When it comes to enjoying a meal out, there’s nothing more satisfying than the joy of alfresco dining. Eating outside in the fresh air is a wonderful way to catch up with friends and have a break from the real world.
Of course, alfresco dining is best enjoyed in the summer sun where you can enjoy the warm feeling of the sun’s rays on your face as you sip on a summery cocktail. However, some places have cozy outdoor heating, which means you can even enjoy some outside time even in the winter.
Living in New York is a truly unique experience. The area of Brooklyn has a wonderful vibe and is popular with families and young professionals alike. It’s diverse, multicultural and has a fantastic mix of peace and vibrancy. And it’s a wonderful place to meet new people, make friends and share a meal.
If you live in Brooklyn, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to places to eat. It also caters for all budgets. You can find cheap, good quality restaurants along with upper market eateries throughout Brooklyn. In addition, It also has a fantastic variety of cuisines depending on taste.
Not only have we researched some of the best eateries in Brooklyn, we’ve also found the best places for outdoor dining perfect spot. Furthermore, we have created a handy guide for those with special requirements such as vegetarians, vegans, gluten-free and dairy free.
We’ve also thrown in a few organic options for those that prefer their food pure and chemical free, what’s not to be excited about? So let’s take a look at some of the best restaurants with outdoor dining options facilities.
Testo
141 Leonard street, Brooklyn, NY 11206
Testo is a gorgeous little Italian restaurant with a diverse menu. If you are potty about pasta or pining for pizza, this is the place for you. It has some handy outside seating available first come first served.
They offer authentic Italian cuisine with unusual meal options for the adventurous diners. They switch it up each day with a special board that could be anything from wild boar sausage to roasted artichokes. Furthermore, they also provide the old Italian favorites such as Spaghetti Carbonara and lasagna for those that enjoy a bit of familiarity with their eating experience.
Another great feature of this restaurant is it has plenty of vegetarian options as well as a few unusual organic dishes. They are slightly more expensive than the main menu, but not unaffordable. They even throw in a burger or two, what’s not to love?
Not only that, but they offer traditional Italian desserts for those guests with a sweet tooth, such as Tiramisù Torta Di Ricotta (translated as Ricotta cheesecake).
The restaurant has five-star reviews with most diners mentioning the food is well priced, tasty with excellent customer service.
Piccola Cucina
75 Thompson Street, NY, 196 Spring Street, NY
This beautiful restaurant is a wonderful treat for the taste buds. The owner, Italian-born Philip Guardione trained to be a chef in Sicily and came to New York for a visit many years ago. He loved the city so much he stayed and that’s how Piccola Cucina was born.
On the website, you can read about the history of Sicilian cuisine and how it informs the meal creation at the restaurant. He talks about some of the main ingredients he uses in dishes and the history behind them.
He uses ingredients such as Pachino tomatoes, Ragusa cheese and pure Sicilian olive oil to make tasty dishes that’ll make your mouth water. The menu is diverse, and they take into account those with allergies. There are also plenty of vegetarian options.
The Piccola Cucina has a gorgeous outside area set under a canopy with twinkling lights, perfect for a romantic meal with a loved one, or you can book a bigger table and have a large gathering to catch up with friends.
City Vineyard
233 West Street Pier, Hudson River Park, NYC 10013
City Vineyard is a popular choice for its breathtaking location and views. It offers a wonderful setting with outside dining, perfect for watching the sun go down.
The restaurant is also a popular venue for events, so if you enjoy good music with your meal look out for some of the great bands that play there.
The menu caters for all tastes, but specializes in seafood. You can order a lobster roll, crab cakes or oysters or mac & cheese with a burger for the ultimate comfort food. They offer gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options.
The rabbit Hole
352 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11249
The Rabbit Hole is a cozy, friendly little American restaurant. It has a pretty outside courtyard that takes you away from the hustle and bustle of the main street. The owners are focused on creating meals that are above standard, concentrating on all the small details that make the perfect dining experience.
The menu is affordable and everything is homemade and fresh. They offer some super high-quality coffee, if you’re a coffee connoisseur, you won’t be disappointed. They have casual dining areas for brunch and a more formal area for evening guests.
Evening meals include homemade tagliatelle, Salmon, Tuna Tartar or even a special Portuguese Octopus. They have a good list of gluten-free and vegan options, and you can discuss with the waiter any other dietary requirements.
The Rabbit Hole also offers a unique selection of cocktails as well as a fine list of good quality whiskeys for those that enjoy a tipple post meal.
Boucherie West Village
99 7th Ave S, New York City, NY 100143415
If you have a place in your heart for all things French you’ll love this little gem of a restaurant. Predominantly a steakhouse, the neighborhood restaurant offers a fabulous menu of authentic French dishes such as Ratatouille Aux Merguez, Moules Marinières and Beef Bourguignon. Their dry-aged steaks sure are the best in town, and you won’t be disappointed when you sample the unique cuisine.
The location at 7th avenue is the most popular out of the 4 venues and the second floor gallery has a delightful outside dining area that’s romantic and intimate. Reviews for this restaurant are fantastic making it a top place to dine out.
