Best Cafés in Downtown Brooklyn

22 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Met Dining Room restaurant

1. The Met Dining Room

4.5

Price: Expensive

• Cafe dining • Upper East Side

Booked 46 times today

Nestled in the Upper East Side with a stunning view of Central Park, The Met Dining Room exemplifies the essence of Farm-to-table cuisine. By sourcing ingredients from within a 150-mile radius, this restaurant ensures freshness and supports local farming, providing an "elevated cuisine experience." Diners rave about the authenticity and quality of the food, noting it as "outstanding" and celebrating the restaurant's ability to make each guest feel "special." The Met Dining Room is not just about dining; it's an experience, blending artful surroundings with a menu that's both innovative and rooted in local tradition. Patrons leave with memories of "fabulous food & service," making it a must-visit for anyone seeking a true Farm-to-table experience in New York City.

2. Lafayette

4.5

Awesome(3127)

Price: Expensive

• Cafe dining • NoHo

Booked 11 times today

Nestled in the vibrant NoHo neighborhood of Manhattan, Lafayette redefines the essence of French dining with its exceptional offerings and ambiance. Celebrated for its "absolute perfection" croissants, Lafayette delivers a culinary experience that resonates with the authenticity of French bistro cooking, thanks to Chef Andrew Carmellini's market-driven approach. Patrons rave about the "crispy, flaky exterior and the warm, soft, buttery inside" of the croissants, dubbing them "UNREAL" and worth every cent. With its grand café setting, complete with soaring arched windows and a lively rotisserie bar, Lafayette is not just a dining destination but a cornerstone of French culinary excellence in New York. Whether it's the praised "pistachio Supreme croissant" or the romantic, dimly lit dinners, every visit is a testament to Lafayette's commitment to quality and service, making it a must-visit for anyone craving authentic French cuisine.

A photo of Little Ruby's Cafe - West Village restaurant

3. Little Ruby's Cafe - West Village

4.7

Exceptional(317)

Price: Moderate

• Cafe dining • West Village

Booked 152 times today

Nestled in the heart of West Village, New York, Little Ruby's Cafe shines as a beacon of American cuisine with a delightful twist. Since its inception in 2003, this charming eatery has drawn in food lovers with its robust offering of American classics with unique touches that reflect the vibrant energy of its neighborhood. Diners rave about the "delicious and authentically" prepared dishes, from the "amazing" spicy vodka pasta to the "chef's kiss" worthy meals that are both "affordable" and generously portioned. The ambiance is consistently described as "warm and welcoming" with an "immaculate atmosphere" that complements its mouthwatering menu. With accolades like "the best restaurant in the city" and recommendations for its "great food and service," Little Ruby's Cafe stands out as a must-visit for anyone craving a quintessential American dining experience in New York City.

4. Raf's

4.7

Exceptional(36)

Price: Very Expensive

• Cafe dining • NoHo

Booked 12 times today

Raf's in NoHo, New York, truly stands out as a gem in the world of café cuisine. This establishment, created by the team behind the Michelin-starred The Musket Room, offers a delightful array of pastries that are second to none. According to one patron, Raf's serves "the most delicious pastries and a great atmosphere," making it a must-visit for anyone seeking authentic café delights. The quality of the café offerings is emphasized by the remarkable reviews of their "outstanding pastries" and expertly crafted coffee, described as "incredible." Raf’s not only wins hearts with its culinary excellence but also through its warm, inviting ambiance and exceptional service, making every visit memorable.

5. Elysian Cafe

4.7

Exceptional(358)

Price: Moderate

• Cafe dining • Jersey City

Booked 58 times today

Nestled in the heart of Hoboken, the Elysian Cafe offers a slice of Parisian charm with its exquisite café cuisine and ambient setting reminiscent of a quaint European bistro. With its historic architecture and beautifully adorned outdoor seating, this café stands out for its consistent quality and authenticity, making it a beloved staple in Jersey City. Diners rave about the flavorful dishes, with one patron exclaiming, "the pancakes were the dream, and salmon egg benedict, oh man so lucky that we found this cafe!" Whether it's for a leisurely brunch or a cozy dinner, the Elysian Cafe promises a delightful dining experience with its "delicious food" and "amazing staff," ensuring every visit is memorable.

6. Dudley's

4.6

Exceptional(39)

Price: Moderate

• Cafe dining • Lower East Side

Booked 40 times today

Dudley's in the eclectic Lower East Side of New York is a vibrant gem serving up authentic Australian cuisine with flair and finesse. Known for its engaging atmosphere and exceptional food, Dudley's offers an all-day café experience that delights locals and visitors alike. Patrons rave about the "Big Brekkie" and the "Scotch Benedict," underscoring the authenticity and quality of their offerings. "The food was absolutely perfect!" one review exclaims, highlighting the restaurant's commitment to excellence. With its lively vibe and excellent service, Dudley's stands out as a must-visit for those craving a taste of Australia in the heart of New York.

7. Brooklyn High Low

4.6

Exceptional(344)

Price: Very Expensive

• Cafe dining • Prospect Heights

Booked 8 times today

Brooklyn High Low in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn, offers a unique Afternoon Tea experience that blends traditional charm with a modern Brooklyn twist. This beloved spot is praised for its "delicious and abundant" tea selections and inventive, fresh finger sandwiches that elevate the entire experience. Guests rave about the "triple tier plate stand filled with baked scones, crumpets, and yummy desserts," making each visit memorable. The cozy, vintage ambiance, combined with the option to sit in a nostalgically beautiful garden, enhances the allure. As one reviewer put it, the vibe is filled with "peace and grace," confirming that Brooklyn High Low is not just a meal but a delightful escape. Whether it's The Classic, The Vanderbilt, or The Heights tea experience, visitors leave "more full and comforted than the last," making it a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic Afternoon Tea in NYC.

