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Local Recs

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Unfortunately, New York City (even Brooklyn!) is a reservation-required town. Assume you need reservations for any sit-down brunch, lunch, or dinner.

Downtown Brooklyn / Fort Greene / Boerum Hill

  • Theodora $$$ Reservations open a month in advance and it’s very hard to get them, but our single meal there was one of the best we’ve had in the city.

Red Hook / Carroll Gardens

Prospect Heights / Crown Heights

  • Bong $$$ Hard to get reservations and very small, so if you don’t like sitting on a stool or high-top this might not be for you. Food is incredible.
  • Joe & Sal’s $ Our go-to pizza spot on Franklin Ave. We always order a large La Burrata pie with extra sausage, plus garlic knots.

Manhattan

  • Golden Unicorn $–$$ Dim sum. No reservations required, but you may have to wait a few minutes.
  • Ping’s $–$$ Our other dim sum favorite.
  • Banh Mi Saigon $ You won’t write home about the ambiance but the sandwiches are lovely.
  • L’industrie Pizzeria — Little Italy $ Great slice spot. Lines possible. Original location in Williamsburg.
  • Ivan Ramen $$ Classic crowded NYC restaurant with great food. Reservations required.
  • Keens Steakhouse $$$ Megan’s favorite restaurant in the city. Reservations required.