8 Restaurants You Must Visit Before You Leave Brooklyn

The River Cafe. Photo by MK Metz

You've been to Farmacy and Smorgasburg. But before you pack up and leave Brooklyn for the wilds of Detroit or the chill of North Dakota ... have you eaten at some of Brooklyn's most legendary eateries? Can you imagine getting to Des Moines without ever visiting Di Fara Pizza or Peter Luger?

Here are a few suggestions for some of Brooklyn's most classic tables, in no particular order. (There are probably dozens more.) Pick out a few to visit before you go.

Di Fara Pizza  has been called sublime, pizza is at its best, and the best pizza in New York City. The New York Times called the restaurant "one of the most acclaimed and sought-after pizza shops in New York City." Get it while you can.

Randazzo’s Clam Bar is called one of the Sheepshead Bay’s most legendary culinary staples by Ned Berke of Sheepshead Bites. The clams come daily from Blue Point, Long Island. Littleneck ($8.50 half dozen / $15.00 dozen). Cherry stones ($9.50 half dozen / $16.00 dozen).

The romantic River Cafe, tucked under the Brooklyn Bridge, serves some of the finest food in the city, with first rate service and gorgeous views. Make the night complete by pairing your meal with a concert at Barge Music, just across the pier.

Chef’s Table at Brooklyn Fare is Brooklyn’s only three Michelin-starred restaurant. You eat at the kitchen counter in an 18- seat space and enjoy the cuisine of Chef Cesar Ramirez. They are currently booking reservations six weeks in advance, so plan ahead.

Peter Luger Steakhouse: Do you eat meat? Then you better visit New York City's top-rated streak restaurant (with its dry-aged porterhouse), the legendary Peter Luger. Peter Luger opened in Williamsburg in 1887. 

Even if you don't like cheesecake, you have to try Junior's famous rich, creamy version at least once. Junior's is known as New York City's best cheesecake. (Their other food isn't bad, either.)

Queen Italian restaurant on Court Street in Downtown Brooklyn is a must-try. It serves honest, traditional southern-Italian food, has impeccable service and has been first-rate for three generations. 

A Russian classic: Tatiana is Brighton Beach's hot spot for Russians. GQ says Tatiana is what would happen if a Muscovite club impresario ate 'shrooms with an oligarch-gangster and the choreographer from Cirque du Soleil. Tatiana's own website says it's "Sex in the City mixed in Sleepless on Brighton Beach." In other words, a must see.

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