This list of best restaurants in DUMBO was written by Yana Zaytseva, co-founder of New York Simply (an official partner of Apple Maps).
DUMBO (which stands for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) is one of the most picturesque neighborhoods in Brooklyn. You’d be correct in assuming the neighborhood also has a few charming restaurants. But the restaurants in DUMBO don’t just look pretty – they deliver the goods too.
These joints are just as diverse as the borough itself, and the eclectic cuisines create a melting pot you’ll keep coming back to for seconds. I say this from first-hand experience – I try to visit the neighborhood once a week just to try something new. But hey – enough of the small talk. Let’s cut to the chase and chat about the best restaurants in DUMBO.
Visiting New York City? If you haven’t decided where to stay (yet) check out our helpful guide on Where to Stay in New York City (10 Best Neighborhoods +3 to Avoid). Don’t have time? Here’s our favorite hotel in NYC, hands down.
The Best Restaurants in DUMBO
Table of Contents: Best DUMBO Restaurants
Table of Contents: Where to Eat in DUMBO
Time Out Market
Website: Time Out Market
Address: 55 Water St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
The Time Out Market in DUMBO brings together a curated selection of top-notch restaurants, offering a choice of 21+ unique dining experiences all under one roof. The market simplifies the decision-making process when it comes to choosing a place to dine.
Among the plethora of options, you can expect to discover some of New York City’s most renowned eateries, with standouts like Jacob’s Pickles, Mr. Taka Ramen, and Clinton St. Baking Company. You’ll find everything from small bites to desserts and even a rooftop bar.
Not to mention the Time Out Market is located in a picturesque neighborhood and provides stellar views of the East River, could it get dreamier than that?! All this to say, if you’re searching for the best restaurants in DUMBO you’ll be hard-pressed to find better options than at the Time Out Market.
Juliana’s
Website: Juliana’s
Address: 19 Old Fulton St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Juliana’s Pizza in DUMBO is my go-to NYC pizza spot, consistently delivering a satisfying experience. Founded by Patsy Grimaldi, who also started Grimaldi’s Pizzeria, Juliana’s has a fascinating history. The ongoing debate on which place has the best pizza is reflected in the long lines at both spots—visit both and decide for yourself!
Personally, I’m hooked on Juliana’s white pie, where fresh ingredients shine. The perfectly thin crust provides a delightful foundation, and the sauces are a flavor explosion. Perhaps Juliana’s success can be attributed to their hand-built coal-fired ovens (the first commissioned in NYC in over 50 years).
Locals Tip: Since Juliana’s is considered to be one of the best restaurants in DUMBO I suggest arriving as soon as doors open to avoid a 1+ hour line.
Grimaldi’s Pizzeria
Website: Grimaldi’s Pizzeria
Address: 1 Front St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Grimaldi’s is a historic pizzeria that can be found under the shadow of the Brooklyn Bridge. It’s also one of the best restaurants in DUMBO for those looking for a traditional New York pie.
Patsy Grimaldi started making pizza in 1945 under the tutelage of his uncle, Pasquale “Patsy” Lanciri, at the original Harlem location of Patsy’s Pizzeria (one of the best pizzerias in New York City). He then opened his own pizzeria, Grimaldi’s, in 1990. They have a 3-story restaurant that oozes old-school charm.
From the plaid tablecloths to the enormous windows, it’s a can’t-miss experience for anyone in search of famous Brooklyn pizza. Although the pizzeria has since changed ownership and Patsy Grimaldi now owns Julianna’s, Grimaldi’s pizzeria is still churning out some of the best coal-fired brick oven pizza in Brooklyn and is considered one of the best restaurants in DUMBO.
Cecconi’s
Website: Cecconi’s
Address: 55 Water St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Cecconis is a worldwide icon for class and prestige, with its flagship location in London. They also have outposts in Miami, Istanbul, Barcelona and Berlin. The location in Brooklyn is one of the best restaurants in DUMBO, perfectly dim-lit, and intimate.
The food revolves around Italian delicacies including handmade pastas that will put you in a food coma unlike anything you’ve experienced. There is also seafood and pizzas available that are both filling and delicious. For those of you interested, SoHo House Members and Friends receive a generous 20% off all food and drink from 4 pm Sunday until Wednesday. For anyone curious, a membership to the SoHo House will offer access to exclusive clubs and in this case discounts.
Bread & Spread
Website: Bread & Spread
Address: 151 Front St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Sometimes simple things done well become great things, and Bread & Spread is the perfect example. The sandwich shop isn’t doing rocket science or curing a complex disease, they’re making sandwiches – but damn they’re good.
