Brooklyn Heights boasts a vibrant culinary scene, and within it lies a treasure trove of restaurants committed to organic and sustainable practices. For those seeking delicious, healthy, and ethically sourced meals, this guide highlights eight of the best organic restaurant experiences in the neighborhood. Finding truly organic dining options can sometimes feel like a scavenger hunt, but we've done the work for you. Enjoy exploring the best of Brooklyn Heights' organic food scene.
Top Organic Restaurants in Brooklyn Heights: A Foodie's Guide
This list showcases restaurants prioritizing organic ingredients, sustainable sourcing, and environmentally friendly practices. It’s not exhaustive, but a great starting point for your culinary exploration. Remember to always check restaurant menus and websites for the most up-to-date information on their offerings and organic sourcing policies.
1. The River Café: Upscale Organic Delights with a View
The River Café is a Brooklyn Heights institution known for its stunning Manhattan skyline views and its commitment to using high-quality, seasonal ingredients. While not explicitly advertising as "organic," a significant portion of their menu features organic produce and sustainably sourced seafood. Their dedication to local farmers and purveyors translates into fresh, flavorful dishes. Expect a refined dining experience with prices to match.
- Ambiance: Elegant, romantic, iconic views.
- Price Range: $$
- Organic Focus: Primarily focuses on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients with a strong emphasis on quality and sustainability. Many ingredients are likely organic, though not explicitly stated on the menu.
2. Cecconi's Dumbo: Italian Organic Charm Across the Bridge
While technically located in Dumbo, just a short stroll across the Brooklyn Bridge, Cecconi's Dumbo deserves a mention. This stylish Italian restaurant sources many of its ingredients from organic farms, prioritizing fresh pasta, vibrant vegetables, and sustainably caught seafood. Their commitment to quality shines through in the taste and presentation of their dishes.
- Ambiance: Chic, sophisticated, Italian elegance.
- Price Range: $$
- Organic Focus: While not solely organic, Cecconi's makes a conscious effort to source organic ingredients whenever possible, reflected in their menu's freshness and flavor.
3. DeStefano's Steak House: Organic Meats & Classic Steaks
DeStefano's offers a unique perspective on organic dining. Focusing on high-quality, ethically sourced meats, they often feature organic and grass-fed beef options. Their menu also features sides and vegetables prepared with an emphasis on seasonality and freshness. It's a perfect choice for those seeking a classic steakhouse experience with an organic twist.
- Ambiance: Traditional steakhouse, warm and inviting.
- Price Range: $$
- Organic Focus: Concentrates on organic and grass-fed beef options alongside other locally-sourced ingredients.
4. Juliana's Pizza: Organic Ingredients in a Classic Slice
Juliana's is a well-known Brooklyn Heights pizzeria famed for its delicious, traditional New York-style pizza. Though not exclusively organic, they use high-quality ingredients, and many of their vegetables are sourced organically whenever feasible. Their commitment to fresh ingredients ensures a consistently great pizza experience.
- Ambiance: Casual, classic pizzeria atmosphere.
- Price Range: $
- Organic Focus: Selects high quality ingredients and prioritizes fresh, organic options when available.
5. Grimaldi's Pizzeria: Another Great Organic Pizza Option
Similar to Juliana's, Grimaldi's is a beloved Brooklyn Heights pizza institution. While not fully organic, their emphasis on quality ingredients often includes organically sourced produce where possible. This makes it another excellent option for a delicious and (partially) organic pizza.
- Ambiance: Casual, classic pizzeria with a lively atmosphere.
- Price Range: $
- Organic Focus: Uses high-quality ingredients, with a tendency towards organic vegetables when available.
6. Shake Shack: Organic and Sustainable Choices in a Casual Setting
Shake Shack, while a chain, is committed to sourcing many of its ingredients responsibly. While not fully organic, they emphasize sustainable beef, prioritizing humanely raised animals. Their commitment to sustainability extends to their packaging and waste reduction programs. It's a solid choice for a quick, relatively ethical, and tasty meal.
- Ambiance: Casual, fast-casual dining.
- Price Range: $
- Organic Focus: Focuses on sustainable sourcing practices for its beef and other ingredients, though not entirely organic.
7. Henry's End: Farm-to-Table Experience
While not strictly organic, Henry's End emphasizes its farm-to-table commitment, using seasonal ingredients sourced from local farms and producers. This commitment often translates to many organic or organically-grown products making their way onto the menu.
- Ambiance: Cozy and inviting, farm-to-table style.
- Price Range: $
- Organic Focus: Emphasizes locally sourced seasonal ingredients, many of which are likely organically produced.
8. Time Out Market New York: A Diverse Selection
Time Out Market New York, situated in Dumbo, offers a diverse range of food stalls, some of which use organic or sustainably sourced ingredients. Check the individual vendor menus for specifics, as their organic sourcing practices vary. This offers the opportunity to explore various cuisines and discover hidden gems with organic elements.
- Ambiance: Vibrant, diverse food hall.
- Price Range: Varies greatly depending on vendor.
- Organic Focus: Varies greatly depending on the individual vendor. Check individual vendor menus for organic details.
Finding Your Perfect Organic Meal in Brooklyn Heights
This guide provides a starting point for your search for organic restaurants in Brooklyn Heights. Remember to check menus, websites, and reviews to confirm the level of organic sourcing before your visit. Happy dining!