by Katie Hoffman

(Photo: via Umamimart)

The borough of Brooklyn is jam-packed and filled to the brim with great places to eat, there’s no doubt about it.  There are so many neighborhoods full of eateries, it would be easy to just stick with what you know, but then you may miss out on some great stuff.  With many neighborhoods growing and changing quickly, lots of newcomers and Manhattanites are branching out into Brooklyn and creating a market for an eclectic mix of new food establishments in these popular areas.  These gentrified, crowded neighborhoods receive much of the food press, but what about the rest of Brooklyn?  For decades, our borough has been famous for its diversity and, in turn, its food.  Here are a few neighborhoods worth a look if you haven’t already checked them out.
 
1. Sheepshead Bay
Located as deep in Brooklyn as it gets, Sheepshead Bay is only a quick train ride away on the B or the Q train.  There is an eclectic assortment of restaurants on the water and some further inland. Italian, Greek, Thai, Chinese, and American restaurants can be found here among others.  This old-school Brooklyn neighborhood is mostly famous for its seafood, though, which makes sense, since dining on the water is possible at many of these tried and true spots. Check out:

-Baku Palace Restaurant (Russian), 2001 Emmons Avenue
– Randazzo’s Clam Bar (Seafood), 2017 Emmons Avenue
– Jordan’s Lobster Dock (Seafood Market, Restaurant), 3165 Harkness Avenue

2. Bensonhurst
It doesn’t get much more Italian-American than Bensonhurst, Brooklyn.  While there are Italian-American communities all over the borough, this is the quintessential neighborhood for that old world friendliness, generous portions, and tiny shops with homemade goodies.  When you hop off the D train at 89th Street, there are Italian bakeries, restaurants, and pork stores scattered on nearly every block.  Exploring and wandering along 86th Street and nearby side streets is a great way to do it, but if you like a bit more direction, here are some places to try:

-Sal and Jerry Bakery, 6817 20th Avenue
-Gino’s Focacceria, 7118 18th Avenue
-Lioni Fresh Mozzarella, 7803 15th Avenue (at 78th St.)

3. Dyker Heights
Also known as Brooklyn’s Chinatown, there is much fun and food to be had here without the crowds and nuttiness of Manhattan’s Chinatown.  On 17th and 18th Avenue, you might suspect you are actually in China.  Take the N to 8th Avenue to markets, bakeries, restaurants, dim sum houses, and Qi Gong massage shops.  Things are laid-back and spread out comparatively and it’s easier to navigate and explore than a crowded and touristy neighborhood.  It’s a great place for wandering on a nice day with the wide open sky of outer-Brooklyn above and culture and adventure at ground level. Check out:

-Foo Wah Seafood Restaurant, 6514 Bay Parkway
-Fei Long Supermarket, 6301 8th Avenue (bet. 63rd and 64th)

4. Bay Ridge
The food in this beautiful and sprawling neighborhood is diverse, eclectic, and really something special.  The neighborhood itself has been home to many ethnic groups and hasn’t really settled into a single ethnic group over the years.  This has given Bay Ridge an exciting assortment of food choices, many of which are harder to come by in New York City, such as German and African; but also has some good old fashioned Brooklyn food, too. Take the R to 77th or 86th Street and explore this lovely neighborhood. Check out:

-Saint German (French), 8303 3rd Avenue (near 83rd St.)
– The Pearl Room (eclectic, New American), 8201 3rd Avenue (at 82nd St.)
– La Maison du Couscous (Moroccan), 484 77th Street (at 5th Ave.)
– Schnitzel Haus (German/Austrian), 7319 5th Avenue (at 74th St.)

5. Brighton Beach
This neighborhood also known as ‘Little Russia by the Sea’ is one of the most bustling spots that is still off the beaten path in all of Brooklyn.  Take the B or the Q to Brighton Beach Avenue and the fusion of Russia, Brooklyn, and seaside town collide for a scrumptious assortment of food.  Russian meat, smoked fish, caviar, fresh vegetables, mustards, condiments, and sweets line Brighton Beach Avenue for many blocks.  Take a sunny day and explore this mecca of fine European goods and restaurants. Check out:

-Café La Brioche (Russian Jewish bakery), 1073 Brighton Beach Avenue
-Vintage Food Corporation (market), 287 Brighton Beach Avenue
-Tatiana Restaurant and Nightclub, 3152 Brighton 6th Street

Featured image: via Best City Dining