Their secret isn’t a secret at all. Bread & Spreads uses fresh, local ingredients whose flavors are allowed to shine through with every bite. They make classic breakfast sandwiches, banh mi sandwiches, and regular lunch sandwiches.
And as one of the best restaurants in DUMBO, Bread & Spread has amassed a loyal following of locals who can’t get enough. I’m proud to say I’m a part of this growing foodie-frenzy, and am addicted to the porchetta sandiwch which comes with pork belly, garlic, fennel seed, pickled red onions, arugula, red pepper jam and aged provolone (I’ll take two, please).
Height’s Falafel
Website: Height’s Falafel
Address: 78 Henry St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Quaint and inexpensive, Heights Falafel is a reminder that you don’t have to max out your credit card to eat well in NYC. It’s one of the best restaurants in DUMBO and makes mouth-watering Middle-Eastern fare. Chicken and beef shawarma sandwiches clock in at under $10 and baba ganoush falafel plates are under $12. The hummus is nothing to scoff at either, maybe the best I’ve ever had!
I was tempted to gatekeep Heights Falafel, it’s one of the best restaurants in DUMBO that somehow manages to stay under the radar. But I knew I’d be doing everyone a disservice, a joint this good deserves to be shared with the world.
Bevacco
Website: Bevacco
Address: 60 Henry St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Every list of the best restaurants in any city will include at least one Italian joint, and that’s because those fellas can cook! Bevacco fills that role on this list of the best restaurants in DUMBO. It’s a lively, warm neighborhood joint that makes no-frills quality Italian fare.
The lasagna, bolognese, carbonara pizza are all heavy-hitters. No matter what you do though – don’t forget to order a glass of wine. If the weather is nice I’d suggest requesting a table outside. Henry Street is ripe for people-watching and the trees provide a charming canopy, making this one of the best restaurants in DUMBO for outdoor dining.
Gran Eléctrica
Website: Gran Eléctrica
Address: 5 Front St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Mexican food is a Godsend, and one of the best restaurants in DUMBO is Gran Eléctrica, a Mexican restaurant. It uses ingredients sourced from local markets and makes tortillas fresh daily, hand-pressed by talented cooks. The menu pays homage to Mexico by serving delicious tacos, quesadillas, and (tasty) margaritas.
And if you want one of the best restaurants in DUMBO where you can have some drinks, Gran Eléctrica has an impressive selection of mezcal and tequila. If you’re new to the world of Mexican spirits consider ordering a flight, otherwise, the drink menu can be overwhelming! I’ll also give one last tidbit, Gran Eléctrica is one of the most popular restaurants in DUMBO so if you have the ability to, I encourage reservations.
Kogane Ramen
Website: Kogane Ramen
Address: 76 Henry St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
You can walk by Kogane Ramen a hundred times before stopping by to try it yourself, but I’m here to stop that from happening. You need to try this DUMBO restaurant ASAP! The ramen is homemade, daily, and trust me, it makes a difference. None of that pre-packaged stuff around here folks, Kogane is looking to satisfy.
You can’t go wrong with the classic tonkotsu, but if you’re feeling adventurous you can order the ramen burger. It’s made with angus beef, mixed greens, tomato, teriyaki sauce and ramen buns. Plus the inside of the restaurant is homey and warm, perfect for a rainy day or a casual date.
Westville
Website: Westville
Address: 81 Washington St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
If you’re a health nut looking for the best restaurants in DUMBO then Westville has to be at the top of your list. Westville’s menu is compiled of options for people with all sorts of dietary restrictions. Vegans, vegetarians and folks who enjoy eating out but still want to eat clean are all welcome here.
This DUMBO restaurant serves classic American fare like salads, burgers, and hotdogs. The brunch here is also worth making a detour for. I recommend ordering the California Benedict which is your typical eggs and Benedict but with hash browns instead of English muffins.
Westville also has a charming outdoor patio that fills up quickly during the warmer months. It’s one of the best restaurants in DUMBO to meet up with friends afterwork for a casual hang.
Noodle Pudding
Address: 38 Henry St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Noodle Pudding is a family friendly restaurant staffed by kind employees and serving generous portions of appetizing pasta dishes. They don’t have a website so you’ll have to trust me when I say Noodle Pudding is one of the best restaurants in DUMBO.
It’s the kind of joint you want to say salud every five minutes, clinking glasses of wine in between every bite. The white tablecloths show a level of respect to their clients but it’s far from pretentious or opulent.
If you want to see what all the fuss is about make sure you bring cash, since Noodle Pudding doesn’t take any credit cards. They also don’t take reservations and as one of the best restaurants in DUMBO, you’re all but guaranteed a wait during the dinner rush.
