Brooklyn Heights restaurants are some of the best in the district, and if you’re looking for a delicious dinner, these selections won’t disappoint.
Edited by Alison Lowenstein
01
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Noodle pudding
Don’t be put off by the strange-sounding name – this always-crowded, family-friendly Italian restaurant is a neighborhood favorite. With a reasonably priced menu offering great Italian staples (like a perfect spaghetti marinara and melt-in-your-mouth homemade gnocchi), locals come for the great food, while tourists looking for a bite to eat after walking the Bridge. Brooklynites are often pleasantly surprised when they stumble upon the humble hotspot. A Pudding Noodle Flaw? Reservations are not accepted, so expect a wait.
02
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Waterfront Ale House
Ask any Brooklyn Heights local where the best barbecue in the neighborhood is, and they’ll probably direct you to the Waterfront Ale House on Atlantic Avenue. This popular bar and restaurant offers some of the best pubs in the neighborhood with an extensive beer list. If you’re in the mood for dessert, try the restaurant’s bread pudding, which is hands down the best I’ve ever had.
03
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Queen
Queen has been serving their rustic Italian fare to Brooklynites since 1958, and the meals here are as hearty (imagine pasta servings heaped in rich cream-based pasta sauces) and satisfying, as they are delicious. A longtime food critic’s favorite, the restaurant has been hailed as one of Zagat’s “Top 1,000 Italian Restaurants in the Country.” My advice? Don’t miss out on the fresh mozzarella appetizer and arrive with a huge appetite.
04
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River Deli
Don’t be fooled by the name, the River Deli doesn’t serve pastrami, but instead serves the tastiest Italian food in the Heights. When two Sardinian expats transformed an old delicatessen into a delicious Italian restaurant, they kept the name. Located on a charming cobbled street, a couple of blocks from picturesque Brooklyn Bridge Park, River Deli is a staple and a neighborhood gem. The intimate 42-seat restaurant has an extensive wine selection and is also open for brunch. The exposed brick walls and the view of the brownstone lined Joralemon Street make this an ideal place to take a date. You can leave the credit cards at home because it is only cash at The River Deli.
05
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Jack the Horse Tavern
Jack the Horse is often noted for its delicious cocktails, but ignoring the food menu at this cozy restaurant would be a crime. With that said, I give you three words: macaroni. And cheese. Jack the Horse’s bacon-filled version of this staple is absolutely amazing. One bite and you will become a regular restaurant.
