Find the Best Restaurants in Greenpoint for Dinner

Greenpoint, Brooklyn, has transformed from its historic Polish roots into one of New York City's most vibrant culinary landscapes. Navigating the sheer variety to pinpoint the best restaurants in Greenpoint for dinner can feel like an exciting challenge. From Michelin-starred tasting menus to no-frills taco joints, and from cozy neighborhood bistros to innovative chef incubators, this neighborhood offers a dinner experience for every palate and occasion.

At a Glance: Your Guide to Greenpoint Dining

• Experience High-End Dining: Discover multi-course Japanese-French omakase and wood-fired Nordic innovation for special occasions.
• Savor Authentic Global Flavors: Dive into exceptional Polish, Mexican, and Vietnamese cuisines.
• Find Your Vibe: Choose from bustling casual spots, intimate date night destinations, or family-friendly comfort food.
• Explore Unique Concepts: Try a chef-in-residence restaurant or artisanal soba in a minimalist setting.
• Master Reservations: Learn which spots require advance booking and which welcome spontaneous walk-ins.
• Enjoy Diverse Settings: From industrial chic to lush outdoor patios, Greenpoint offers varied atmospheres.

Greenpoint's Culinary Evolution: More Than Just "Little Poland"

Nestled north of Williamsburg, Greenpoint has long cherished its rich immigrant heritage, particularly its strong Polish community. While you can still find some of the city's most authentic pierogies and borscht, the neighborhood has gracefully embraced a new wave of culinary influences. Greenpoint Avenue, often dubbed 'restaurant row,' now buzzes with a thriving scene that showcases everything from meticulous Japanese fine dining to robust Mexican flavors and contemporary Vietnamese dishes. This blend creates a unique dining ecosystem where tradition meets innovation, making it a prime destination for food lovers exploring the broader Brooklyn dining scene. For a comprehensive look at dining across the borough, be sure to consult our guide to Brooklyn restaurants by neighborhood.

For the Discerning Palate: Michelin Stars & Elevated Dining

When you're looking to elevate your dinner experience, Greenpoint offers some truly exceptional choices, pushing the boundaries of creativity and technique. These are spots where dining becomes an event.

Restaurant Yuu: A Theatrical French-Japanese Omakase

For the ultimate occasion, Restaurant Yuu delivers an unforgettable 15-to-18-course French omakase experience. Chef Yuu Shimano, with a pedigree from Guy Savoy and Mifune, masterfully blends French culinary techniques with Japanese ingredients. Expect theatrical presentations and exquisite flavors, from creamy vichyssoise with Hokkaido uni to a signature duck, foie gras, and mushroom en croute. The 18-seat black stone counter ensures an intimate, immersive dining journey.

• Address: 55 Nassau Avenue
• Price: $250+ per person (tasting menu)
• Signature Experience: French omakase, sake and wine pairings.

House: Hyper-Seasonal Japanese-French Artistry

Tucked inside the modern Japanese marketplace 50 Norman, House offers a nine-course Japanese-French tasting menu that’s hyper-seasonal. Kyoto-born chef Yuji Tani brings a concept directly from Tokyo, focusing on delicate small plates that might feature gratin from Kamo eggplant or horsehair crab with sweet corn mousse. The eight-seat counter provides an up-close view of the culinary precision.

• Address: 50 Norman Avenue
• Price: $180 per person (tasting menu)
• Concept: Seasonal Japanese small plates, minimalist design.

Ilis: Noma Co-Founder's Wood-Fired Vision

From Noma co-founder Mads Refslund, Ilis is a highly anticipated solo venture that opened in late 2023. Embracing the name's Danish roots (fire and ice), the menu focuses on wood-fired cooking with hyper-seasonal North American ingredients. Dishes like bison tartare with berry vinegar or whole brown Pennsylvania trout grilled over birch wood promise a primal yet refined dining adventure in a brick-walled warehouse setting.

• Address: 150 Green Street
• Price: Dishes from $24
• Highlight: Open kitchen, chef-driven, focus on elemental cooking.

Craft & Comfort: Artisanal Noodles & Italian Gems

Greenpoint excels at places that prioritize quality ingredients and thoughtful preparation, whether it's a bowl of hand-cut noodles or a perfectly crafted pasta.

Uzuki: The Art of Handmade Soba

For a truly unique culinary pursuit, Uzuki specializes in handmade artisanal soba noodles by veteran chef Shuichi Kotani. In a minimalist converted warehouse, an eight-seat counter and snug tables set the stage for dishes like rich duck broth with fresh green yuzu and soba, or cold noodles heaped with uni, scallops, tuna, and salmon. It's a testament to the beauty of simplicity and expert craftsmanship.

