Williamsburg has evolved from an industrial hub into NYC’s premier culinary destination. Whether you're arriving via the East River ferry or the L train at Bedford Avenue, finding where to eat in Williamsburg can be overwhelming. This guide highlights the best Williamsburg restaurants for every foodie, from James Beard Award winners to hidden sourdough pizza gems.
Our Top Picks
- Best for Pasta: Misi (Handmade specialties by Missy Robbins)
- Best for Views: Laser Wolf (Israeli wood-fired cooking on a rooftop)
- Best for Slices: L’Industrie Pizzeria (Sourdough crust specialists)
- Best Date Night: Le Crocodile (French bistro in the Wythe Hotel)
- Best Michelin Wine Bar: The Four Horsemen (James Beard Award winner)
- Best Steakhouse Alternative: St. Anselm (Affordable grill focused)
- Best Italian Tradition: Fortunato Brothers (Iconic cannoli and espresso)
The best Williamsburg restaurants offer a mix of Michelin-rated eateries like The Four Horsemen and casual local staples like L’Industrie Pizzeria. For those seeking waterfront dining in Williamsburg Brooklyn with Manhattan views, Laser Wolf provides premier wood-fired Israeli cuisine.
1. Misi: The King of Handmade Pasta near the Waterfront
To step into Misi is to enter a temple of refined simplicity. Located just a stone's throw from the sprawling green lawns of Domino Park, this restaurant is the second act of Chef Missy Robbins, one of the most celebrated James Beard Award winners in the city. The space itself celebrates an industrial-chic aesthetic, with floor-to-ceiling windows that look out onto the Brooklyn streets and an open kitchen where pasta is treated with the reverence of fine art.
The menu at Misi is deceptively sparse, focusing entirely on handmade pasta and elevated vegetable antipasti. There is no meat on the menu, yet even the most committed carnivores leave satisfied. The focus here is on the alchemy of flour, water, and seasonal produce. Finding where to eat in Williamsburg often starts and ends with a search for a Misi reservation, which remains one of the most difficult tables to secure in the borough. It is a mandatory inclusion for any Williamsburg food tour stops for independent travelers who appreciate technical precision in their cooking.
Order This
- Sheep’s milk cheese filled occhi with brown butter and lemon
- Fettuccine with buffalo butter and parmigiano extra vecchio
- The vanilla bean gelato with olive oil and sea salt
2. Laser Wolf: Israeli Wood-Fired Cooking with a View
Perched atop the Hoxton Hotel, Laser Wolf offers an experience that is as much about the atmosphere as it is about the ancient art of the charcoal grill. This "shipudiya" or skewer house is the brainchild of Chef Michael Solomonov, and it has quickly become a standout for top restaurants in Williamsburg Brooklyn. The dining room is open-air, allowing the scent of charred meats and zesty spices to mingle with the breeze coming off the East River.
What makes Laser Wolf one of the best Williamsburg restaurants is its ability to balance high-energy dining with world-class Israeli wood-fired cooking. Every meal begins with "salatim"—a vibrant parade of nearly a dozen small bowls filled with hummus, baba ganoush, pickled vegetables, and spicy salads, served with warm, pillowy pita. It is the ultimate destination for waterfront dining Williamsburg Brooklyn with Manhattan views, providing a front-row seat to the sunset over the city skyline. For those looking for Williamsburg restaurants with outdoor seating for summer, the rooftop setting here is unparalleled.
Order This
- The Salatim (included with every entree)
- Lamb Merguez skewers with charred onions
- Brown sugar soft serve with tehina and petimezi
3. L’Industrie Pizzeria: The Best Sourdough Pizza Spots in Williamsburg
In a city defined by its pizza, L’Industrie Pizzeria has managed to create a cult following that transcends the usual neighborhood loyalty. Located just a short walk from the subway at Bedford Avenue, this tiny shop has redefined the New York slice using a long-fermented sourdough crust. The result is a base that is thin and light yet possesses a structural integrity and a complex tang that typical doughs lack.
As a central pillar of any Williamsburg foodie guide, L’Industrie blends traditional Italian ingredients with modern Brooklyn sensibilities. It’s common to see a line snaking down the block, filled with people waiting for a slice topped with fresh burrata or spicy salami. While Williamsburg is home to many iconic pizzerias, this shop is widely regarded as one of the best sourdough pizza spots in Williamsburg because of its commitment to high-quality flour and a three-day fermentation process.
Order This
- The Burrata Slice (a classic Margherita topped with a cold ball of burrata)
- The Fig and Bacon pie (seasonal and spectacular)
- A side of their house-made hot honey
4. Le Crocodile: Sophisticated French Bistro Vibes
Housed within the historic walls of the Wythe Hotel, Le Crocodile feels like a slice of the Rive Gauche transported to the Brooklyn waterfront. The room is grand, with towering golden-brick walls, high ceilings, and an amber glow that makes everyone look a little more cinematic. It is arguably one of the best restaurants in Williamsburg for a date night, offering an elegance that is polished but never stuffy.
The menu is a love letter to the French bistro, focusing on deep flavors and classic techniques. The chefs here understand that a perfectly roasted chicken or a crisp steak frites can be more revolutionary than any modernist experiment. The restaurant embraces the industrial-chic aesthetic of the neighborhood while maintaining a sense of old-world warmth. Whether you are dining al fresco dining in their charming courtyard or tucked into a leather booth, the experience is consistently excellent, making it a staple of the Brooklyn culinary scene.
