modern than country, save for the bangin' backyard overflowing with green.

Franny's

New York Restaurants » Prospect Heights » Pizza

Ultra-thin pizza fancied up with super fresh—and yes, you guessed it, sustainable—toppings like clams and mussels. Husband and wife owners don’t skimp on the salads or apps, either.

Rose Water

New York Restaurants » Park Slope » Mediterranean

It's not surprising that a seasonal menu helps the coop crowd get off. Park Slope's favorite date spot comes with flickering candles and chocolate pot de crème.

The Good Fork

New York Restaurants » Red Hook » American (New)

A reason to go to Red Hook other than IKEA. This eclectic restaurant serves global bites like Korean style steak and eggs, as well as neighborhood favorites like Steve’s Key lime pie.

James

New York Restaurants » Prospect Heights » American (New)

Hidden in the first floor of a brownstone, the restaurant draws a neighborhood crowd, but the food—New American with local ingredients—is worth a commute.

Vinegar Hill House

New York Restaurants » Dumbo » American (New)

Cast iron dishes, straight from the wood fire oven, are killer tasty and surprisingly affordable. Mismatched knickknacks and vintage furniture make the space a real charmer.

Buttermilk Channel

New York Restaurants » Carroll Gardens » American (New)

Brooklyn’s M.V.P. in the fancy-fried-chicken craze serves their birds with cheddar waffles. A clean interior—large windows, industrial lighting, dark wood floors—is the epitome of Brooklyn chic.