Cobble Hill is a small Brooklyn neighborhood full of huge tastes! Part of the acronymed BoCoCa, which also includes Carroll Gardens and Boureum Hill, this part of the triangle brings its own unique tastes and character. Old school with a modern twist seems to be the theme here, so get ready for a throwback that somehow takes you right to today on your plate in Cobble Hill.
This classic Cobble Hill Italian restaurant serves staples like homemade pastas, risotto and plenty of hearty meat dishes. The menu is seasonal and local, so it changes nightly! Always popular in Brooklyn, Brucie got a major break with Manhattanites when they hosted a sold-out Beyonce themed dinner last Valentine’s Day. Brucie also specializes in risotto takeout, with full pans ranging from $65-85– perfect for hosting a dinner party or just enjoying for a week of eating at home.
234 Court St, brucienyc.com
Old school meets contemporary Brooklyn at this Eastern European food shop. A Cobble Hill dining hot spot, if you’re in the neighborhood on a Sunday morning, this is where you’re headed. Get a traditional bagel with lox and shmear (smoked salmon and cream cheese) or opt for one of Shelsky’s specialty sandwiches. The Great Gatsby riffs on an old classic with pastrami cured salmon, honey mustard, horseradish cream cheese and red onion on caraway seeded rye ($12.50).
141 Court St, shelskys.com
New to Cobble Hill this spring, Uglyduckling is not at all unattractive. The restaurant serves small bites and large plates, giving you the option of a full meal or a few light bites with a beer. Dinner includes New American food like the signature ugly duckling burger topped with pork belly and a fried quail egg ($14) or seared scallops on a kale risotto ($25). The ugly poutine, made with provolone, BBQ duck confit, and gravy over potatoes ($11) is a must try.
166 Smith St, uglyduckling-bk.com
One of the most famous restaurants in Cobble Hill, Battersby has earned and kept its title. Open only for dinner, be sure to make a reservation in advance! The seasonal menu features New American cuisine with international influences, and past highlights have included homemade mozzarella with heirloom tomato and pickled peach ($16) and blue prawns with kale and green papaya. Larger dishes include duck with apricot, hazelnut, and enoki ($31). Tasting menus are available upon request.
255 Smith St, battersbybrooklyn.com
This combination coffee shop, cafe, and Southern restaurant is the spot for casual dining in Cobble Hill. Pick up a freshly baked pastry in the morning and head back for lunch, when you can chow down on specialties like meatloaf or a pulled pork sandwich. Weekend brunch is especially a treat, offering bottomless coffee or tea with an entree and appetizer for $18 or bottomless mimosas and bloodies for $22. Southern classics like biscuits and gravy ($12), brioche French toast ($11), or chorizo with grits ($14) are all perfect to wake up to.
264 Clinton St, tedandhoney.com
This internationally acclaimed cocktail bar also serves some of Cobble Hill’s best food. Because of course, you need something to eat along with all those irresistible drinks. The seasonal menu changes often, but you’ll always enjoy something fresh and well paired to your order. After you order your first cocktail, start with a half dozen oysters on the half shell with red wine mignonette ($16) or the mac and cheese with heritage pork bacon ($12). Heartier dishes like buttermilk fried chicken ($18) and shrimp risotto ($17) stand out on the menu, if you need some more gourmet fare to soak up the booze. Be sure to visit on weekends for brunch, paired with brunch cocktails, of course!
210 Smith St, cloverclubny.com
This tapas restaurant has so many good small plats, its difficult not to order them all in one round! Choose from small snacks like house marinated olives ($3) or fried chickpeas ($3) or start on the heavier side with options like fried artichokes with anchovy aioli ($9). The salad of imported tuna, olives, endive and marcona almond ($14) offers a nice bite of freshness with a satisfying crunch. Heartier plates include lamb meatballs with mint yogurt ($12) or the traditional Valencian fideua, a noodle paella with shrimp, squid, clams and alioli ($16).
268 Clinton St, lavarany.com
From old school European eats to deep Southern cuisine to small bites from Spain, there’s truly something for every appetite in Cobble Hill. Let us know in the comments below if we missed your favorite and why you love it.
David is the resident nerd around these parts. Running a popular tech blog (TheUnlockr.com) for the past 6 years, he’s taken his over-analytical mind and made the transition to food.
