Williamsburg, with its vibrant culinary scene, offers a surprising bounty for cured meat lovers. Beyond the trendy pizza and bagel shops, lies a world of expertly crafted charcuterie, salumi, and other delicious cured meats. This guide dives deep into the top 10 spots in Williamsburg, NYC, to satisfy your cravings for perfectly cured meats. We'll explore what makes each location special, highlighting their unique offerings and what sets them apart. This isn't just a list; it's a curated journey through Williamsburg's best cured meat experiences.
Discovering Williamsburg's Cured Meat Delights
Williamsburg's charm extends beyond its hipster image. The neighborhood's diverse population and passionate food scene have fostered a thriving charcuterie culture. From classic Italian salumi to innovative modern creations, the options are plentiful and delicious. Finding the best cured meat, however, requires a discerning palate and a bit of exploration. This guide is designed to help you navigate that culinary landscape.
Top 10 Cured Meat Spots in Williamsburg: A Detailed Look
This list is based on a combination of factors: quality of ingredients, curing techniques, overall taste, and customer reviews. The order isn't strictly ranked, as each location offers a unique and enjoyable experience.
1. The Meat Hook
-
Specialty: Wide selection of house-made cured meats, sausages, and pâtés. Known for their commitment to high-quality ingredients and traditional methods.
-
Why it's great: The Meat Hook isn't just a butcher shop; it's a culinary destination. Their knowledgeable staff can guide you through their offerings, suggesting pairings and preparation methods. They often host tasting events and workshops. They use sustainable and humanely raised animals.
-
Must-try: Their coppa, a dry-cured pork shoulder, is a standout.
2. Lilia
-
Specialty: Italian-inspired cured meats, often featured as part of larger antipasto platters. Their focus is on simple preparations that allow the quality of the ingredients to shine.
-
Why it's great: Lilia is a renowned Italian restaurant, and their cured meats reflect the restaurant's dedication to quality and authenticity. Their selection changes seasonally, ensuring freshness and variety.
-
Must-try: Their bresaola, air-dried beef, is incredibly tender and flavorful.
3. DeStefano's Steakhouse
-
Specialty: Classic American-style cured meats, often used in sandwiches and larger entrees. Their focus is on bold flavors and hearty portions.
-
Why it's great: While primarily a steakhouse, DeStefano's showcases excellent cured meats as part of their overall menu. Their cured meats are integral to their delicious sandwiches and classic dishes.
-
Must-try: Their pastrami on rye is a Williamsburg staple.
4. Shalom Japan
-
Specialty: A unique fusion of Japanese and Jewish culinary traditions, featuring innovative cured meat dishes. This is a truly unique experience.
-
Why it's great: Shalom Japan boldly blends cultures, offering surprising and delightful cured meat combinations. This spot is for adventurous eaters.
-
Must-try: Their pastrami-spiced salmon is a must-try for its unexpected harmony of flavors.
5. Paulie Gee's
-
Specialty: While known for their pizza, Paulie Gee's also offers a solid selection of cured meats, usually incorporated into their pizza toppings or as a separate appetizer.
-
Why it's great: The quality of their cured meats complements their exceptional pizza, creating a harmonious food experience. It's a reliable option for a guaranteed delicious meal.
-
Must-try: Their Calabrian soppressata, spicy and flavorful, perfectly elevates their pizza.
6. Bakeri
-
Specialty: A bakery that also offers high-quality cured meats as part of their sandwich and charcuterie offerings.
-
Why it's great: Bakeri's cured meats are perfectly integrated into their artisanal sandwiches and platters, offering a wonderful balance of bread and meat. The freshness of their ingredients is evident.
-
Must-try: Their mortadella, a classic Italian sausage, is exceptionally smooth and flavorful.
7. Emily
-
Specialty: Another pizza place that stands out for its carefully selected cured meats, often highlighting unique regional Italian selections.
-
Why it's great: Similar to Paulie Gee's, Emily uses cured meats to enhance their exceptional pizzas, creating delicious and interesting flavor combinations.
-
Must-try: Their prosciutto, with its delicate salty taste, enhances their pizza in a subtle yet satisfying manner.
8. Roberta's Pizza
-
Specialty: Like the previous two, Roberta's Pizza features high-quality cured meats, perfectly integrated into their pizza offerings. This place is a Williamsburg classic.
-
Why it's great: Roberta's Pizza is a Williamsburg institution. Their cured meats are chosen to match their signature pizza styles, creating consistently satisfying combinations.
-
Must-try: Their 'Bee Sting' pizza, with spicy soppressata, is a favorite.
9. Dimes
-
Specialty: A trendy spot offering carefully curated menus. The cured meats are usually part of a larger, well-thought-out menu.
-
Why it's great: Dimes focuses on using locally sourced ingredients, and that dedication extends to their cured meat selection. It's a great option for a refined meal.
-
Must-try: Their charcuterie board, which often showcases seasonal selections.
10. Sunday in Brooklyn
-
Specialty: A casual spot with a rotating menu that often includes interesting cured meat dishes, either as appetizers or main components.
-
Why it's great: Sunday in Brooklyn emphasizes fresh, seasonal ingredients. Their cured meat selections reflect that commitment, offering inventive and fresh tastes.
-
Must-try: Check their daily menu for the featured cured meat dish - it's always a surprise!
Beyond the List: Exploring Williamsburg's Cured Meat Scene
This list is just a starting point. Williamsburg's culinary scene is constantly evolving, with new restaurants and butcher shops popping up regularly. Don't be afraid to explore beyond this list and discover your own hidden gems. Look for shops and restaurants that emphasize high-quality ingredients, traditional techniques, and a passion for their craft. Happy meat-eating!
