The Brooklyn Life

Brooklyn's rich cultural heritage and creativity make it a must-eat destination for passionate foodies. From old favorites to exciting new establishments, these great Brooklyn eateries will tickle your taste buds.

1. The Elm

Image via Flickr by goodiesfirst

Opening its doors in July 2014, The Elm is a relatively new player on the Brooklyn dining scene. However, with celebrated chef Paul Liebrandt at the helm, it's already generating serious buzz. And with good reason, as his creative interpretations of classics like fish and chips and the humble hamburger delight the senses. The ever-changing cocktails, which make use of seasonal fruits and herbs, are the perfect complement to the dishes. For a real treat, try the Little Elm. The eight-course tasting menu at this exclusive eight-seat counter changes nightly to make use of the best produce.

2. Chez Oskar

Image via Flickr by Tim Rodenberg

Inspired by New York's Harlem Renaissance and the bistros of Paris, Chez Oskar serves up tasty French dishes in the heart of the up-and-coming Fort Greene neighborhood. French classics like the cassoulet, salade nicoise, and escargots sit comfortably with American favorites like the hamburger and grilled rib-eye steak. Chez Oskar's friendly service and relaxed atmosphere provides a welcome alternative to Manhattan's glossy eateries. The menu is affordable but if you want to see real value, visit on Tuesdays when diners chow down on all you can eat mussels for just $15. 

3. Prime Meats

Image via Flickr by goodiesfirst

Prime Meats pays homage to the German restaurants that dominated the New York dining scene at the turn of the 20th century. In Carroll Gardens, this restaurant is run by the team behind Frankies 457 Spuntino and Frankies 17 Spuntino, but don't think they're spreading themselves too thin. The standard of hearty European fare like the pickle brined Amish chicken, herb and gruyere spatzle, and handcrafted sausages is superb. The chefs should be given credit, but the restaurant's farm-to-table philosophy elevates these simple dishes to the next level.

4. Franny's

Image via Flickr by adactio

Franny's specializes in wood-fired pizzas, but don't mistake it for a run-of-the-mill pizza joint. The pies use gourmet ingredients like clams, caciocavallo ragusano cheese, porchetta, and fennel; all sourced locally. The meat's sustainable, too, and free of hormones, antibiotics, and other unpleasantries. For an extra dose of good karma, the restaurant runs on a mix of wind and small hydroelectric power. Franny's also converts its kitchen grease to biodiesel fuel and only uses earth-friendly, recycled, and biodegradable menus, take-out containers, and cleaning products.

5. Luksus

Image via Flickr by Edsel L

The back of a beer bar sounds like an unlikely location for one of Brooklyn's finest restaurants, but the spot works well for this Nordic-inspired eatery. Luksus, which means "luxury" in Danish, offers up inspired dishes that pair beautifully with Tørst's craft beers. The plating is impressive and the underutilized ingredients like spelt berries and tree needles will delight serious foodies. The modern, minimalist décor adds authenticity to this Scandinavian experience.

At $95 a head for the food alone, Luksus is one of Brooklyn's most expensive restaurants, but its originality continues to lure cashed-up diners. 

Visit Brooklyn with an appetite and an open mind. These great foodie haunts ensure that you won't be disappointed. And remember when you stay with Brooklyn Suites for your extended stay in brooklyn, ny - you will have the opportunity to try these amazing restaurants.