I’m a foodie and New York City is the best city for being one. If there’s one thing I hope to accomplish at the end of my life, it’s trying out as many cuisines as humanly possible. I want to be like Anthony Bourdain, traveling the world, having deep chats with friends on the street and sharing stories to the world.
But first I’ll start with where I’m living now, in Brooklyn. Baby steps, right? It’s difficult to name only ten but these are my current top ten favorite spots to eat in Brooklyn.
1.Trinidadian: Ali’s Trinidad Roti Shop
I’ve never had Trinidadian food, but I’ve always known about it. The one dish I know is the Trinidadian double– chickpeas and flatbread, whats not to like? I was walking down the street once and passed by Ali’s Trinidad Roti Shop and looked it up online. Turns out the line I saw in the shop spoke for itself, the reviews online were swarming with only positive comments. At my first visit, I ordered the doubles and the goat Buss-up. The flatbread on the doubles was perfectly chewy, it was almost addicting. The goat was tender and I really enjoyed eating it with the pumpkin in the dish. The thing I enjoy about trying new cuisines, is that I always learn something new. Now, I will forever know what a Buss-Up is. If you visit this restaurant, please be warned that it is cash only!
2. Japanese: Chef Katsu
This is the spot you go to if you’re with a friend, want a flavorful bite of curry and crispy chicken or pork Katsu to eat, and a perfectly balanced matcha. The day I first visited this restaurant, I was one of the first ones there. I recommended eating here to my coworkers and I was nervous because I didn’t see anyone else. Fast forward to actual dinner time (I got there at 5pm..) the place got crowded! Katsu curry to me, is the equivalent of Korean tofu soup. It is just so warm and homey that it hits the spot. If you’re looking for something sweet, don’t miss out on the strawberry matcha. If you don’t want a drink, take a look at their dessert special. On the day I was there, they had Japanese pudding and in every Asian’s word praise, it was perfect because it wasn’t ‘too sweet.’
Chef Katsu Instagram here
3. Senegalese: Jollof Restaurant
I’ve been here way too often and I’m not even embarrassed to say it. When you walk in, the atmosphere feels like you just know you’re about to get an amazing home-cooked meal. Every time I go, I either get the Mafe Yapp or the Yassa Ganar. I usually end up choosing the Mafe Ganar though because me and a peanut dish is like a moth to a flame, inseparable. The peanut makes the dish slightly sweet while the lemon in the Yassa Ganar makes the dish more sour. Two different dishes really but Senegalese food is so bomb, I wish more people would eat it. Anyways, I love spreading awareness so if you’re ever in the Bed-Stuy area, go check it out!
Jollof Restaurant Instagram here
4. Cambodian: Lula Mae
This is the type of place you go to when you’re trying to have a nice dinner by yourself, with your friends or with a date! It has a dim and romantic ambiance. This spot is actually Cambodian and it’s the first time I had ever had Cambodian food. I’m sure it was elevated but it was a great intro to the cuisine. I went with a friend and we ordered the Sweet Bluefin Tuna, braised short rib and pork belly in a red curry (I don’t see this on the menu anymore though).There’s a large cocktail menu too which I didn’t partake in but letting you know in case you’d rather stop by for a drink instead.
Lula Mae Instagram here
5. Polish: Karczma
One thing about me is I’m a soup girl and the white borscht here is to die for. Other items to note are the classic pierogis, kielbasa and potato pancakes. I used to take German in high school and the potato pancakes remind me of the Kartoffelpuffer that some of the kids would bring in when we had food days. If I’m not wrong, they’re the same but it’s just a difference in the way the potato is used. I will say that I’m just not the biggest fan of Polish meats but that is only a personal preference!
Karczma Instagram here
6. French: Place des Fêtes
I took my friend here for a birthday dinner and the service was incredible. Someone who looked like a manager continued to check in on us, and we even got glasses of sparking wine on the house. I would list out what I got that was good but everything was good. Even the simplest of dishes left my mouth watering and taste buds so satisfied. Not only that but the dishes were beautifully crafted. If not for dinner, I recommend visiting this spot for a lovely wine night with friends.
Place des Fêtes Instagram here
7. Persian: Eyval
I guess birthday dinners are the theme because I also took a friend here for that. This is located in Bushwick and the restaurant is huge (or, at least in New York standards). I coincidentally also ended up seeing this place on TikTok and I’m glad I got here before it was rampaged with long lines and wait times. If you visit, make sure you order the eggplant and the lamb ribs because they were my favorite dishes. Writing this is really making me think I need to go back and visit, it’s been a while!
Eyval Instagram here
8. Mexican: Gueros Brooklyn
Mexican food is one of the cuisines I swear I will never get tired of. I’m sure there are great spots all around NY for Mexican food (like all the trucks you see on the street!) but I’ve been to Gueros twice for the nachos (and always when I crave nachos) and this restaurant hits the spot. I also like the vibe here, nothing fancy, just solid. I always appreciate an establishment I can trust to have good food. I can’t tell you anything about the non-nachos though so if you try then please let me know!
Gueros Instagram here
9. Southern: Peaches Brunch
A list is not complete without a brunch spot. Being from the South, I have opinions when it comes to a Southern brunch. This spot has multiple locations in Brooklyn but the one linked is the biggest. I like it for its vast menu and space in the restaurant. It’s a great place to yap with friends. Plus, the portions are quite big. The location on Tompkins Ave which I believe is called ‘Peaches Hot House’ is also famously known for their hot honey chicken sandwich. I once chatted with a friendly neighborhood local who claimed the mention for the hot honey chicken sandwich and after trying it myself, I can agree, it was quite tasty. Whichever location you choose though will be a win for a delicious brunch.
Peaches Instagram here
10. Uzbekestan: Shashlik House
Who knew grilled meat on a stick could taste so good. I have no idea what they season the meats with but I was salivating during and after eating the shish kabobs. I went here with a friend and we had to point at the meats we wanted because I don’t think our server understood English. Totally fine though because that just means the food is authentic. We got four shish kabobs: beef rolls, lamb ribs, tenderloin and another lamb cut. I think my favorites were the tenderloin and the lamb ribs but I truly don’t think you can go wrong with any of the meats. Come here after a workout and you’ll hit your protein goals, I promise.
If you enjoyed this list, let me know! I’ll update this in a few months so you have more options 🙂
