The Best Restaurants, Cafés & Bars in Dumbo, Brooklyn
If you are a certified foodie, then you know just how challenging it can be to choose where to eat out. After all, what do you choose and what do you leave out? But while it would be nice to sample all that Dumbo has to offer, many tourists do not have the advantage of time. That’s why we have put together a list of the best places to eat out so you can know exactly where to go, when to go there, and what to order. Let’s get started.
Best Restaurants in Dumbo – Top Picks for Every Taste
Dumbo is known for its rich diversity, and this pretty much shows in its restaurant options. Whether you are looking for fine dining experiences or a casual and fun pizza hangout, there is something for you. Here are our top picks:
The River Café
This fine dining setup is perfect for those days when you want to splurge and enjoy a bit of sophistication. Located right under the Brooklyn Bridge, this restaurant has incredible views of Manhattan. Add its top-tier dishes, impressive wine list, live entertainment, and amazing service, and you have the perfect recipe for a memorable night. Its top dishes include the pear salad and the sea bass.
Juliana’s Pizza
What would you say to pizza that has been baked in a hand-built coal-fired brick oven? If the idea appeals to you, then you will love this spot where many locals and tourists flock for that authentic pizza taste. Not only is the menu simple, but the pizzas are also tasty and affordable, and the long queues are a good show of this. The Margherita is especially a favorite.
Cecconi’s Dumbo
What say you to an authentic Italian meal? Whether you are in the mood for pasta or want a classic like cacao e pepe, this restaurant has exactly what your palate ordered. With its cozy yet vibrant dining space, it serves all sorts of occasions, from casual lunches to romantic dinners. And since it overlooks the waterfront, you also get to enjoy a beautiful view. Be sure to try the pasta dishes – they are just mouthwatering.
Dumbo Coffee Shops & Cafés – Local Favorites for a Perfect Brew
New Yorkers love their brews. But which coffee shops excite them the most and why?
Devoción
When a coffee shop sources its beans directly from Colombia, you know that they mean business. Here, you will find all sorts of coffee drinks and a selection of pastries, with the favorites being the lattes and cappuccinos. But people don’t just come here for the fresh coffee. They also enjoy the shop setup, what with its large windows, high ceilings, and hanging garden. It’s just the perfect spot for relaxation or a Zoom call.
Butler
If you want more than a quick coffee grab, this bakery will interest you. It offers a wide range of freshly baked pastries, breakfast bowls, and sandwiches, whose aromas greet you as you walk into the cozy yet elegant space. Designed to be ideal for hangouts and brunches, you can spend a lot of time in this inviting setup. But what should you order? We’d advise starting with the flaky croissants.
% Arabica
For simplicity and rich, smooth flavors, this is the coffee spot for you. Not only does it have a picturesque and minimalist setting with a clear view of the Brooklyn Bridge, but it also focuses heavily on crafting classic coffee drinks. And with just one sip, you can tell that they know what they are doing, especially if you get the iced Spanish latte.
Bars in Dumbo, Brooklyn – Rooftop Views & Craft Cocktails
Want to unwind with a few drinks? Here are some spots that will elevate your bar experience:
The Rooftop Bar at Randolph Beer
With self-serve beer taps with rotating options, this bar turns drinking into an interactive and lively experience. And to top that off, they offer an extensive menu of tacos, wings, burgers, and other bites to keep you satiated as you drown one beer after another while overlooking the Manhattan skyline. Our advice? Try all the beers!
Celestine
While this is not a bar per se, it’s ideal for anyone who wants to dine out and enjoy delicious craft cocktails with flavors inspired by Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines. Since the cocktails are always changing, patrons get to enjoy creative seasonal drinks each time they frequent the bar. And the food is just as sophisticated.
Superfine
This bar, which also has a restaurant, offers a mix of beers, wines, and cocktails, which you can pair with its numerous appetizers and small plates. Oh, and did we mention that it is in a warehouse? That’s right. Once you add the industrial vibe and gallery walls into the mix, you can see why this is the perfect spot for casual hangouts, brunches, and laidback evenings. The classic cocktails are a must-try!
Desserts & Treats in Dumbo – Ice Cream, Pastries & More
As they say, calories do not count on vacation. So, where can you indulge your sweet tooth?
Jacques Torres Chocolate
Chocolate bars, truffles, bonbons, and all sorts of other handcrafted chocolates await you in this shop. So good is the chocolate that people come from far and wide just to sink their teeth into one of their creations, including the hot chocolate, which actually has real melted chocolate! If you are unsure where to start, we would recommend the ice cream sandwiches.
One Girl Cookies
Charm is the word that best describes this baked goods haven. With bite-sized cookies, tarts, pies, and cakes on their menu, trying the different variations, which have been crafted to feel indulgent without being too sweet, feels quite easy. This café also wins in its cozy and vintage setting, which makes people feel like they have stepped back into another simpler century. We definitely recommend the cupcakes and cookies.
Ample Hills Creamery
What nostalgic flavors come to your mind when you think of ice cream? Whatever they are, you will likely find them in this beloved ice cream spot. With classic and innovative flavors in tow, including ‘M&Ms’, you are sure to delight in the rich and creamy combinations that Ample Hills offers. The ‘Ooey Gooey Butter Cake,’ in particular, gets a lot of attention.