While Brooklyn’s Park Slope neighborhood is well known for beautiful brownstone homes, Prospect Park, and proximity to Manhattan, it also has a thriving dining scene. In fact, this focus on food remains my favorite part of this eclectic neighborhood, where I lived for more than 20 years and still spend months each year exploring and eating around the area.
Come now and taste for yourself why we can’t get enough of this Brooklyn neighborhood’s amazing restaurants, bakeries, and bars.
Pasta Louise Cafe
If you chat with Park Slope natives and new residents, they will likely recommend visiting Pasta Louise. New York native Allison Arevalo opened the restaurant in 2020, and offers a housemade pasta in a variety of shapes each day. Then come the sauces and preparations.
Must-try options include Dad’s Famous Red Pepper Sauce and cacio e pepe, which is the restaurant’s best-seller. Florals and chic decor in the restaurant and outdoor dog-friendly patio make the establishment not just perfect for photos, but family meals too. 1114 8th Ave., Park Slope, Brooklyn, pastalouise.com
Zoller’s
Chef and owner Jared Moeller opened Zoller’s in 2024, and it has quickly become a local favorite thanks to the concise menu of elevated sandwiches. Try the vegan Garden Grinder with seared tofu, beet hummus, banana peppers, tomato, and a housemade miso vinaigrette.
Or, go for the Brussel Grilled Cheese, an unusual yet tasty combination of Brussels sprouts, mozzarella, lemon oil, Maldon salt, and fresh basil on country bread. No matter what you order, the casual establishment offers views of the neighborhood through the expansive windows. 248 Prospect Park West, Park Slope, Brooklyn, zollersnyc.com
Elora’s Mexican & Spanish Restaurant
The family-owned Elora’s is a local favorite for Sonoran-style Mexican food, and after one visit you’ll understand why. Especially if you start with Queso Fundido and guacamole, which comes fresh and made in a molcajete. For entrees, the Quesadilla Típica with shrimp and crab, a classic seafood paella, or a platter of sizzling chicken fajitas always hit home. In nice weather, snag an outside table and enjoy the neighborhood view along with the meal. 272 Prospect Park West, Park Slope, Brooklyn, elorasnyc.com
Da Nonna Rosa Restaurant & Pizzeria
The family-owned and operated Da Nonna Rosa Restaurant & Pizzeria became a Park Slope staple when three brothers opened it in 2011. Today the shop still serves generous portions of classic Italian-American dishes, including eggplant rollatini and chicken parm. The comfortable booths, rustic wooden tables, and sturdy chairs lining the restaurant give the space a homey feel, almost as much as the food does. 140 7th Ave., Park Slope, Brooklyn, danonnarosas.com
La Villa Pizzeria
Craving a slice of pizza or two? Don’t overlook La Villa Pizzeria. The restaurant specializes in wood-fired pies, with a couple deep-dish options on the side. Since 2003 the quaint shop has served Park Slope, offering pizza lovers an array of toppings from sweet fennel sausage to fried eggplant to imported anchovies. Create your own combination, or choose from the menu of pre-selected delights. 261 Fifth Ave., Park Slope, Brooklyn, lavillapizza.com
Table 87
Enter Table 87 and feel right at home in Park Slope with an Italian meal. Start your dining experience with some fried calamari or stuffed peppers. Following those appetizers, try the restaurant’s specialty coal-fired pizza and array of other Italian dishes, including riceballs, a chicken roll, and rigatoni bolognese. Expect exposed brick and ambient lighting with attentive service to match. 473 Third Ave., Park Slope, Brooklyn, table87.com
Giovanni’s Brooklyn Eats
Giovanni’s Brooklyn Eats serves dishes based on recipes from owner Giovanni Tafuri’s family. Yes, the cuisine leans on the Italian side, with Noona’s Meatballs, Pollo Parmigiana (aka chicken parm), and Gnocchi al Pomodoro taking the spotlight. You may even catch live music if you time it right, and every Monday the 15-year-old restaurant sells wine bottles half off. 1666 8th Ave., Park Slope, Brooklyn, giovannisbrooklyneats.com
Krupa Grocery
This beloved neighborhood convenience store turned into a restaurant in 2014, and serves comforting American cuisine. The all-day menu features Breakfast Gnocchi and Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, along with heartier entrees such as a Nashville Hot Shrimp Burger, Flatiron Steak & Eggs with mole negro, and several sensational salads.
Sit inside the minimalist space, surrounded by hanging modern light fixtures, or grab a spot in the back garden where string lights and benches make for a casual Park Slope dining experience. The restaurant also offers packed picnics you can get to go, perfect for bringing to the park. 231 Prospect Park West, Park Slope, Brooklyn, krupagrocery.com
Couleur Café & Wine Bar
You don’t have to visit a formal restaurant to have a high-quality dining experience in Park Slope. Order a cappuccino or a glass of wine at Couleur Café while enjoying views of Seventh Avenue. The chic establishment is recognized for fresh, French-inspired cuisine made with many local ingredients.
Sweet and savory crepes remain a fan favorite, while the Quiche Lorraine and Red Lentil Soup are also must-try dishes. Come here for breakfast, brunch, and lunch, or simply take a pastry and a coffee to go. 435 7th Ave., Park Slope, Brooklyn, couleurcafeny.com
