NYCGuide
Where To Eat Near The Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
Seeing the Christmas lights in Dyker Heights is one of those New York City rites of passage that you have to do at least once. We, however, have turned it into an annual tradition, and not just because of the spectacular displays of retro holiday decorations. South Brooklyn has some of the best food in the five boroughs, and if you’re going to make the trip, you might as well eat—and eat well—while you’re in the neighborhood. Here are our favorite places close to all the best, most extravagantly decorated houses.
photo credit: Krispy Pizza
The theme of any visit to Dyker Heights during the holiday season is “things that are extra,” and Krispy Pizza is appropriately on brand. You might have seen this pizza shop, which also has locations in New Jersey, on TikTok, where they became famous for their stunt-y pasta-covered pizzas. The thing is, penne vodka on pizza is actually perfect, especially when it’s handled as deftly as it is here. Give yourself time to look at all the display pies before you make a choice. That salad pizza might look better than you thought it would.
We know that technically, East Harbor Seafood Palace is a bit of a walk from the lights. But during your 25-minute saunter over, you’ll work up an appetite for our favorite dim sum spot in Sunset Park. Hopefully there won’t be too much of a wait, but the space is enormous, so you’ll probably be eating shrimp and watercress dumplings before you can finish singing “The 12 Days of Christmas.” The beef ribs are especially good (and peppery), and don’t skip the taro pork dumplings.
If you came to Dyker Heights with a group, Meze is your best bet for a Greek feast that will probably come in under $50pp. Locals love this place for its cozy atmosphere, excellent food, and ability to accommodate large groups with little to no notice. Stringed instruments hang on the walls in a way that suggests people might actually take them down to play late at night after a few rounds of drinks. Order heavily from the Meze section of the menu, and get at least three dips to start. Anything that comes off the grill, from the whole fish to the lamb chops, is going to be good. Whatever you do, make sure to save room for dessert, because you’ve probably never had Galaktoboureko as good as the one here.
If you like Wu’s Wonton King, you’re about to become obsessed with BK Seafood Market. Another great choice for larger groups, this place has tables that can casually seat 15-20 people, and the decor is an off mishmash of Pinterest-y DIY light fixtures and traditional Chinese accents that somehow just works. Seafood is in the name, so you should order some. The home-style stir-fried clams get an intense umami flavor from ground pork and black bean, and the steamed XO scallops are 100% worth whatever market price they’re charging. The crispy half chicken has such shatteringly crisp skin that we sometimes think about it randomly in the middle of the day and consider ditching all responsibilities just to eat it.
This legendary sandwich shop makes over 100 variations on the Italian sandwich, which is why you’ll need to order by number. You might want to browse the menu ahead of time, too, so you don’t get overwhelmed when you look up at the massive board at the counter. We’re partial to #25, the Louie Prima, described on the menu as “a CRAZY sandwich.” That description is accurate. It’s sort of like your standard combo of hot capicola, salami, pepperoni, provolone, and swiss except there are also entire stuffed peppers, and that really pushes things over the top. Get a cup of tiramisu for dessert. You can eat it while you walk around the kind of houses where Mr. Prima himself might have hung out.
There are a bunch of trucks hawking hot chocolate near the Dyker Heights Lights. Skip them and get hot chocolate and some Italian pastries here instead. You might have to wait in line once you’re inside, but at least you can spend time gawking at the sprawling pastry cases while you wait. This is one of the best Italian bakeries in South Brooklyn, and you’ll find all the classics, like cassata pastries and destination-worthy sfogliatelle. If you want something savory that you can eat while you walk, they also sell arancini, focaccia, and personal-sized pizzas.
