Brooklyn Claims Culinary Bragging Rights with 21 Spots on New York Time’s Best NYC Restaurants List

Brooklyn’s food scene just earned another badge of honor and it’s a big one. Twenty-one local eateries have been named to The New York Times’ prestigious 2025 list of the “100 Best Restaurants in New York City,” securing over 20% of the total spots and reinforcing the borough’s status as a national dining destination.

The list, compiled by renowned Times food writers Priya Krishna and Melissa Clark, reflects months of anonymous tastings, expert deliberations and a deep dive into New York’s staggering 20,000-strong restaurant landscape. The result: a curated collection of restaurants that are reshaping the city’s culinary map and Brooklyn is clearly leading the way.

Newcomers Shine, Classics Thrive

Eight of Brooklyn’s honorees are new to the list, showing the borough’s continued evolution and innovation. Among them is Lilia, a Williamsburg Italian standout making its list debut. Chef Missy Robbins’ menu of finely tuned pastas, grilled seafood, and celebrated wine pairings earned high praise for marrying simplicity with excellence.

Also joining the list for the first time is Cafe Mado, a relaxed French bistro in Prospect Heights that the Times lauded for its Caesar salad with horseradish and vibrant seasonal vegetables. Nearby in Fort Greene, Third Falcon drew acclaim as a “cozy neighborhood treasure,” delivering a rich, seasonal menu that punches far above its modest size.

At the same time, Brooklyn staples continue to hold their ground. Randazzo’s Clam Bar in Sheepshead Bay, a seafood institution dating back to 1932, was once again recognized for its enduring quality — especially its fried calamari and steamed mussels. Gage & Tollner, the landmark Downtown Brooklyn chophouse with a 19th-century pedigree and a 21st-century revival, impressed with its blend of old-world ambiance, oysters and masterful cocktails.

Brooklyn’s Cultural Table on Display

The list is also a reflection of Brooklyn’s unmatched diversity. From the Trini flavors of A&A Bake and Doubles Shop in Bed-Stuy — known for curry chicken and fall-apart oxtails — to the refined Persian cooking at Sofreh in Prospect Heights, the borough’s dining options echo the stories of its neighborhoods and immigrant communities.

Other notable mentions include The Four Horsemen, a Williamsburg wine bar and culinary gem co-owned by LCD Soundsystem’s James Murphy; Eyval in Bushwick, where Iranian flavors take center stage; and Ewe’s Delicious Treats, a hidden gem in New Lots. Other restaurants making the list:

• Aska in Williamsburg
• Birria-Landia in Williamsburg
• Café Kestrel in Red Hook
• Chez Ma Tante in Greenpoint
• Court Street Grocers in Carroll Gardens
• Hainan Chicken House in Sunset Park
• Laghman Express in Bensonhurst
• Lucia Pizza of Avenue X in Sheepshead Bay
• Sailor in Fort Greene
• Village Cafe in Gravesend
• Zaab Zaab in Williamsburg

From casual takeout counters to candlelit dining rooms, the honored restaurants reflect the full spectrum of Brooklyn cuisine — rooted in community, driven by passion, and always evolving.