Fort Greene has become one of the best neighborhoods in New York, an area which residents are proud to live and where many New Yorkers vie to rent or own property. Perhaps some of the livability of this quaint Brooklyn neighborhood comes from its excellent restaurants! Sustainable, community focused eateries serve fantastic food in Fort Greene, making it not only a great neighborhood to live in, but definitely one worth visiting.
This year-old restaurant has quickly become one of Fort Greene’s best. Martha sources ingredients from local producers whenever possible and uses meats and seafood that are sustainably produced and hormone/antibiotic-free, so you can feel good about all the delicious food you’re eating here. The menu consists of Asian-inspired New American cuisine, with popular dishes being the fried half chicken with General Tso glaze ($24) and egg noodles with duck sausage ($19). Brunch features duck fat biscuits, bao sandwiches and Chinese pancakes!
184 Dekalb Ave, marthabrooklyn.com
Brooklyn’s first solar-powered restaurant and the first eco-restuarant in Fort Greene is Havana Outpost! This Cuban and Mexican eatery features a large outdoor space used for parties and movie screenings during the summer, and is a hub for local artists as well as kids and families. Ordering a Cubano here is a no brainer– it’s truly excellent. The grilled corn on a stick topped with cojita cheese ($4) is also a fantastic choice, as are any of the burritos, quesadillas and tacos on the menu.
757 Fulton Street, habanaoutpost.com
This tiny neighborhood eatery is truly a gem in the Fort Greene restaurant scene. Open only for dinner, come ready to fill up on small plates, with perhaps a side of cocktails. Standout dishes include the General Tso’s Sweetbreads ($17), bone marrow tacos with parsley salad ($13), and their juicy hamburger topped with caramelized onions and goat cheese ($14). Cocktails start at $10 and mixologists are happy to create your own drink if the menu doesn’t suit your fancy.
154 Carlton Ave, luluandpo.com
ICI seems as if it were torn from the French countryside and dropped into Fort Greene, where it fits in perfectly. The seasonal menu changes frequently, due to availability from local farmers. Dinner features rustic French dishes like mussels, fresh salads and soups as well as plenty of cheese, charcuterie and pickles. Larger plates include roasted chicken, grilled steak, and local market fish with rattatouille.
246 Dekalb Ave, icirestaurant.com
This Italian restaurant changes its lunch and dinner menus daily, using fresh ingredients to prepare Roman food at its best. Dishes are simple, made with an average of three ingredients, to really let the natural flavors shine. Don’t skip out on the fresh pasta dishes, like spaghetti with clams ($18) or fresh tortelli with butter and sage ($18). Heartier dishes include a roasted chicken to share ($40) and plenty of sides to pass around the table.
243 Dekalb Ave, romansnyc.com
Madiba is unlike any other in New York! The family-owned Fort Greene restaurant has been serving its South African cuisine since 1999 and is a destination for New Yorkers from all corners to discover new dishes. The $15 veggies, salmon or beef burger with a pint is a great, delicious lunch deal perfect for pretty much any day. For dinner, start with the Cape Town soup ($15), flavored with saffron and seafood. Farm-raised ostrich carpaccio ($15) is another unique dish, served with farm cheese and drizzled in olive oil. An extensive menu of Durban-style curries and backyard Braai (BBQ) makes for a perfect dinner.
195 Dekalb Ave, madibarestaurant.com
This Mediterranean restaurant is one of Fort Greene’s finest! Flavors from Greece, Italy, and Spain are all found on the menu, and plenty of options don’t disappoint. Start with a variety of small plates, like sautéed halloumi cheese from Cyprus ($9), spicy lamb meatballs ($11), falafel-crusted artichoke hearts ($10), or almond-stuffed bacon wrapped dates ($7). Larger paellas ($24-29) are available in meat, seafood, and vegetarian options, and are a great finale to the meal.
171 Lafayette Ave, oleabrooklyn.com
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.
