9 Great Restaurants in Clinton Hill

Between ambitious chef-driven menus, grab-and-go sandwiches and really, really good pizza, the central Brooklyn nabe has quietly become quite the dining destination. Here are nine spots to add to your list, stat.

This spot’s creatively topped pizzas and wood-fired fare have been a staple in our diet since it opened five years ago. You can’t go wrong with anything here, but we’re partial to the Kind Brother (béchamel, wild mushroom, smoked mozz and an egg) and the dessert that’s basically a giant s’more.

376 Classon Ave., Brooklyn; speedyromeo.com

Cozy neighborhood vibes, a veggie-forward menu…oh, and a Michelin star. (Casual.) The menu reads like a poem of beautiful ingredients, from beets and burrata with pine-nut brittle to cauliflower-apple soup. Local tip: Go on Monday for a smoked fried chicken sandwich that’ll change your life.

212 Greene Ave., Brooklyn; thefinchnyc.com

Local sushi-heads rejoiced when this unassuming spot opened in May, thanks to its über-fresh fish. Along with traditional (and reasonably priced) options like sashimi and donburi, be sure to try the avocado “bomb,” filled with spicy salmon or tuna and served with taro chips.

541B Myrtle Ave.; loveugu.com

This charming spot takes its name from a NorCal beach town, and we can almost picture the foggy Pacific coastline while noshing on eclectic menu items like crispy sourdough with edamame and Thai basil or portobello mushroom bao.

455 Myrtle Ave., Brooklyn; barbolinas.com

We’re not quite sure how to categorize Mekelburg’s—is it a sandwich counter? A cheese shop? A bar? All we know is the offerings are tasty and the vibes are always fun. Don’t miss the chocolate babka, which you can get as French toast, bread pudding or straight up.

293 Grand Ave., Brooklyn; mekelburgs.com

OK, we realize this is the second pizza place in the list, but what can we say? This neighborhood has been especially #blessed by the pizza gods. And just as impressive as the wood-fired pies is the legendary Emmy burger, which on first glance looks too big to finish (but trust us, you’ll manage). 

919 Fulton St., Brooklyn; pizzalovesemily.com