Between ambitious chef-driven menus, grab-and-go sandwiches and really, really good pizza, the central Brooklyn nabe has quietly become quite the dining destination. Here are nine spots to add to your list, stat.
9 Great Restaurants in Clinton Hill
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Published Dec 8, 2017
Speedy Romeo
This spot’s creatively topped pizzas and wood-fired fare have been a staple in our diet since it opened five years ago. You can’t go wrong with anything here, but we’re partial to the Kind Brother (béchamel, wild mushroom, smoked mozz and an egg) and the dessert that’s basically a giant s’more.
376 Classon Ave., Brooklyn; speedyromeo.com
Peck's
Peck’s
Peck’s has everything we look for in our local café—plentiful coffee, great pastries and destination-worthy breakfast sandwiches—plus a few things that weren’t even on our list, like an in-house craft beer shop and an adorable backyard.Â
455A Myrtle Ave., Brooklyn; pecksfood.com
The Finch
Cozy neighborhood vibes, a veggie-forward menu…oh, and a Michelin star. (Casual.) The menu reads like a poem of beautiful ingredients, from beets and burrata with pine-nut brittle to cauliflower-apple soup. Local tip: Go on Monday for a smoked fried chicken sandwich that’ll change your life.
212 Greene Ave., Brooklyn; thefinchnyc.com
U-gu
Local sushi-heads rejoiced when this unassuming spot opened in May, thanks to its über-fresh fish. Along with traditional (and reasonably priced) options like sashimi and donburi, be sure to try the avocado “bomb,” filled with spicy salmon or tuna and served with taro chips.
541B Myrtle Ave.; loveugu.com
Bar Bolinas
This charming spot takes its name from a NorCal beach town, and we can almost picture the foggy Pacific coastline while noshing on eclectic menu items like crispy sourdough with edamame and Thai basil or portobello mushroom bao.
455 Myrtle Ave., Brooklyn; barbolinas.com
Mekelburg’s
We’re not quite sure how to categorize Mekelburg’s—is it a sandwich counter? A cheese shop? A bar? All we know is the offerings are tasty and the vibes are always fun. Don’t miss the chocolate babka, which you can get as French toast, bread pudding or straight up.
293 Grand Ave., Brooklyn; mekelburgs.com
Emily
OK, we realize this is the second pizza place in the list, but what can we say? This neighborhood has been especially #blessed by the pizza gods. And just as impressive as the wood-fired pies is the legendary Emmy burger, which on first glance looks too big to finish (but trust us, you’ll manage).Â
919 Fulton St., Brooklyn; pizzalovesemily.com
Michael Tulipan
Larina Pastificio & Vino
Incredible pasta and a gorgeous patio? Well, aren’t we spoiled? Even if outdoor-dining weather won’t return for a while, you’ll find plenty to tide you over between butternut squash gnocchi with nutmeg crumble and saffron tagliatelle with wild mushrooms.
387 Myrtle Ave., Brooklyn; larinabk.com
Otway
This women-run wine bar boasts ridiculously photogenic ambience, inventive yet eminently snackable plates (think fried Comté cheese, anchovy toast and mortadella with pickles) and, come weekends, a selection of next-level baked goods that warrant a pilgrimage on their own.
930 Fulton St., Brooklyn; otwaynyc.com