Commonly known as that neighborhood that’s further out than Williamsburg, Bushwick is indeed a few stops further on the L train, but the neighborhood has plenty of unique character! Perhaps the best part of Bushwick’s dining scene, in addition to being totally diverse– Italian, Mexican, Argentinian and Japanese restaurants all thrive here — is that it’s still affordable! You’re not eating in Bushwick to experience fine dining, but rather real, down-to-Earth good food.
When many think Bushwick restaurants, they automatically think Roberta’s– it’s become synonymous with Brooklyn cuisine! Home to long waits and better pizzas, Roberta’s is a destination spot for many non-Brooklynites. Greens are harvested from their backyard garden, making the ingredients as fresh as possible. While pizza is the main game, dishes like dry-aged wagyu carpaccio and coffee-roasted beets are truly impressive.
261 Moore St, robertaspizza.com
I’m going to go ahead and say that this restaurant isn’t only one of best in Bushwick, but one of the best in Brooklyn. The menu changes daily, depending on what the chef receives from the restaurant’s farm plot and local purveyors, but you know you’re always up for something good and highly seasonal. Be prepared to wait for a table– a lower-level bar will keep you occupied while you survey the menu.
18 Wycoff Ave, north-eastkingdom.com
Known as the first notable sushi establishment in Bushwick, this Japanese restaurant is so much more than your standard spicy tuna roll. Japanese tapas like homemade vegetable gyoza ($8), noodle salad ($16) and Heritage pork belly with wasabi cream ($10) are all great starters, before you truly stuff your face with sushi using ingredients like guacamole, tofu cream cheese, and soft shell shrimp. If you want a splurge, opt for the omakase menu, and enjoy the day’s best sushi imported directly from Japan.
43 Bogart St, momosushishack.com
For Venezuelan food in Bushwick, Guacoco is your spot! Freshly made white corn arepas are stuffed with tasty ingredients like pulled pork shoulder ($7), seafood ($8), avocado with sweet plantains and Venezuelan cheese ($6), and many other fantastic options. Fresh juices, shakes and crispy empanadas are also all available to complement your arepa.
44 Irving Ave, areperaguacuco.com
One of the best restaurants in Bushwick is home to one of the city’s only coal ovens. Verde Coal Oven does almost all of its cooking in its subterranean coal cooker, which runs 24/7, with kitchen supervision. Enjoy pizzas with perfectly crispy crust and baked pastas full of gooey cheese. Visit for brunch, when baked egg dishes are served in individual skillets along with mimosas.
254 Irving Ave, verdecoalovennyc.com
This eclectic neon noodle joint serves creative pan-Asian food in a fun, trendy environment. Daily specials are written colorfully in chalkboards in the style of a Japanese pub. Along with noodles, in both cold and hot, spicy and sweet varieties, the crispy chicken wings ($9) are stellar. Compliment your meal with a scorpion bowl, made with several varieties of rum and a flaming shot in the middle.
1045 Flushing Ave, kingnoodlebk.com
New as of August 2014, Orleans has already established itself as one of Bushwick’s best restaurants. Serving classic New Orleans Po Boy sandwiches in fried shrimp, catfish or oyster ($8 for small, $15 for large) the crispy sandwiches are easily addicting. Baskets of fried seafood with french fries are also available ($13) and a side of red beans and rice ($6) is never a bad idea.
603 Hart St, orleansnyc.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.
