Ginger and Fig in Brooklyn is a haven for food lovers, serving up playful and innovative dishes to the city’s cool kids, says Alida Ryder.

Food

Chef owner Zane Figueiredo made a radical career shift from IT to food – and thank goodness he did. His food seems simple, but once your plate is put down in front of you, you know that everything on it has been perfectly planned to result in a well-balanced, mouthwatering dish. The hand-cut rib-eye burgers are crowd favourites and come with innovative toppings like mushroom ketchup, house pickles and house-cured and -smoked bacon. For something lighter, try the duck wonton salad.

Ginger and Fig. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

The wontons are beautifully shaped, filled with an aromatic mixture of shredded duck and Asian herbs, and served on a bed of leaves with burnt cucumber and fresh orange. You’ll have a tough time choosing between the pork belly open sandwich and the smoked brisket, but if you want something truly special, the brisket is the way to go: soft, slow-smoked melt-in-the mouth beef tops freshly baked sourdough bread with coleslaw, pickles and the most delectable coffee-barbecue sauce. For sweets, you would be silly not to try Zane’s buttermilk pie (if you’re lucky enough to be there on a day that he makes it) or one of their stunning cakes.

Drinks

Ginger and Fig is not licensed to sell alcohol, but they have no problem if you bring your own. They offer a range of perfectly done coffees (by the most charming baristas), Frankie’s sodas, Fitch & Leeds drinks, and not-to-be-missed milkshakes.

Ginger and Fig. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Ambience

Modern, hip and one of a kind. The open kitchen shows the chefs and baristas working their magic and it’s not hard to see why this is where the cool kids hang out.

Ginger and Fig. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Service

Service is professional, friendly and comfortable. If you’re a regular, baristas Jabu and Alban will remember how you take your coffee and will have it ready before you even hit your seat. Manager Willem might charm you into trying something new and will crack a joke or two while he’s at it.

Ginger and Fig. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

And…

For something refreshing on the liquid front, try their Arnold Palmer or Shirley Temple cocktails.

Eat Out critics dine anonymously and pay for their meals in full. Read our editorial policy here.

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