Welcome to Williamsburg’s Food Scene

Looking for the best restaurants in Williamsburg, Brooklyn? Whether you’re a devoted foodie or just hungry for something unforgettable, this neighborhood doesn’t disappoint. Williamsburg blends old-school institutions with cutting-edge culinary artistry, offering everything from wood-fired pizza and Michelin-starred dishes to food truck tacos and bagels that locals line up for. In short, it’s a neighborhood that feeds creativity in every sense.

As a guest of The Penny Hotel, you’re just steps from many of these flavor-packed destinations. Better yet? You don’t have to go far for a top-tier meal—the hotel’s own rooftop restaurant, ElNico, is a culinary experience in its own right.

Beautiful restaurant and dining table set up at the Penny Hotel

The Top 10 Restaurants in Williamsburg, Brooklyn

1. ElNico (Mexican rooftop dining at The Penny Hotel)

Located atop The Penny Hotel, ElNico delivers a bold blend of modern Mexican cuisine, skyline views, and creative cocktails in one of Williamsburg’s most design-forward rooftop spaces. It’s a spot that feels celebratory yet relaxed — perfect for sunset drinks, special occasions, or dinner with a view.

  • Cuisine: Modern Mexican with upscale flair

  • Location: Rooftop of The Penny Hotel (288 N 8th St)

  • Price Point: $$$ – small plates ~$18, mains ~$30–40

  • Atmosphere: Lush, airy, and stylish with indoor/outdoor seating

  • What to Order:

    • Esquites with poblano crema

    • Chorizo-stuffed chile relleno

    • Grilled octopus al pastor

    • Mezcal negroni or spicy margarita

  • Vibe: Great for date nights, birthdays, or rooftop hangs

  • Good to Know: Reservations recommended, especially for golden hour

different type of tacos

2. Lilia (Italian, upscale)

A destination in its own right, Lilia redefined Brooklyn’s Italian dining scene with its handmade pastas, wood-fired seafood, and minimalist sophistication. This is one of those restaurants where everything, from the olive oil to the lighting, feels intentional and elevated.

  • Cuisine: Regional Italian, pasta-driven

  • Location: 567 Union Ave

  • Price Point: $$$$ – most dishes $25–$45

  • Atmosphere: Bright, minimalist, and always buzzing

  • What to Order:

    • Sheep’s milk agnolotti

    • Grilled clams with Calabrian chili

    • Cacio e pepe fritelle

    • House spritz or Italian red

  • Vibe: Sophisticated but unpretentious

Good to Know: Book weeks in advance — it fills fast

 

3. Sunday in Brooklyn (Brunch, American new)

Stylish and seasonally driven, Sunday in Brooklyn is one of the most beloved neighborhood spots for brunch, but it delivers just as well for dinner. Its three-story space includes a rooftop garden, cozy interiors, and a buzzing bar, making it a flexible go-to at any time of day.

  • Cuisine: Modern American with market-driven ingredients

  • Location: 348 Wythe Ave

  • Price Point: $$$ – mains ~$20–$35

  • Atmosphere: Chic, sunlit interiors with a rooftop garden

  • What to Order:

    • Malted pancakes

    • Spicy sausage sandwich

    • Charred broccoli & preserved lemon

    • House bloody mary or grapefruit spritz

  • Vibe: Lively, stylish, and casual

  • Good to Know: Arrive early or expect a wait on weekends

 

4. Peter Luger Steak House (Old-school, steak)

With over 135 years of history behind it, Peter Luger is the kind of place you visit once, and then keep returning to for the perfectly charred porterhouse. It’s unapologetically old-school in all the best ways: no credit cards, no fluff, just legendary steak and a timeless New York vibe.

  • Cuisine: Classic steakhouse

  • Location: 178 Broadway

  • Price Point: $$$$ – steaks run $60+

  • Atmosphere: No-frills, vintage, and timeless

  • What to Order:

    • Porterhouse for two

    • Sizzling bacon appetizer

    • German-style fried potatoes

    • Luger’s private label beer

  • Vibe: Heritage-heavy, meat-first, reservations essential

  • Good to Know: Cash or debit only — they don’t take standard credit cards

 

5. Smorgasburg (Food market, waterfront)

Held every Saturday along the Williamsburg waterfront, Smorgasburg is Brooklyn’s most famous open-air food market, and with good reason. It’s where the city’s best indie food vendors gather to serve everything from Korean hot dogs to ube cheesecake under the sun.

