There are many different spectacular facets that make Brooklyn the favorite New York City borough we love today, and its massive neighborhood in Williamsburg sweeps its dining scene with the growing concentration of fantastic restaurants and cafes. Thanks to the numerous ethnic groups that settled within the community decades ago – notably including Italians, Jews, and Hispanics, among others – you’ll find yourself satiated for the ultimate NYC food trip experience. This list by NeedThat should help with that. Check out our top five on this page.

1. Hanon

• Where: 436 Union Ave 
• Price: $$

The Japanese cuisine landscape in NYC is rich with savory ramen, expertly skewered chicken, and Michelin-starred sushi destinations, among many other offerings. For udon aficionados, Hanon is worth stopping by. Although the place is moderately cramped where tables are too close together, its indoor ambiance is perfect for date nights or intimate celebrations. Coupled with a few of its popular big-serving meals, notably Kamoten Seiro- Shrimp and Tantan Udon Garlic, you’ll understand right away why getting a rezzie (restaurant reservation) firstly is ideal.

2. Patisserie Tomoko

• Where: 568 Union Ave
• Price: $$

While Hanon already includes desserts in its menu, you might be interested in expanding your options like in a pastries store. From Hanon, walk rightwards on Union Ave for about seven minutes where you’ll find Patisserie Tomoko which specializes in European-style (in particular French) pastries with a touch of Japanese-inspired tastes and flavors. It’s an exotic and inspirational experience, as the space is designed with two distinct areas: a Dessert Bar section for three-course flights of delectable desserts with the option for a wine or sake pairing and a Take-Out counter section for ready-to-buy original pastries and baked goods.

3. L’Industrie Pizzeria

• Where: 254 S 2nd St  
• Price: $

As expected, one of the best places for a great New York pizza slice is automatically included in any top eateries list in Williamsburg. Massimo Laveglia’s L’Industrie Pizzeria sets today’s standard for this specific food offering. Its concept is perfect in every sense – offers casual dining of paper-thin Romanesque slices with Italy-imported toppings for quality cheap eats. While its burrata slices are the crowd’s favorite, there’s an unforgettable realization of why the truffle pizza is its sleeper hit. The slice shop wonderfully complemented ingredients that don’t overpower each other, including mushrooms, salty mozz, and a touch of truffle paste.

4. Lilia

• Where: 567 Union Ave
• Price: $$$

Just a minute’s walk from Patisserie Tomoko, you’ll find the decade-old established Italian restaurant famously named Lilia. It’s one of the best and classic dining establishments in the city, which perfectly explains why it’s also one of the toughest reservations because tons of people are trying to score a table or two every day. And what about the continuous hype it receives from the public? Definitely understandable! Its food is truly phenomenal despite the $$$ costs. Just like the elegance of its item names, each dish offers you a distinct texture and flavor of modern Italian cuisine, especially the classically famed sheep milk agnolotti and cacio e pepe-style mafaldini.  

A tip to guarantee a reservation, Lilia takes rezzies over the phone, whereas the Resy app can only give you yurts. Just make sure you plan weeks ahead of the official date and time you’re eyeing because reservations are often released 30 days in advance at 10 a.m.

5. Oxomoco

• Where: 128 Greenpoint Ave
• Price: $$$

If fancy Mexican is included to your liking, we swear by the authentic experience in Michelin-starred restaurant Oxomoco. It’s a dainty, minimalist space that offers wood-fired dishes and ample tequila and mezcal. Tostada varieties shouldn’t be missed. They’re made with fresh ingredients that are not too heavy for a meal. But if you’re in the mood for tender meat with refreshing flavor, the Lamb Barbacoa Tacos are the bomb! However, they’re a bit pricier just for two mid-sized taco servings.

Then, finish off with Oaxacan chocolate cake with espresso ice cream – emphasis on the latter as it’s optional. But if you find it rather a heavy dessert, the carrot cake is also a popular choice when partnering with a margarita.