Carroll Gardens is one of the charming neighborhoods in Brooklyn that seems like a suburban part where you can relax from New York City’s fast-paced life.
While walking through the streets you can see a lot of trees and brownstone facade buildings with beautiful gardens decorating the entrance.
This neighborhood is also known for Italian – American heritage which you can still feel in the air. That is the reason why there are a lot of Italian restaurants so you can smell pizza on every corner.
Besides Italian cuisine, there is also Greek, Mexican, Argentinian, Thai, and of course classical American restaurants so you can enjoy the flavors you like the most.
So next time, when you come to this part of Brooklyn make sure to feel the atmosphere and try the specialities of Carroll Gardens restaurants.
List of best restaurants in Carroll Gardens
While passing by you can see that restaurants in Carroll Gardens are always filled with people sharing their meals and chatting about their day.
Whatever flavor your body craves, this area can offer.
Each of these restaurants has something special and worth tasting so it is hard to choose just one.
That is why I made a list of the best restaurants in Carroll Gardens so you can start with a gastro tour straight away!
- Lucali
- Ugly Baby
- Frankies 457 Spuntino
- Court Street Grocers
- El Mate
- Vinny’s
- Black Mountain Wine House
- Avlee
- Brooklyn Farmacy & Soda Fountain
- Buttermilk Channel
- Bar Bruno
1. Lucali
575 Henry St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
+17188584086
https://www.lucalibrooklyn.com/
This is a place where you can try one of the best pizzas in New York City.
When Mark Iacono opened this pizza store in 2006. he couldn’t even imagine that this modest restaurant will become a favorite place for dinner of the biggest celebrities.
So if you have luck getting the table, you can have the opportunity to see Beyonce, Jay Z, Jimmy Fallon, and others enjoying their meal.
An interesting fact is that the menu didn’t change since 2006, in fact, there is no menu. You can order only two things – pizza and calzone.
There are several toppings you can add to your dish but it is recommended to leave your meal as simple as possible if you eat it for the first time. Only in that way, you can really understand why this place is so popular.
As you can see, everything is very simple. No choosing for hours, no reservations, no delivery, no slices, you are also allowed to bring your own drink.
So if you are ready to find out the secret of Lucali food, be ready to be there before the opening and avoid weekends since the line can be incredibly long.
2. Ugly Baby
407 Smith St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
+13476893075
https://www.uglybabynyc.com/
An Ugly baby is a tiny Thai restaurant placed near the subway B line on Smith Street.
This place maybe won’t catch your attention when passing by the street, but when you get in everything will change.
The atmosphere in Ugly baby is very cozy and casual, so you can relax and enjoy authentic Thai flavors.
Idea if their kitchen is to bring a piece of Asia here, so they are not compromising and adjusting food to American preferences. While eating their food you will feel like really being in Thailand and living your adventure.
The food is very spicy and you can get across a lot of unusual spices in your dish. The best would be to consult the staff about the spice level and size of the portion you should order.
Thai food is the best when it is shared, so if you have a group of friends that love exotic food, come together so you can enjoy the whole palette of dishes!
3. Frankies 457 Spuntino
457 Court St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
+17184030033
https://www.frankiesspuntino.com/
Carroll Gardens area has a lot of Italian restaurants but one of the most popular is Frankies 457 Spuntino, which is also mentioned as one of the best takeout restaurants in NYC. It is possible to do a reservation through Resy, but if you have time you can always walk in and try your luck.
This place is a dash of Toscany in the heart of Brooklyn.
They have a charming backyard which is a perfect place for your date, family gathering or just treating yourself to a delicious meal and quality wine.
Most of their ingredients are housemade and you can feel it while you dine. At the beginning of any meal, they serve crusty bread with their own spicy green olive oil.
Whatever you choose from the menu, every bite will be delicious so you don’t have to worry about making the wrong choice.
If you want to stay with Frankie’s food, but you don’t have time to dine in you can walk a few steps further and try F&F Pizzeria. Passioned wine tasters can spend some time in Frank’s Wine Bar next door, to completely fulfill the experience.
4. Court Street Grocers
485 Court St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
+17187227229
http://www.courtstreetgrocers.com/
Even though the name of this store sounds so plain, this store is everything but that!
When you enter you can see hundreds of unique international items and ingredients on their shelves.
Most of them, you probably didn’t even hear about but if you love exploring new flavors feel free to try them.
What makes this store so popular are the mouth-watering sandwiches they make! They decided to put focus on the two most important ingredients – bread and meat.
Their menu contains a dozen sandwiches so you can choose according to your preferences.
Since this place is quite narrow, the best would be to take your sandwich and go to the nearby Saint Mary’s Park to enjoy it in peace.
More about Court Street Grocers
5. El Mate
550 Court St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
+17182221102
https://elmaterestaurant.biz/
This Argentinian restaurant is called after the most popular traditional drink of Argentina – a beverage similar to tea with plenty of herbs.
Here you can find the specialties of the whole of South America, with emphasis on Brazil and Argentina.