  • Cuisine: International street food

  • Location: Marsha P. Johnson State Park

  • Price Point: $–$$ per vendor (~$5–$20 per item)

  • Atmosphere: Lively, casual, waterfront setting

  • What to Try:

    • Birria tacos

    • Dumplings

    • Ube donuts

    • Craft soda or local beers

  • Vibe: Fun, fast-paced, and perfect for groups

  • Good to Know: Only open April–October on Saturdays

 

6. Francie (Michelin-starred, contemporary European)

Refined without being overly formal, Francie is Williamsburg’s go-to for an elevated dining experience that still feels personal. Awarded a Michelin star, it serves thoughtful European-inspired fare in a relaxed, polished setting.

  • Cuisine: Contemporary European

  • Location: 134 Broadway

  • Price Point: $$$$ – mains ~$35–$55

  • Atmosphere: Elegant but unfussy, with warm lighting and white tablecloths

  • What to Order:

    • Dry-aged duck for two

    • Ricotta agnolotti

    • Warm Parker House rolls

    • Champagne or a reserve Bordeaux

  • Vibe: Upscale, intimate, celebratory

  • Good to Know: Book ahead; it’s small and high demand

 

7. Birria-Landia (Food truck, Mexican)

A street food favorite with a cult following, Birria-Landia is all about tacos done right,  specifically, the kind you dunk into rich, beefy consomé. It’s not fancy, but it’s incredibly satisfying and one of the most affordable flavor-packed meals in the neighborhood.

  • Cuisine: Mexican street food

  • Location: 491 Metropolitan Ave (corner of Marcy Ave)

  • Price Point: $ – ~$3.50–$5 per item

  • Atmosphere: Street-side with standing-room-only energy

  • What to Order:

    • Birria tacos

    • Tostadas

    • Consomé for dipping

  • Vibe: No-frills, fast-moving, intensely flavorful

  • Good to Know: Open late — expect a line

 

8. Llama Inn (Peruvian-inspired, creative)

Llama Inn brings high-energy dining and colorful, creative Peruvian-inspired cooking to a bright corner just off the BQE. Known for bold flavors and an even bolder vibe, it’s one of Williamsburg’s most playful culinary spots.

  • Cuisine: Peruvian with Brooklyn creativity

  • Location: 50 Withers St

  • Price Point: $$$ – small plates ~$15–$25

  • Atmosphere: Colorful, plant-filled, buzzing energy

  • What to Order:

    • Lomo saltado

    • Quinoa-stuffed avocado

    • Ceviche mixto

    • Pisco punch

  • Vibe: Trendy but warm, ideal for adventurous eaters

  • Good to Know: Rooftop is walk-in only and perfect for cocktails

 

9. Fette Sau (BBQ, casual)

Smoky, rustic, and unapologetically meat-forward, Fette Sau is Williamsburg’s go-to for barbecue done right. Housed in a former garage, it’s a laid-back spot that draws locals for trays stacked with ribs, brisket, and burnt ends.

  • Cuisine: American BBQ

  • Location: 354 Metropolitan Ave

  • Price Point: $$ – sold by the pound (~$10–$30)

  • Atmosphere: Rustic, communal picnic tables, warehouse feel

  • What to Order:

    • Brisket

    • Dry-rubbed ribs

    • Burnt ends

    • Local craft beer

  • Vibe: Messy, casual, carnivore heaven

  • Good to Know: Go early—popular cuts can sell out

 

10. Win Son (Taiwanese-American)

A neighborhood favorite with national attention, Win Son offers creative Taiwanese-American plates with big flavors and a fun, unfussy vibe. It’s bold, slightly irreverent, and one of the most unique food experiences in the area.

  • Cuisine: Taiwanese-American fusion

  • Location: 159 Graham Ave

  • Price Point: $$ – mains ~$18–$25

  • Atmosphere: Youthful, eclectic, and always buzzing

  • What to Order:

    • Scallion pancakes

    • Zhajiangmian noodles

    • Lu rou fan (braised pork rice)

    • Baijiu cocktails

  • Vibe: Hip, energetic, and unfussy

  • Good to Know: Expect a wait on weekends — but it’s worth it

A table adorned with plates of delicious food and a glass of wine, creating an inviting and appetizing scene.

Why Williamsburg Is a Culinary Destination

Whether you’re in search of a $3 taco or a Michelin-starred tasting menu, Williamsburg delivers. The neighborhood thrives on creative expression, and nowhere is that more evident than in its food scene. You can eat your way around the world without leaving a 10-block radius.

It’s also incredibly walkable, many of these spots are within minutes of The Penny, making it easy to explore, eat, rest, and repeat.

 

Stay, Dine, and Explore at The Penny

With ElNico on the roof, cozy rooms, and a central location, The Penny is your ideal base for a food-centric Brooklyn stay. Whether you’re starting your day with a rooftop breakfast or winding down with a cocktail after dinner, The Penny puts the best of Williamsburg’s food culture at your doorstep.