Vinegar Hill House
Website: Vinegar Hill House
Address: 72 Hudson Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Rustic and charming, Vinegar Hill House is one of the prettiest restaurants in DUMBO. They have a reclaimed wood type aesthetic and have a back patio that’s equally alluring. And the food is just as appetizing as the restaurant is picturesque. The menu is on the smaller side (which is a tell-tale sign that it’ll all be tasty) and is made up of pasta, fish, meats, and sides.
But (to me) the end all be all sourdough pancakes sold during weekend brunch. Each season brings a new flavor (it’s currently cherry & strawberry), and is cooked to a custard-like consistency. Every once in a while you’ll get a crispy bite that adds an extra layer of texture and will have you doing a happy dance.
The pancake alone makes it one of the best restaurants in DUMBO, but luckily Vinegar Hill House also has the full package.
Lucky Rabbit Noodles
Website: Lucky Rabbit Noodles
Address: 140 Plymouth St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
No bigger than the box Amazon delivers your paper towels in, Lucky Rabbit Noodles is small but mighty. It’s one of the best restaurants in DUMBO, making Asian-inspired fare. The headlining dishes include homemade dumplings, garlic fried rice and chili chicken.
Best part? Lucky Rabbit Noodles is also one of the most affordable restaurants in DUMBO. You don’t have to spend an arm and a leg to enjoy the gastronomical masterpiece, most plates are $15 and under.
The one caveat is that Lucky Rabbit Noodles doesn’t have a ton of seating. Matter of fact – there aren’t any tables, just counters so worst case just order your food to go and eat it on the East River waterfront!
AlMar
Website: AlMar
Address: 111 Front St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
The quintessential DUMBO restaurant, AlMar brings together the worlds of modern, sun-soaked eateries and institutions for gastronomical ingenuity. Ever since AlMar opened its doors in 2011 they’ve been amassing a steady stream of loyal customers.
Often attracted by the charming setting, folks will agree it’s one of the best restaurants in DUMBO after trying the food. The Italian joint makes savory pasta that’ll put you in a food coma but if you come for lunch order the burger, trust me.
Made with wagyu beef, fontina cheese, and horseradish cream sauce between brioche buns you’ll want to go back and kiss the chef’s hands. Or you always have the option of brunch too. Who doesn’t love carbs to start your weekend off on the right foot?
Superfine
Website: Superfine
Address: 126 Front St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
The farm-to-table movement is one that’s steadily picked up steam over the last few years, as it should. I mean who doesn’t want fresher, tastier, and local ingredients? Maybe that’s why Superfine is one of the best restaurants in DUMBO.
The restaurant gains inspiration from the most popular cuisines across the globe including Latin, Mediterranean, and Asian. They ingeniously put together dashing plates full of colorful foods that taste even better than they look. And the exuberant atmosphere is addicting, too.
Housed in a former warehouse, Superfine is able to host live music every Sunday and adorns its walls with art made by local creatives. Superfine is one of the best restaurants in DUMBO thanks to the food and friendly, community vibe.
Quick Recap of the Best Restaurants in DUMBO, Brooklyn
- Juliana’s
- Grimaldi’s Pizzeria
- Superfine
- Cecconi’s
- AlMar
- Lucky Rabbit Noodles
- Vinegar Hill House
- Noodle Pudding
- Westville
- Kogane Ramen
- Gran Eléctrica
- Bevacco
- Bread & Spread
- Heights Falafel
- Time Out Market
More on DUMBO, Brooklyn
Best Bakeries in DUMBO: 10 Delicious Bakeries in DUMBO
Great Bars in DUMBO: 5+ Great Bars in DUMBO (Local’s Guide)
Coffee Shops in DUMBO: 10+ Dreamy DUMBO Coffee Shops (You Can’t Help But Love)
Things to Do in DUMBO: 20 Best Things to Do in DUMBO, Brooklyn (Helpful Guide & Tips)
Iconic Spots in NYC Everyone Needs to Try
Best Pizza in NYC: 15 Best Pizza Joints in New York City
Iconic Restaurants in NYC: 10 Iconic New York City Restaurants Every Local Needs to Try
Best Bagels in NYC: 15 BEST Bagels in New York City
Best Brunch in NYC: 18 Prime Brunch Spots in New York City Worth the (Inevitable) Wait
Where to Eat in DUMBO (Helpful Map)
And there you have it, the best restaurants in DUMBO according to yours truly. As always, don’t hesitate to let us know if we missed anything.
Cheers!
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