Booked ahead for dinner on a Saturday night. Intimate spot so I would recommend making a reservation! My party of 4 shared: + Mac & cheese + crab cake + Fried halloumi + pork tenderloin + Cafe salad + poached trout + Fries + Apricot cake + Maple walnut ice cream Highlights were the mac & cheese, crab cake and apricot cake. Overall a nice meal, though not sure I'd return (I live far away and wouldn't say this is a "destination" restaurant the way Red Hook Tavern is). read more

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Wow. This was a terrific meal. Started with the chicken liver mousse, shrimp with aioli and pickles - a nice salad with radicchio. We moved on to the delectable crab cake - small but wonderful. Then beef short rib with a braised fennel garnish, braised chicken with carrots in a sweetish sauce, pork with sauerkraut side if kale. Lots of good wines by the glass - chocolate dessert yum. Ice cream ok. Service was friendly and quick but our server really could not describe the preparations of the dishes - like what the sauces were made of etc. But that was ok. We still ordered. The place has a very casual vibe. Portions on the smaller side but that's fine. Next time we will try the burger we eyed at another table. read more

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Delectable dining!! Michelin starred spot at the Brooklyn waterfront creates food that is sooo special & satisfying. We went on Sunday night for dinner. It's a cute room, almost too cute like Zimmis in the village, but here every dish was culinary magic. Ate: Baguette $7 with seaweed butter Tuna crudo Scallop appetizer Bonito with asparagus Pork loin Pineapple upside down cake Total $161 The fatty tuna with tomatoes was incredible. A crudo above all others. The scallop with pineapple also delicious. While my bonito with Chermoul was great my boyfriend's pork loin was outta site. The pineapple upside down cake well priced at $12 was a modern masterpiece. One of the best dessert in recent memory. My only thought is about the bread. It's from a neighborhood bakery called Laurel & was good, but for food this outstanding, the bread did not wow! read more

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This place really snuck up on me as I wasn't anticipating how much we would enjoy it. We saw in their outside garden area which was so delightful and had such a lovely ambiance for a summer evening. Definitely recommend this over sitting inside, as it really creates sucha more relaxed dining experience. The food itself was divine. There were a few things we were interested in and the highlights included the cod croquette (delicious bite if a bit expensive), scallops (my favorite dish, a must order, so perfectly seasoned), and the skate (okay this was actually my favorite dish and could easily be overlooked so don't sleep on this). The English pea risotto was VERY pea heavy so was not our favorite and the mac & cheese looks like it'll be so tasty, but the sauce/cheese is too thin for mac & cheese. The service could not have been more attentive and pleasant. Can't wait to see what this place grows into. read more

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In the area on a Wednesday night for a nearby show. Saw Cafe Kestrel on Yelp and figured I had to try to walk in. They were able to seat me without a reservation because I arrived on the early side. (5:45ish) Entire staff was pleasant and the waitress was such a professional, patient and knowledgeable. The cafe is super cute, seating is comfortable. I was solo dining but ended up having a lovely conversation with the next table. (They were headed for the same show) All of that excellence aside, the food was a true highlight! I opened with an outstanding squash blossom, crispy and topped with a delightful fennel pollen that lent a wonderful flavor. I moved on to the salad that had delicious carrots and red cheddar. It was beautiful and dressed perfectly. For an entree, I selected the hake. Really nice portion of perfectly cooked fish, with outstanding squash and a buttery sauce. One of the better seafood dishes I've had in a while! The waitress recommended the apricot cake and it was truly divine! Tender cake, rich whipped cream, and a luxurious sauce! Definitely look forward to returning! read more

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went for brunch - small inside but good food. Farinata would not have been good if not for the honey sauce (would have tasted like nothing otherwise). french toast was some of the best we've ever had, very rich in flavor. smoked salmon was okay, but hashbrowns were unique and delicious read more

Had a great time when I came in on Saturday! It was a very cold, windy night and the front of house was warm and welcoming. Food was excellent, from the halloumi to the carrots on the chicken to the apricot cake and cheese for dessert. The service was great, especially the patient and friendly wine person who helped steer us to the right bottle and Sam, who had only recently begun working there. Looking forward to my next trip out to Red Hook! read more

This place is just around the corner and oh so good. Perfectly quant and cozy. Every dish was 10/10 genuinely can't wait to try the whole menu. Every bite was so good I couldn't believe it. Service was super attentive and the decor is immaculate. read more

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Small. Personal. Great food. And nicely curated wine list. Not the easiest to get to, but a nice change.

Had an incredible anniversary dinner here. From the moment we walked in - staff, ambiance and glances at the food I knew we were in for a treat. My husband and I don't usually order a ton of courses but we went all the way through the homemade ice cream - one for each of us. We can't wait to come back, truly enjoyable. Crab cakes were excellent, fish perfectly fresh and flavorful, and the fun side dishes too. You won't be disappointed. read more

everything from the fried squash blossom appetizers to the vegetarian friendly penne to the trout... amazing! the flavors were soooo deep and wonderfully put together to complement the veggie / carb / protein base. I loved the ambience and overall service. I didn't feel like I was dressed up enough but the vibe of Red Hook + the staff made me feel so comfortable and welcome. I'd def come back and take my partner on a nice date! read more

Distinguished by its quaint and charming atmosphere, Cafe Kestrel excels in furthering Red Hook's heightening appeal in fine dining. The restaurant culture is upscale yet modest, and the menu is wonderfully eclectic--just appropriately shy of pretentious. The two of us ordered the fried halloumi, the yellowfin tuna, the crabcake, and the grilled swordfish. We left with a unanimous optimism that Kestrel will cement itself as a must-attend restaurant deserving of widespread recognition. If you're lucky enough to snag a prime time reservation, I would easily recommend dining with the small yet mighty Kestrel staff. I will be back! That being said, if you like to cap your meal with an espresso beverage, take the short walk to Bar Mario for the added indulgence. It's Red Hook after all - there aren't many shortcomings to be found... read more

Cafe Kestrel - Cafes Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Had a lovely anniversary dinner here a few months ago. The ambiance is cozy and sophisticated but not uppity, and the waitstaff brought out complementary champagne for us to celebrate. I recommend making a reservation, as seating is limited. read more

What a perfect little spot in Red Hook! Food is incredible and room is so cozy. Great desserts too. 10/10 read more

Cafe Kestrel - Cafes Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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Fantastic food, unfortunately very small portions so wouldn't suggest if you're hungry. Expertly curated space.