If you are a meat lover you will be thrilled with beef steaks! Also, you can try milanesas, empanadas, authentic tacos, canelones, and many more.
For drink, we advise you to try traditional mate or if you want something stronger your choice should be a cocktail with a mix of herbs and alcohol.
If you want to stay classy, you should enjoy your dinner with traditional Malbec wine.
6. Vinny’s
295 Smith St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
+17188755600
https://vinnysofcarrollgardens.com/
Vinny’s of Carroll Gardens is a typical New York Italian restaurant you see when you close your eyes and think of it.
Wooden exterior, printed name on the top, green awning combined with a friendly atmosphere that makes you feel like you are at home.
This family’s favorite restaurant serve this neighborhood for more than 20 years.
You can try all the classic Italian dishes, made with passion in the spirit of southern Italy.
They still maintain old recipes and make food in a traditional way.
Everything from the menu is delicious but it is even tastier if you share the meal with your loved ones. Since portions are huge if you are coming alone make sure to be very hungry.
7. Black Mountain Wine House
415 Union Street Ground Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11231
+17185224340
https://www.blkmtnwinehouse.com/
Even though Black Mountain Wine House is placed between Carroll Gardens and the Gowanus area, you will have a feeling that you are in some Scandinavian village!
The exterior of this restaurant looks like a wooden cabin, but only when you get in the magic begins.
There is no better way to spend your night than dine with your loved ones with the sound of fire cracking from the fireplace. If we add to that atmosphere an infinite list of quality wines, we can call it a perfect night!
Even though the focus of this place is wines, they offer delicious food.
The concept of meals here is more to eat in smaller bites than to have a large meal. They usually serve sandwiches, salads, cheese, and charcuterie. But overall, those small bites fit perfectly into this cozy atmosphere.
8. Avlee
349 Smith St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
+17188555125
https://avleegreekkitchen.com/
Avlee is a simple family-owned restaurant with Greek cuisine. As in every typical Greek restaurant, there are white walls, small tables and there are hanging light bulbs.
Greeks are known for being great hosts, and you can verify that here! There are indoor and outdoor seating also, so you can enjoy your food in the sun if you like.
The menu is large so you can find all the traditional Greek dishes here.
If you still haven’t tried essentials then start your gastro tour with gyro, souvlaki, fluffy pitas, baklava, and famous tzatziki.
I am sure you will enjoy and feel the real Mediterranean atmosphere even in New York City.
9. Brooklyn Farmacy & Soda Fountain
513 Henry St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
+17185226260
http://www.brooklynfarmacyandsodafountain.com/
Behind the interesting name of this place stands an interesting story. One hundred years ago this was a pharmacy.
Even today you can see some of the original interiors carefully restored and saved after so many years. The whole ambient drags you back to that period, every detail looks vintage with plenty of antiquities.
If you want to observe and explore a bit deeper, try to get the place at the counter.
But besides the amazing interior, their food is so delicious!
It is dessert-oriented, but you can find some salty meals too. This place is certainly kids’ favorite!
They have many types of sundaes, ice creams, milkshakes.. and fountain sodas! This drink is housemade so it looks nothing like traditional soft drinks.
Even if you are not a fan of sweets, you have to check out this place at least to feel the spirit of the previous century.
10. Buttermilk Channel
524 Court St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
+17188528490
https://buttermilkchannelnyc.com/
This restaurant managed to be more than decade one of the most popular in the area and attract a different range of customers. It is very hard to balance and satisfy so many needs.
This is a place where you can have all your meals. From quick brunch, through family lunch to romantic dinner with your partner.
You can get lost in their wide menu since everything seems so appealing and delicious. And it is!
Residents of Carroll Gardens say that their favorite dish here is fried chicken, but you also have to try cheddar waffles, homemade pickles, and their signature buttermilk pancakes.
They accept reservations and you can also choose do you want to sit indoors or outdoor.
11. Bar Bruno
520 Henry St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
+13477630850
http://barbrunonyc.com/
The idea of Bruno Bar owners was to make a bar that looks like a Mexican/European bar from the 1960’s so it can evoke times when everything was more simple.
It is important to have that special space in your neighborhood where you can escape from your daily routine and rush, just to relax and clear your mind. I have to admit that the owners succeeded in their intention.
This bar is exactly a place where you can enjoy tasty food and relax by drinking cocktails with your friends.
The food they serve is a mix of traditional Mexican dishes and bistro classics. They have a large menu of Mexican street food and also offer a kids menu so it is a great place for family gatherings.
They have many cocktails, coffees, and beers, but Bruno Bar’s margarita is a must if you are coming here for the first time!
Final Thoughts
When there is such a variety of choices it is hard to make a decision.
It is amazing how a small area such as Carroll Gardens has such a diversity of cultures and cuisines.
So use the opportunities this area provides, gather your friends, and treat your stomach!
What do you think about our list? Is your favorite restaurant listed above?
If not, let us know in the comment so we can try your favorite meal and expand our list next time!