• Address: 95 Guernsey Street
• Price: Dishes from $8 (signature soba can be $40+)
• Must-Try: Duck broth soba.

Le Fanfare: Italian Flavors with a Jazzy Vibe

Le Fanfare serves up classic Italian fare with a cool, inviting atmosphere, often accompanied by jazz music. Their burrata, grilled octopus, and pesto gnocchi are standouts, with handmade cannoli providing a sweet finish. With a charming facade, cozy indoors, and a pleasant backyard patio, it’s a perfect spot for a relaxed dinner or weekend brunch.

• Address: 1103 Manhattan Avenue
• Price: Dishes from $15+
• Vibe: Italian bistro, jazz nights.

Global Flavors, Local Heart: Mexican & Vietnamese Excellence

Greenpoint’s "restaurant row" status is well-earned, thanks to its exceptional array of international cuisines that feel both authentic and deeply rooted in the neighborhood's creative spirit.

Oxomoco: Modern Mexican & Frozen Margaritas

A Michelin-starred gem, Oxomoco offers a vibrant, white-washed space serving modern Mexican plates. Their lauded frozen margaritas (cucumber & sotol or strawberry, grapefruit & gin) are a must. Don't miss the smoked cherry tomato guacamole or tacos crafted with hand-shaped, house-made tortillas, including lamb barbacoa and grilled American wagyu with black truffle sauce. Bar seating is highly recommended for soaking in the lively atmosphere.

• Address: 128 Greenpoint Avenue
• Price: Dishes from $5 (tacos around $15-20)
• Best For: Lively dinner, excellent cocktails, group outings.

Đi Ăn Đi (Di An Di): Casual Vietnamese Comfort

Đi Ăn Đi brings contemporary Vietnamese cooking to Greenpoint with a casual, lush, and tropical setting. It’s consistently ranked among New York’s top Vietnamese spots, known for its flavorful Phở Thìn Hà Nội (with brisket from a Pennsylvania farm) and a variety of bánh mì options. It’s often bustling and can be loud, adding to its energetic charm.

• Address: 68 Greenpoint Avenue
• Price: Dishes from $10
• Crowd Favorite: Phở Thìn Hà Nội.

Taqueria Ramirez: Authentic Mexico City Street Tacos

For a no-frills, authentic experience, Taqueria Ramirez transports you straight to Mexico City. This tiny taco joint features a custom-made Mexican choricera pot, slow-cooking beef and pork sausage to perfection. Expect a fast-moving line for signature tacos like tripa, suadero, al pastor, and nopales. Arrive before 8 PM for the best selection, as popular fillings sell out quickly. Seating is limited, so be prepared for a stand-up meal.

• Address: 94 Franklin Street
• Price: $4 per taco
• Pro Tip: Go early, be ready to stand.

Taste of Tradition: Polish Delights

Greenpoint remains the heart of Polish culture in NYC, and its restaurants proudly carry on culinary traditions that are both hearty and comforting.

Karczma: A Trip to Poland

Karczma is renowned for serving some of Brooklyn’s best traditional Polish food in a charming setting. Waiters and waitresses in traditional dress, combined with kitschy yet cozy decor, create a modern farmhouse feel. Expect amazing borscht in a bread bowl and perfectly crafted pierogis. It's an excellent choice for large groups looking for an authentic and affordable experience.

• Address: 136 Greenpoint Avenue
• Price: Dishes from $15
• Experience: Traditional Polish ambiance, great value.

Pierozek: Handmade Pierogi Perfection

As its name suggests ("little pierogis"), Pierozek specializes in handmade pierogis, served with caramelized onions and a choice of traditional sour cream or a garlic dill version. Beyond the classic cheese and potato, explore dessert-filled pierogis. The restaurant also offers other Polish staples like borscht and kielbasa, all within a traditional yet modern interior and a lovely garden patio.

• Address: 592 Manhattan Avenue
• Price: Pierogis from $10
• Highlight: Diverse pierogi fillings, pleasant outdoor seating.

Modern American & Cozy Hangouts

From gastropub-inspired fare to comforting plates and curated cocktails, these Greenpoint spots offer a versatile range for various dinner moods.

Chez Ma Tante: Gastropub Meets Pancakes

While famous for its brunch pancakes, Chez Ma Tante offers a dinner menu inspired by upmarket London gastropubs. Expect sophisticated dishes like duck leg with brussels sprouts and chestnuts, grilled mackerel, or sweetbreads with white asparagus. It’s a buzzy neighborhood staple with both indoor dining and an outdoor terrace.