Order This
- The Whole Roast Chicken with herb jus
- Saucisson à l'Ail (garlic sausage) with warm potato salad
- Chocolate Profiteroles for two
5. The Four Horsemen: Michelin-Rated Wine Bar Excellence
Owned by James Murphy of LCD Soundsystem, The Four Horsemen could have easily been a celebrity vanity project. Instead, it has become one of the most respected Michelin-rated eateries in the United States. This intimate wine bar received the James Beard Foundation's Outstanding Wine Program award in 2022, and it has held a Michelin star since 2019, proving that its substance matches its undeniable style.
As of 2024, the neighborhood is home to a high concentration of Michelin-rated establishments, and The Four Horsemen remains a leader among natural wine bars. The interior is clad in light wood with acoustic treatments that make it the perfect place for a quiet, focused dinner. The menu changes daily to reflect the best available ingredients, often featuring small plates that pair beautifully with their extensive list of rare and biodynamic wines.
Order This
- Ask the sommelier for a "skin contact" (orange) wine recommendation
- The house-made sourdough with cultured butter
- Beef tartare with sunchoke and black truffle
6. St. Anselm: Affordable Steakhouses in Williamsburg vs Peter Luger
While the legendary Peter Luger Steak House was established in 1887 in Williamsburg and is currently the third oldest operating steakhouse in New York City, much of the modern foodie crowd has migrated toward St. Anselm. The reason is simple: St. Anselm offers an incredible grilled meat experience without the formality or the steep price tag of its elder neighbor.
This cozy, rustic spot is one of the most popular affordable steakhouses in Williamsburg vs Peter Luger because it prioritizes the grill over the spectacle. The atmosphere is warm and unpretentious, with plenty of dark wood and the constant hiss of the charcoal fire. They have a strict no-reservations policy, so be prepared to put your name in and grab a drink at a nearby bar. It is a essential stop for anyone wondering where to eat in Williamsburg for a meal that feels honest and deeply satisfying.
Order This
- The Butchers Steak (their signature hangar steak)
- Grilled iceberg wedge with blue cheese and bacon
- Bourbon-brined pork chop
7. Fortunato Brothers: A Taste of Old Williamsburg Heritage
For a break from the modern industrial-chic aesthetic, one must walk east to Fortunato Brothers. This traditional Italian bakery has been a fixture of the neighborhood since 1976, long before the first artisanal coffee shop arrived. It represents the deep Italian roots of Brooklyn, serving as one of the best Williamsburg food tour stops for independent travelers looking for history alongside their dessert.
The atmosphere here is wonderfully nostalgic, with humming glass cases filled with marzipan fruits, colorful cookies, and towers of cannoli. It’s the perfect place to linger after a long day of exploring, sipping a macchiato and watching the neighborhood go by. In an area that changes every month, Fortunato Brothers remains a comforting constant in the ever-evolving Brooklyn culinary scene.
Order This
- Traditional Cannoli (filled to order)
- Sfogliatelle (flaky pastry with ricotta and citrus)
- A classic Italian macchiato
Pro Logistics: Ferry, Trains, and Payments
Navigating the culinary landscape of Williamsburg requires a bit of tactical planning. Most of the neighborhood's top destinations are concentrated around the Bedford Avenue corridor or the waterfront. If you are coming from Manhattan, the East River ferry is often the most scenic route, costing just $4.50 and offering a breathtaking view of the bridge. Alternatively, the L train is the neighborhood's lifeline, though visitors should check for weekend service changes.
While most modern restaurants accept all major credit cards, some smaller heritage spots or popular brunch cafes like Bakeri remain cash-only. It’s also worth noting that on Saturdays from April through October, the waterfront hosts Smorgasburg, a massive open-air food market that is a pilgrimage site for any serious NYC foodie.
FAQ
What are the best-rated restaurants in Williamsburg?
Williamsburg boasts several highly-rated establishments, including Michelin-starred icons like the two-star Aska for Nordic cuisine and one-star spots like Francie and The Four Horsemen. For contemporary Italian, Misi and Lilia are consistently ranked among the city's best.
Which Williamsburg restaurants are good for a first date?
For a romantic atmosphere, Le Crocodile offers timeless French elegance, while The Four Horsemen provides a more intimate, intellectual wine bar vibe. If you want a conversation starter, the wood-fired spectacle at Laser Wolf with its skyline views is hard to beat.
Do I need to make reservations for dinner in Williamsburg?
For popular spots like Misi, Lilia, and Le Crocodile, reservations are essential and often need to be booked weeks in advance. However, several top-tier restaurants like St. Anselm and pizzerias like L’Industrie operate on a walk-in basis.
What are the most popular waterfront restaurants in Williamsburg?
Laser Wolf is the premier choice for dining with a view. Near Domino Park, you can also find 12 Chairs for vibrant Middle Eastern cuisine or Bar Blondeau on the rooftop of the Wythe Hotel for seafood-focused small bites and cocktails.
What restaurants in Williamsburg offer outdoor seating?
Many neighborhood favorites offer al fresco dining during the warmer months. Laser Wolf and Bar Blondeau provide rooftop seating, while Le Crocodile has a beautiful courtyard. For a more casual experience, many restaurants along Bedford Avenue set up sidewalk tables.
What are the best brunch spots in Williamsburg?
Five Leaves near McCarren Park is legendary for its ricotta pancakes. Other top picks include Sunday in Brooklyn for their famous malted pancakes and Egg for southern-style breakfast classics using locally sourced ingredients.
