DUMBO is notable for many things, namely being a haven for art galleries, and currently a center for technology startups. The area’s proximity to Manhattan and an increasingly large number of spacious luxury residential lofts have also allowed it to become an attractive option for residents. It would be a tragedy though to neglect DUMBO’s plethora of dining options that lend the neighborhood its character. Take a look at the best restaurants in DUMBO before you make your trip!
Atrium Dumbo
Offering both modern American and French-style cuisine, Atrium DUMBO is an energetic restaurant favored by everyday people and high-profile celebrities alike. Enjoy authentic meals crafted with the freshest ingredients sourced from local markets and a sample of some of the finest wines - courtesy of Brooklyn's only Master Sommelier-, craft beers, and savory cocktails you could request.
Tasty offerings like Wild Striped Bass, Icelandic Cod, Smoked Duck, or Organic Sasso Chicken are menu staples. The establishment also offers a raw bar filled with seafood towers and succulent oysters.
Juliana’s
This restaurant opened in 2012 under the Brooklyn Bridge as a tribute to the original location of its distaff counterpart, Grimaldi’s Pizzeria. Patsy Grimaldi- NYC’s most celebrated pizza proprietor- founded both pizzerias and named Juliana’s after his mother, Maria 'Juliana' Lancieri.
Juliana’s pizza is made New York-style, adapted from the Italian American method over several generations, and all of its pies are cooked in an original hand-built coal-fired oven. The Margherita with fresh garlic is a top contender among the best pizzas Juliana’s offers. Lines to get into the pizzeria are usually long so if you’re keen on visiting, aim to arrive when the door opens around 11:30 a.m.
Celestine
If you’ve ever wanted to know what it’d be like dining with a grand view of the Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan Bridge, and the downtown city skyline, then come to Celestine! Coastal Mediterranean food is the hallmark of their menu, but the restaurant also offers highly seasonal meal selections that will keep you coming back for more!
Ordering a Mezze platter will allow you to sample multiple appetizers at once. Entrees like the branzino and toasted mushroom pasta are some of their most beloved entrees and their list of drinks is extensive.
The Osprey
Within the reputable 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge on the ground floor, you can find this all-day restaurant. Dining at the Osprey means you’ll be able to see Brooklyn Bridge Park and the accompanying East River behind it!
The food here varies from standard American fare such as sandwiches and burritos at breakfast or lunch, to more classy options like slow-cooked lamb or steak. For this summer only, The Osprey has partnered with Australian Chef Dan Churchill through September 30, combining Austrlian-influenced cuisine and beverages with the restaurant’s usual menu.
Bluestone Lane DUMBO Café
Bluestone Lane gives patrons a 5-star dining experience with all-day, seasonal, and health-oriented brunch options. The aesthetic of the Café gives off an air of sophistication and is open from 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Monday- Thursday and 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. from Friday to Sunday.
Menu highlights include the Avocado Smash, soft herbs on toasted multigrain made with sheep's milk feta and heirloom tomatoes. The breakfast bowls and burritos are also scrumptious meals you can order and be guilt-free! The DUMBO location is the first Bluestone Lane to offer its own unique cocktail list and signature cocktails.
The River Café
If you’re looking for an upscale, classy dining experience unlike any other in one of the city’s most romantic and exclusive fine dining establishments, then The River Café is where you want to be.
This Michelin-starred establishment is no joke; classic American cuisine is the standard fare provided and the romantic atmosphere on the inside is only heightened by the live pianist and abundant flower arrangements in the background.
Its wine list is enviable and the menu items change with the season although there are several fixed options to choose from. Men are required to wear jackets and shirts and ties are preferred. Casual wear is not permitted in the restaurant so dress accordingly.