• Address: 90 Calyer Street
• Price: Dishes from $18+
• Dinner Vibe: Refined gastropub.

21 Greenpoint: Seasonal American Fare with a Bib Gourmand

Bearing a Michelin Bib Gourmand designation, 21 Greenpoint delivers high-quality, seasonal American fare at reasonable prices. The menu rotates, featuring fresh salads, often a delicious burger, and pizzas on specific nights. Its unique "giant fort" interior with hanging plants creates a distinctive, inviting atmosphere for dinner Thursday through Sunday.

• Address: 21 Greenpoint Avenue
• Price: Dishes from $15+
• Recognition: Michelin Bib Gourmand.

Sereneco: Comforting Plates & Curated Gin and Tonics

Known for its carefully curated gin and tonics, Sereneco also offers comforting and well-executed plates. The whipped ricotta is a must-try appetizer, followed by dishes like seared scallops or their burger with chili mayo and crispy fingerling potatoes. It’s a great spot for a relaxed dinner where both food and drink receive equal attention.

• Address: 113 Franklin Street
• Price: Dishes from $14+
• Drink Focus: Unique gin and tonics.

Bernie’s: American Comfort in a Communal Setting

If you’re seeking classic American comfort food in a friendly, communal setting, Bernie’s is your spot. Patrons often strike up conversations with neighbors over pimento cheese and Ruffles, garlic bread, or perfectly executed burgers and grilled steaks. It’s a bustling, first-come, first-served establishment that doesn’t take reservations or takeout orders, fostering an old-school neighborhood feel.

• Address: 31 Wythe Avenue
• Price: Dishes from $12+
• Ambiance: Lively, no-frills, communal.

Esme: Well-Executed All-Day Dining

Esme consistently delivers well-executed dishes across all meal times. For dinner, consider their gem salad, pan-seared trout, or roasted chicken. It's a reliable choice with both indoor and outdoor seating, making it versatile for different group sizes and preferences.

• Address: 999 Manhattan Avenue
• Price: Dishes from $18+
• Reliability: Consistent quality for dinner.

Pizza Perfected: Paulie Gee's Legacy

It's impossible to discuss dinner in Greenpoint without mentioning the iconic pizza legacy of Paulie Gee's.

Paulie Gee’s & Paulie Gee’s Slice Shop: A Pizza Dynasty

Paulie Giannone's Paulie Gee’s has been a Greenpoint stalwart for over a decade, famous for popularizing chili-laced honey on pizza. The original restaurant offers wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizzas, including the legendary Hellboy (spicy soppressata, fresh mozzarella, Mike’s Hot Honey). Around the corner, Paulie Gee’s Slice Shop offers classic New York-style slices for a quicker, grab-and-go option. Both locations offer vegan choices and a reliable, delicious dinner.

• Address: 60 Greenpoint Avenue (restaurant)
• Price: Pies from $20+; slices from $4
• Iconic Dish: Hellboy Pizza.

Mediterranean Magic: Glasserie

Set in a beautifully renovated former glass factory, Glasserie has been a Greenpoint fixture since 2013, renowned for its richly flavored Mediterranean dishes.

Glasserie: Rustic Charm with a Lush Patio

Glasserie impresses with its industrial brick walls, high ceilings, and a large, atmospheric outdoor space perfect for dinner. Signature dishes include confit garlic and Calabrian chili-stuffed fried olives, and pomegranate seed-studded grilled branzino. Their mezze feast, featuring tahini, labne, smoky eggplant, and griddle bread, is ideal for sharing.

• Address: 95 Commercial Street
• Price: Dishes from $7 (mezze plates)
• Ambiance: Romantic outdoor patio, industrial-chic interior.

The Chef's Playground: Experimental & Dynamic

For those who crave novelty and a fresh culinary perspective, Greenpoint offers a truly unique dining concept.

Fulgurances, Laundromat: A Roster of Roving Chefs

Straight from Paris, Fulgurances, Laundromat is a natural wine bar and chef incubator in a former laundromat. It hosts an ever-changing roster of up-and-coming chefs every three to four months, each creating a unique, seasonal 6-course tasting menu using New York State ingredients. Booking one of the ten counter seats offers a fantastic view into the open kitchen. This ensures a fresh and exciting dinner experience with every visit.

• Address: 132 Franklin Street
• Price: $89 (6-course tasting menu)
• Concept: Chef residency, dynamic menu.

Japanese-American Fusion & More

Greenpoint's "Little Tokyo" reputation is growing, and with it, inventive approaches to Japanese cuisine.

