Brooklyn's first wave neighbourhood: Peter Luger steakhouse since 1887, Hasidic bakeries on Lee Avenue and a young restaurant row on Bedford and Berry.
Peter Luger has dry-aged porterhouse on Broadway in Williamsburg, New York City since 1887. Cash or house card only, no reservations after 17:00 for walk-ins.
Signature: Porterhouse for two, Bacon, extra thick
Order: Porterhouse for two, sliced and sauced at the table.
Tip: Book at least four weeks ahead for dinner. Lunch is the easier seat and the same meat.
Calvin Eng's Williamsburg Cantonese American room in New York City runs roast pig, cha siu sui mai and orange-shrimp toast. Open since 2022, Michelin Bib Gourmand.
Signature: Roast pig, Cha siu sui mai
Order: Roast pig with crackling, shared between four.
Tip: Walk-ins at the bar from 17:00. The roast pig sells out by 21:00 most nights; pre-order it when you book.
Devoción on Grand Street in Williamsburg flies fresh-harvest Colombian beans into the cafe every week in New York City. Cold brew on tap, brick-walled atrium, indoor garden.
Signature drink: Cold brew on tap
Tip: The greenhouse skylight room at the back is the working-from-cafe spot. Closes 19:00 on weekends, 20:00 weekdays.
James Murphy's natural-wine room on Grand Street has set the bar for Williamsburg wine bars in New York City since 2015. One Michelin star, no big-name labels, all-organic list.
Signature pour: Domaine de la Pinte Arbois savagnin
Wine focus: Natural wines from France, Italy, Germany, Austria
Food: Small plates by Nick Curtola
Tip: Reservations open four weeks ahead on Resy. Counter walk-ins from 17:00; the snack menu runs the whole night.
Kings County Imperial on Skillman Avenue in Williamsburg runs Chinese American food alongside tea-infused cocktails in New York City. Genmaicha Mai Tai is the house drink.
Signature drink: Genmaicha Mai Tai
Food: Chinese American kitchen
Tip: The garden out back is open April to October. The egg roll and the Mai Tai pairing is the editor pick.
Maison Premiere on Bedford Avenue has poured absinthe and shucked oysters in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, New York City since 2011. James Beard winner 2016.
Signature drink: Absinthe service and house Sazerac
Food: Raw bar with 30+ oyster varieties and seasonal plates
Tip: Oyster happy hour 16:00 to 19:00 weekdays is the way in; the garden opens April through November and books weeks ahead.
Brooklyn Brewery on North 11th has anchored Williamsburg craft brewing in New York City since 1988. Garrett Oliver's pilsners and lagers under the Brooklyn Lager flag.
Tip: Friday and Saturday tours are free; arrive by 17:00 to get on the list. The taproom pours every Brooklyn release in pint glasses.
Smorgasburg has run the city's biggest outdoor food market on the Williamsburg waterfront in New York City since 2011. Saturday market, 100 vendors, East River views.
Tip: Arrive at 11:00 for the cleanest queues. The market closes at 18:00; vendors sell out by 16:00 most weekends.
Smorgasburg runs every Saturday April through October on the Williamsburg waterfront in New York City. 100 vendors, ramen burgers, lobster rolls, East River views.
Tip: Arrive at 11:00 for clean queues; vendors sell out by 16:00. The market closes at 18:00. Free entry, food cash-and-card.
L'Industrie on South 2nd Street has sold $5 slices and a $7 burrata slice in Williamsburg Brooklyn New York City since 2017. Lines run around the block on weekends.
Try: Burrata square slice
Tip: Order ahead online to skip the line. The burrata slice is the Instagram order; the plain is the better slice.
Best Pizza in Williamsburg Brooklyn has sold $4 New York slices in New York City since 2010. Charcoal-fired oven, ten-table counter, plain and white slices the staples.
Try: $4 white slice
Tip: The white slice with sesame seeds is the cult order. Cash only; the line moves fast.