Café Magador
133 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn, NY, 11249
Cafe Magador has been trading since 1983. All those years ago the owner, Rivka, became fully integrated into the creative and vibrant neighborhood. She spent years experimenting with flavors and creating unique culinary delights. The family still owns the café today and are well known for their tasty tagines and delicious homemade breads.
The menu offers a wonderful selection of Meze, salads, kebabs, and salads. There’s a large selection of vegetarian food available and much of the food is gluten-free.
The outside seating is bistro style and perfect for observing the world go by and partaking of people watching, always a fascinating pastime.
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que
604 Union Street, Brooklyn, NY 11215
This long-standing building has been around since 1941. Originally a motor freight company it has been operating as a restaurant since 2013 and has become a popular eatery in the local area.
If you share your life with a furry canine you can rest assured they will be welcome at the Dinosaur Bar-b-Que. The owners love dogs and the outdoor eating area is often seen full of well-behaved dogs enjoying attention from fellow dog lovers. They even provide dog spots in the way of a sidewalk that’s safe and secure if you need to head inside. What’s not to love?
If hunger is ruling your current mood this is the place to be. Reasonably priced and big portions they offer no frills’ food such as BBQ Pork, burgers, Pork belly, chicken wings, nachos, ribs, or a customized combo if you can’t choose. They have an entire menu dedicated to gluten-free food so celiacs need not fear.
They have outside seating available if you need some fresh air during the mammoth eating session.
Westlight
111 N 12th ST 22nd Floor, Brooklyn, NY, 11249
Westlight is an upper market rooftop restaurant created by Andrew Carmellini’s group. The menu is primarily small high-quality plates that are unique and bursting with flavor. They pair perfectly with the classic cocktails on offer as well as spirits, craft beer and wine.
The food menu includes unusual breads, shrimp dumplings, chicken empanadas, duck crostis and octopus skewers. The sweet toothed guests can sample the delicious ice cream and their signature black forest sundae.
The view from the rooftop is phenomenal and provides a wonderful backdrop for panoramic photos. At night the outdoor space area is atmospheric and romantic with lanterns on tables and the perfect view of New York City at night. As well as formal dining tables and chairs the outside area has a cozy selection of sofas and cushions to wile away the evening under the stars.
Cecconi’s Dumbo
55 water Street, Brooklyn, NY, 11201
Another Italian extravaganza, this special restaurant offers amazing waterfront views. The outdoor area overlooks the Manhattan skyline and is an elegant and sophisticated restaurant full of charm and class. Decorated with sumptuous interiors the space is relaxing yet vibrant.
They offer all the usual traditional Italian cuisine with a few unusual dishes for something different like Spaghetti, Maine lobster with chili or a black truffle, squash blossom and goats cheese pizza.
They have an extensive range of Italian wines that pair well with all the dishes offered. You can discuss with the waiter and get recommendations on wine choice. If you’re celebrating a special occasion why not order one of the outstanding champagnes on offer such as the Veuve Clicquot rose brut.
Mad Dog & Beans Mexican Cantana
83 Pearl Street, New York City, NY 10004-2602
For the Party goers and music lovers, Mad Dog and Beans is a vibrant and lively restaurant serving traditional Mexican food. If you like a bit of spice in life and your food, this is the place to be. They offer nachos, hot wings, Quesadillas, Burritos, Fajitas as well as a gorgeous Churro dessert. In addition, the restaurant is also vegetarian and vegan friendly.
They have a fabulous range of Tequilas and a happy hour Mon-Fr 2:30-6:30pm. So grab your friends and head down there for great food and a party vibe. There is limited outside seating but chat with the staff to add extra seats outside, you may even initiate a street party, what fun that would be.
Dashi
119 Ingraham Street, First Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11237
Dashi is a popular Japanese restaurant in a popular area of Brooklyn. The brand was born from Joseph Hirotsu and Richard Kashida, Japanese Americans living in New York. After much discussion they created Dashi in 2016 and became home to their creative expertise, resulting in delicious Japanese/American culinary delights.
On the menu you can find Miso soup, Dashi PHO (Vietnamese noodles), Dashi curry, Chashu Don (pork belly, egg, slaw, ginger) and green tea along with burgers, sandwiches, and salads.
Namaste
195 5th Avenue, Brooklyn, New York
If your idea of taste bud heaven is an authentic Indian curry, then look no further. Namaste can cater for all your spice needs. The restaurant has been trading for over 25 years and has successfully been serving delicious food to the community, resulting in a thriving business.
Fresh ingredients meet skillful chefs for a wonderful blend of Indian flavors to excite the taste buds. With the uniquely blended flavors you’ll be heading to Namaste more than once to work through the extensive menu.
The menu offers different types of curries with all the menu being gluten-free, the perfect dining experience for celiacs that love curry.
So, there you have 12 restaurants to try in Brooklyn, New York. The list is by no means the only ones, but it’s a good start. Eating out is one of life’s luxuries. After a year of limited social contact, sharing meals with friends and family is a fantastic opportunity to reconnect with others and enjoy good times once again.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a great outdoor dining spot, Brooklyn is the place to be for outdoor tables. With plenty of option s to choose from, you’re sure to find something that suits your taste in the outdoor dining structures or outdoor garden. So why not head over to one of the borough’s many restaurants and enjoy a meal outdoor seating or on sidewalk seating?