A photo of Brasserie Cognac Midtown East restaurant

8. Brasserie Cognac Midtown East

4.3

Awesome(184)

Price: Moderate

• Cafe dining • Midtown East

Booked 27 times today

Step into the heart of Midtown East, New York, at Cognac Brasserie 48th, where the essence of a Parisian café is palpably recreated with a delightful twist of modernity. Esteemed restaurateurs Vittorio Assaf and Fabio Granato have crafted a menu that celebrates French culinary staples, making every visit a testament to café cuisine excellence. Patrons rave about the authenticity and quality of the offerings, with one guest exclaiming, "This is my go-to place - transports me to Paris. Better than a Parisian bistro as eggs available early morning through 3pm." Whether it's the meticulously prepared eggs Benedict or the aromatic lattes paired perfectly with desserts, every dish is a hit. Visitors consistently applaud the "amazing atmosphere" and the service that goes "above and beyond," making Cognac Brasserie 48th a must-visit for anyone seeking a genuine café experience in the city.

A photo of Starbucks Reserve® Tasting Room & Experiences – Empire State Building restaurant

9. Starbucks Reserve® Tasting Room & Experiences – Empire State Building

4.7

Exceptional(153)

Price: Expensive

• Cafe dining • NoMad

Booked 2 times today

Located in the iconic Empire State Building, the Starbucks Reserve® Tasting Room & Experiences offers a cocktail bar that is a cut above the rest. This unique venue provides an exquisite array of cocktails, expertly crafted with the same attention to detail that Starbucks devotes to its coffee. Patrons rave about the "espresso martini experience" and the "espresso martini flight," describing them as "must-try" offerings that combine the rich, bold flavors of espresso with a sophisticated cocktail twist. The ambiance is unmatched, with glowing reviews highlighting the "friendly and knowledgeable" staff and the "warm and inviting atmosphere" that make each visit memorable. Whether you're a local or just passing through NoMad, New York, the Starbucks Reserve® at the Empire State Building promises a cocktail experience that's both innovative and delightful.

A photo of The Parlour, Brooklyn High Low restaurant

10. The Parlour, Brooklyn High Low

4.8

Exceptional(124)

Price: Very Expensive

• Cafe dining • Park Slope

Booked 3 times today

The Parlour in Park Slope, Brooklyn, stands out as a beacon of Café culture, offering an authentic and delightful afternoon tea experience that transcends the ordinary. Visitors are enchanted by the "Speak'Teasy vibe" and a luxurious twist on traditional afternoon tea. Known for its "huge range of tea choices" and "really tasty food," the café receives glowing reviews for its cozy atmosphere and exceptional service. Delighted customers rave about the "delicious and fun experience," highlighting the attentive staff and the quality of both the beverages and the dishes served. Whether it's a special occasion or a casual visit, The Parlour promises an unforgettable encounter with the finest elements of café cuisine, making every visit "better than expected."

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

C
Christopher
New York City •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Brought my parents to tea on a rainy Saturday, they LOVED it. Was worth it entirely for how much they enjoyed it.
More info
Brooklyn High LowPrice: Very Expensive• Afternoon Tea• Prospect Heights
•
4.6
W
Wesley
Toronto / Ontario •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
The room is beautiful, the service seamless, and the food is delicious. A perfect place for dinner!
More info
LafayettePrice: Expensive• French• NoHo
•
4.5
R
RisaVIP
Washington, D.C. Area •7 reviews
5.0
Dined on 18 Dec 2024
Rafs is a gem and one of a kind cafe. The food is delicious. I had the French omlette with crème fraise. Excellent. The wait staff is superb very attentive. The host was very accommodating finding us a booth table that was very comfortable and quiet.
More info
Raf'sPrice: Very Expensive• Café• NoHo
•
4.7
K
KirstenVIP
New York City •28 reviews
5.0
Dined on 17 Dec 2024
It's a great place to work, relax, or chat with friends. The ambiance is very nice, and the coffee and food are very good.
More info
Felix Roasting Co.Price: Moderate• Café• SoHo
•
4.2
R
Rani
New York City •1 review
4.0
Dined on 16 Dec 2024
If you order a cheeseburger as I did, note that's all you get, no little greens or fries with it. Also, it's the yellow sliced, non-cheese cheese. The host noted that the people in front of us did not have a reservation and then disappeared without saying anything to us--we did have a reservation, and our friends (as it turned out) were already there, but we ended up waiting about ten minutes for the host to arrive, ask about our reservation and shown to our table. I had asked for a quiet table so we could talk. I understand it's never "quiet," but did not expect to be seated right next to the speaker and right next to others on the long bench. We were shouting just to hear each other. They could have given us a separate table atleast, away from the speakers. I won't be coming back though everyone was friendly, because this is New York and there are other choices.
More info
Dudley'sPrice: Moderate• Café• Lower East Side
•
4.6

Best Cafés in Downtown Brooklyn

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Top Rated

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Award-winning

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22 restaurants available nearby

1. The Met Dining Room

2. Lafayette

3. Little Ruby's Cafe - West Village

4. Raf's

5. Elysian Cafe

6. Dudley's

7. Brooklyn High Low

8. Brasserie Cognac Midtown East

9. Starbucks Reserve® Tasting Room & Experiences – Empire State Building

10. The Parlour, Brooklyn High Low

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