Best Restaurants for Creative Cuisine in Williamsburg

We felt instantly transported by the whimsical pawn shop storefront that conceals the exquisite restaurant hidden behind a door at the back. The eclectic items in the shop are all for sale, adding a playful and unique element to the dining experience. Upon entering the restaurant, we were welcomed by vaulted ceilings, brass accents, and a moody, stylish bar that set the tone for the space. We were seated near the front and warmly greeted by an attentive waiter. For brunch, our party ordered a variety of dishes: my son enjoyed the decadent velvet waffles, my mother-in-law savored the Shakshuka eggs, my wife relished the ribs, and I indulged in the skirt steak and eggs. Each dish was perfectly seasoned and eagerly devoured. The ambiance added to the experience—a lively yet relaxed Sunday crowd created a pleasant hum of conversation that filled the spacious room without being overpowering. We had no trouble hearing one another and appreciated the balance of energy and comfort. Overall, the experience was delightful from start to finish, and we left already planning our next visit to this hidden gem.

I keep coming back to Essex because it's close to me on the train and the staff never disappoints. I don't remember the name of my server but she is a Black woman with a trucker cap. She has been my server the last two times I was there and she is a phenomenal individual. From her attention to her professionalism to her patience, she has made the experience that much better every time. She da bomb diggity!

Outstanding dining experience shared with out of town family who were guests for the holiday season. The River Cafe did not disappoint. The menu offered a dazzling array of options for each course and given the large selection, we were a bit concerned about their ability to deliver… we were extremely happy and quite frankly blown away by each course. The food was of the best quality, presented beautifully and tasted absolutely DELICIOUS. Our only disappointment was the water service - it seems so silly but we had to ask NUMEROUS times for water and wait and wait for our glasses to be refilled. This seems like a minor detail but a major annoyance that can be readily corrected. One other troubling detail that surprised us was the lack of toilet tissue in the Ladies Room- it appeared that no staff attended to the bathroom during our three hour meal. We raise these two points in support of The River Cafe’s commitment to excellence. A warm thanks to the Chef and their team for a wonderful meal and lovey dining experience.

Aska delivers an extraordinary culinary journey in a beautifully restored 1860s Williamsburg warehouse. Chef Fredrik Berselius masterfully blends Scandinavian traditions with local Northeast ingredients in a refined 12-14 course tasting menu. The intimate setting of just 10 tables creates the perfect ambiance, with impeccable yet approachable service. Each dish showcases subtle, delicate flavors that reflect both technical excellence and creative innovation. While portions are modest, the expertly crafted dishes and wine pairings create an unforgettable fine dining experience worthy of its two Michelin stars.

Gorgeous setting. We had river views in summer there are outside tables. A stylish restaurant with a central bar area. The food was fast and delicious and had a great vegetarian selection. About 5mins walk from York Street. Really can’t recommend this place enough.