Bed-Stuy Restaurant Guide

For New York foodies, Bed-Stuy has long been a bastion of great dining and nightlife. From cozy date-night spots to well-known restaurants with a celebrity following, this expansive Brooklyn enclave offers a selection of cuisine from all corners of the world and a something-for-everyone appeal.

L'Antagoniste — 238 Malcolm X Blvd. at Hancock Street. Photos via lantagoniste.com

L'Antagoniste is a classic, yet relaxed French bistro with a menu filled with the authentic Gallic favorites you'd expect, including steak frites, soufflé au fromage and foie gras. The BYOB Mondays we first mentioned in our A Week in Bed-Stuy post are still in effect, so enjoy the casual farm-to-table vibe over your favorite vin, sans corkage fees!

Baron's — 564 DeKalb Ave. near Spencer Court. Photos via barons-brooklyn.com

We raved about the Sunday brunch at local mainstay Baron's in our A Week in Bed-Stuy, but this classic American eatery also deserves a shout out for the other six days of the week. The décor is rustic and welcoming, the wine and cocktail list expansive, and the food is consistently delicious. The brick-pressed chicken and the burger receive high marks, and yeah, their boozy brunch is still off the charts.

Calaca — 139 Putnam Ave. near Franklin Avenue. Photos via calacabrooklyn.com

You'll feel transported in this tiny cash-only spot known for its mouthwatering tacos, strong margaritas, and some of the best guacamole and elote in the city. The restaurant's ultra-small proportions add to the gracious, congenial vibe, and diners rave about the friendly service, which is — let's face it — a New York City rarity!

Peaches — 393 Lewis Ave. at MacDonough Street
Peaches HotHouse — 415 Tompkins Ave. at Hancock Street. Photos via bcrestaurantgroup.com 

This beloved pair of restaurants from the burgeoning B+C Restaurant Group continues to please both locals and visitors with their soothing food and hospitality. Peaches offers a wonderful selection of Southern American favorites, including blackened catfish, ribs, shrimp and grits, plus a great cocktail menu. Peaches HotHouse, meanwhile, is a smaller outpost known for its Nashville-style fried chicken (order it hot) and fried green tomatoes. For delicious comfort food that feels like a warm hug, you can't go wrong at either establishment.

Pilar Cuban Eatery —397 Greene Ave. at Bedford Avenue. Photos via pilarny.com

At Pilar, you get all the Cuban favorites you'd expect in a bright and airy atmosphere. Enjoy amazing empanadas, Cuban sandwiches, croquetas and house-made chorizo alongside great coffee, a rum bar and an impressive cocktail list.

Saraghina — 435 Halsey St. at Lewis Avenue. Photos via saraghina.com

This buzzy Italian favorite is more than just a celebrity hot spot. Saraghina serves delectable Neopolitan pies with good char, plus scrumptious pasta dishes and stiff drinks in a charming farmhouse atmosphere with patio seating. The adjacent bakery is divine, and their tapas bar is the perfect hangout while waiting for a table.

Samurai Papa — 594 Lafayette Ave. near Nostrand Avenue. Photos via https://www.samuraipapabk.com

If mouthwatering ramen and soba are what you're after, you can do no wrong at Samurai Papa. The broth is tasty, and there's a wide range of toppings to suit any preference. This compact Bed-Stuy restaurant also offers great lunch specials and an enticing assortment of appetizers, including gyoza, pork buns and fried chicken.

Swell Dive — 1013 Bedford Ave. near Lafayette Avenue. Photos via swelldive.nyc