Lingo: Inventive Japanese-American Fare

Lingo brings a cute and modern twist to Japanese-American dining. Chef Emily Yuen (an alumna of Daniel Boulud's kitchens) creates casual Japanese dishes with a unique spin on Americana. Think smoked egg sandwiches with salmon roe, maitake mushroom tempura with matcha oil, or hot fried chicken with chili gremolata. Their bar features excellent cocktails made with Japanese spirits.

• Address: 27 Greenpoint Avenue
• Price: Dishes from $7
• Highlight: Creative fusion, Japanese spirit cocktails.

Rule of Thirds: Japanese Soufflé Pancakes & Unique Cocktails

While famous for its weekend Japanese soufflé pancakes, Rule of Thirds also offers a compelling dinner menu. Enjoy karaage (fried chicken), shishitos, or Oshizushi in their large outdoor courtyard or cozy indoor booths. Their unique cocktails and sake selection complement the Japanese dishes perfectly.

• Address: 171 Banker Street
• Price: Dishes from $12+
• Vibe: Modern Japanese, large outdoor space.

Practical Playbook for Your Greenpoint Dinner

Choosing where to dine in Greenpoint depends largely on your mood, company, and budget. Here's how to make the most of your evening:

1. Define Your Occasion:

• Special Celebration: Restaurant Yuu, House, Ilis. Reserve well in advance.
• Impressive Date Night: Glasserie, Fulgurances, Laundromat, Chez Ma Tante, Le Fanfare.
• Casual & Fun with Friends: Oxomoco, Đi Ăn Đi, Paulie Gee’s, Bernie’s.
• Authentic & Comforting: Karczma, Pierozek, Taqueria Ramirez.

2. Consider the Vibe:

• Lively & Energetic: Oxomoco, Đi Ăn Đi, Bernie’s.
• Intimate & Refined: Restaurant Yuu, House, Uzuki.
• Outdoor Dining: Glasserie, Paulie Gee’s, Chez Ma Tante, Rule of Thirds, Pierozek, Oxomoco, Le Fanfare, Esme, Bernie’s. Many offer charming patios, especially in warmer months.

3. Reservations vs. Walk-ins:

• Book Ahead: Restaurant Yuu, House, Ilis, Oxomoco, Đi Ăn Đi, Glasserie, Fulgurances, Laundromat, 21 Greenpoint, Sereneco, Rule of Thirds, Esme, Le Fanfare.
• Walk-in Friendly (Expect potential waits): Paulie Gee’s (restaurant), Bernie’s, Taqueria Ramirez, Pierozek.

4. Dietary Considerations: Greenpoint's diversity means many restaurants are accommodating. Paulie Gee's offers excellent vegan options at both locations. Ask your server at other establishments for specific gluten-free or vegetarian choices.
5. Post-Dinner Ponderings: After a meal at Fulgurances, Laundromat, consider a matcha soft serve from the nearby Kettl Japanese tea shop for a delightful finish.

Quick Answers: Your Greenpoint Dinner FAQs

Q: Which Greenpoint restaurants are best for a truly special occasion dinner?
A: For an unparalleled experience, Restaurant Yuu offers a Michelin-starred French omakase. House provides an intimate, hyper-seasonal Japanese-French tasting menu, and Ilis brings a unique wood-fired concept from a Noma co-founder.
Q: Where can I find good casual dinner options in Greenpoint?
A: For casual yet delicious dinners, try Paulie Gee's for pizza, Oxomoco for modern Mexican, Đi Ăn Đi for Vietnamese, Taqueria Ramirez for authentic street tacos, or Bernie's for American comfort food.
Q: What are Greenpoint's unique culinary specialties that I should try for dinner?
A: Greenpoint is known for its authentic Polish cuisine (try Karczma or Pierozek), its burgeoning Japanese scene (from fine dining at Yuu to artisanal soba at Uzuki and fusion at Lingo), and vibrant Mexican (e.g., Oxomoco, Taqueria Ramirez) and Vietnamese (Đi Ăn Đi) spots.
Q: Are there good outdoor dining options for dinner in Greenpoint?
A: Absolutely! Glasserie has a stunning outdoor space, and many other spots like Paulie Gee’s, Chez Ma Tante, Oxomoco, Pierozek, Rule of Thirds, Le Fanfare, Esme, and Bernie’s offer inviting patios or sidewalk seating, perfect for enjoying Greenpoint’s atmosphere.
Q: What's a good Greenpoint restaurant for a group dinner?
A: Karczma is excellent for groups looking for traditional Polish fare at an affordable price. Oxomoco and Glasserie also offer spacious settings and shareable plates that work well for larger parties.

Charting Your Dinner in Greenpoint