Brooklyn Bridge Park is one of the most popular outdoor destinations in New York City. With its beautiful greenery, amazing views of downtown Manhattan, and a ton of recreational activities, it’s no wonder why locals and tourists say this is a must see place. But did you know Brooklyn Bridge Park is also home to some of the best restaurants in NYC? From upscale dining hotspots to casual cafes and pizza joints, the areas surrounding Brooklyn Bridge Park offer an incredible diversity of cuisines and atmospheres to satisfy everyone.
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Dining Near Brooklyn Bridge Park
Spanning 1.3 miles of Brooklyn’s waterfront from DUMBO to Vinegar Hill, Brooklyn Bridge Park is divided into 6 piers offering a ton of amenities like playgrounds, sports fields, gardens, and more. Fortunately, the dining options are just as amazing!
Most of the restaurants are just outside the park grounds, scattered around the northern piers in DUMBO and Fulton Ferry or down by Pier 6 near Cobble Hill. There’s also a lot of popular restaurants along Front Street facing the beautiful views of the Brooklyn Bridge and East River. From upscale seafood joints to casual burger spots, you’ll find a variety of places to choose from.
Now let’s check out our top 10 picks for the very best places to eat near Brooklyn Bridge Park!
1. The River Cafe
Located right under the Brooklyn Bridge along the waterfront, The River Cafe just might have the best location of any restaurant in New York City. With postcard-worthy views of downtown Manhattan across the water, this is hands down one of the most romantic restaurants near Brooklyn Bridge Park.
The River Cafe serves up contemporary American cuisine using the freshest seasonal ingredients. Some standouts on the menu include their homemade pastas, flawlessly cooked fish entrées, and Molten Chocolate Cake. With white tablecloths, flowers everywhere, and live piano music, it’s basically impossible not to feel special dining here.
2. Cecconi’s
For upscale Italian food overlooking the Manhattan skyline, check out Cecconi’s. Tucked away on Water Street right by the carousel, this restaurant serves handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, seafood crudos, and more.
With both indoor and outdoor seating options, Cecconi’s is a great spot for a special date night or family gathering. Their warm, rustic-chic decor and bustling open kitchen also make it feel celebratory. Plus, they’ve got an excellent Italian wine list to complement the food.
3. Henry’s End
If you’re exploring the Brooklyn Heights area near the park’s northern piers, make sure to check out Henry’s End. This neighborhood bistro has been a local favorite for over 30 years thanks to its inviting vibe, stellar service, and seasonal American food.
Their menu changes often based on what’s fresh, but some staples include their pan-seared trout, herb-crusted lamb rack, and flourless chocolate cake. With its brick walls, candlelit wooden tables, and awesome regulars, Henry’s End really feels like the heart of the community.
4. Urban Cove Society and Kitchen
For a more upscale dining experience down by Pier 6, check out Urban Cove Society and Kitchen at the 33 Hotel. Blending modern American and global flavors, their market-driven menu features shareable plates and craft cocktails with something for everyone.
Standouts include their tuna tartare tacos, truffle mushroom pizza, Korean fried chicken, and “Chocolate Obsession” dessert. With chic decor, great views of the Brooklyn Bridge, and an adjacent cocktail bar, this is a top choice for a fancy night out in the park area. Their prix fixe Sunday Jazz Brunch looks pretty amazing too!
5. Elephant District
If you’re craving Thai food near the park, look no further than the new hotspot Elephant District in DUMBO. Inspired by the street food markets of Bangkok, their menu is packed with vibrant flavors and fun twists on classics like Krapow Chicken, Drunken Noodles, Northern Thai Sausage, and more. Chef “Top” really knows how to coax the boldest flavors from every ingredient.
With colorful murals, hanging lanterns, and an airy ambiance, Elephant District brings all the electricity of Thailand’s capital to Brooklyn. This is Thai food done right—fresh, complex, and completely addicting. Just be prepared for some serious spice! But their craft Tiki cocktails definitely help cool things down.
6. Westville Dumbo
For delicious farm-to-table fare in a laid-back setting, check out Westville Dumbo. Tucked away on Washington Street, this airy eatery serves seasonal salads, sandwiches, grain bowls, coffees, and sweets sourced from local makers and growers.
Top picks include their kale Caesar salad, avocado toast, roasted veggie sandwich, and daily house-made gelatos. With rustic-chic decor, ample natural light, and friendly counter service, Westville is a great casual neighborhood spot to refuel between exploring the park.
7. Fornino Pier 6
You can’t visit Brooklyn Bridge Park without trying one of the awesome waterside eateries right in the park itself! On the upper level of Pier 6, Fornino serves up wood-fired Neapolitan pizza, sandwiches, salads, and Italian wine and beer.
Grab a table on their rooftop deck for incredible views of lower Manhattan across the water as you bite into the perfect crispy-chewy pie. The Meatball and Margherita pizzas are my personal faves, but you really can’t go wrong. Fornino is casual, family-friendly, and a must for any Brooklyn Bridge Park excursion.
8. Van Leeuwen Ice Cream
What better way to end a day at the park than with a scoop (or two) of artisanal ice cream? Inside the historic Jane’s Carousel building, Van Leeuwen churns out the most inventive and insanely delicious ice cream flavors in the city.
Their traditional options like Tahitian Vanilla are creamy perfection, but I highly recommend trying their rotating seasonal specials like Brown Sugar Churro or Sicilian Pistachio. They even offer vegan options! The lines often get long, but trust me, this ice cream is well worth the wait.
9. Malibu Farm New York
For fresh and healthy eats right on the waterfront at Pier 17, stop by Malibu Farm New York. Inspired by the popular California original, this cafe serves grain bowls, toasts, salads, burgers, and more, largely plant-based and sourced from local markets.
Their menu has tons of options for vegan, gluten-free, and paleo diets, but still plenty of meat and cheese too. Chow down on a Lemon Ricotta Pancake Stack or Grilled Mahi Mahi Burger while soaking up the sunshine and ocean views on their pier-side patio. Malibu Farm is the perfect spot for a laid-back weekend brunch or lunch break from exploring downtown.
10. Neighbors Cafe at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge
Neighbors Cafe inside the trendy 1 Hotel near the park. This little lobby cafe is the perfect spot to refresh with some local java, down a cold-pressed juice, or grab a tasty bite on the go. I’m obsessed with their nut butter and jelly toasts when I need a quick breakfast before exploring the park. And their falafel wraps or rainbow bowls totally hit the spot for a light lunch between activities.
With its chill boho vibe, floor-to-ceiling views of the park, and yummy cookies, Neighbors Cafe is ideal for a caffeine fix, light snack, or impromptu picnic. Pop in, fill up on some good food, then head back out to enjoy the views of the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan skyline while you finish your cookie. It’s the ideal way to keep your energy up while wandering around the area!
Notable Mention
If you want to venture outside of Brooklyn Bridge Park we highly recommend Sesamo in the heart of Hell’s Kitchen, bringing a contemporary vibe to Italian cuisine just steps away. The owners’ diverse backgrounds shape the menu, blending Italian traditions with Asian flair.
Begin your meal with crispy arancini or homemade dumplings. Then try pasta like squid ink mafaldine paired with shrimp. Main courses feature creative takes on Italian cooking using Asian ingredients – think grilled branzino in a ginger soy glaze.
Conclusion
Well there you have it—our picks for the 10 best restaurants and eateries near Brooklyn Bridge Park! From romantic date night spots to casual family-friendly cafes, you’ll find awesome food options no matter which piers or areas of the park you’re exploring. Just don’t forget to walk off all that deliciousness on the gorgeous park paths and piers before or after your meal!
