Where To Eat, Stay And Play In DUMBO, Brooklyn

Look out, Williamsburg. DUMBO is making a run at the unofficial title of best Brooklyn ‘burb.

The buzzing district, which you will find ‘Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass’ (New Yorkers sure do love an acronym, eh?), has put its cobblestone streets and stellar Manhattan views to good use, transitioning from an industrial hub to become the neighbourhood of the moment.

It is said that the name DUMBO was concocted in the 1970s by residents who wanted an unmarketable moniker to protect their turf from developers. History shows the plan didn’t work, but development (so far, at least) has allowed DUMBO’s creative character to live on. Here’s just some of what the neighbourhood has to offer.

Eat

Juliana’s Pizza

You’ve probably heard of Grimaldi’s and perhaps you’re wondering why that’s not the famous pizza name highlighted on this finger-licking list. Well, Grimaldi, the person, no longer runs Grimaldi, the pizza chain. But he does run Juliana’s, the pizzeria next door. Complicated? Maybe. But you’ll soon forget about that once you’ve wrapped your laughing gear around a slice of Patsy Grimaldi’s coal-oven perfection.

The River Café

Sitting riverside (as you might have guessed) and with front-row seats to DUMBO’s spectacular views, the Michelin-starred River Café is a neighbourhood stalwart, delivering classic American cuisine since 1977. Meanwhile, the restaurant’s wine list, curated by long-serving wine director Joseph DeLissio, is the subject of national acclaim. This is special-occasion stuff.

The River Cafe Brooklyn — The River Cafe gives front-row seats to DUMBO’s spectacular views (Photo: Dany Creative Design)

Shake Shack

Far from an original recommendation, and certainly not exclusive to DUMBO, burger chain Shake Shack still earns its place on this list because the food is so damn good. Forget the Colonel’s 11 secret herbs and spices, I want the secret to the moreishly tangy ShackSauce… and apparently, I can have it. There’s a Shake Shack cookbook. *Makes immediate Amazon purchase.

Gran Electrica

Simple but delish Mexican fare and tequila- and mezcal-based cocktails to match – olé! Gran Electrica serves up authentic Mexican flavours (think: ceviche, tacos, quesadillas) in a lively setting with tasteful nods to the colour and flair of the Central American nation (and completely devoid of the usual paraphernalia, which is noted as a positive – sorry to lovers of the sombrero).

Superfine

A DUMBO mainstay, Superfine moved into the neighbourhood well before it was on-trend and has survived despite the influx of competition thanks to reliably tasty food and a warm community atmosphere. The converted warehouse space provides the ideal environment for live art, live music and fab food, which is exactly what the Superfine team has been delivering since 2001.

Stay

1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge

Mission-driven luxury hotel brand 1 Hotels aims to combine sustainable design and superior comfort across its portfolio, and its DUMBO outpost certainly delivers. Opened in 2017, 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge blends beautifully into its waterfront surrounds, its striking design making ample use of native greenery and reclaimed materials. Add unbeatable views of the East River and Manhattan skyline, and this is a dream stay.

Play

Klompching Gallery

Art has been critical to DUMBO’s transformation and the Klompching Gallery, established in 2007, is one of the spaces making a strong contribution to this scene. Contemporary photography is the gallery’s focus and a solid roster of artists has evoked critical acclaim. Diane Meyer’s mesmerising Berlin series, a unique combination of photography and cross-stitch embroidery, is next on the exhibition agenda, opening 14 November.

Weekly travel news, experiences
insider tips, offers, and more.

Harriet’s Rooftop & Lounge

You’ll find Harriet’s at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, so you know the big sell here is location, location, location. There is arguably nowhere better for a cocktail with a view. Order a Manhattan for the complete meta experience. There’s even a selection of ‘wellness’ cocktails such as Nature’s Selection (cucumber-mint vodka or gin and Italian bergamot liqueur with cucumber, coconut water and greens). Confirming, it is delicious, but how well it’ll actually make you feel might depend on how many you enjoy.

Brooklyn Bridge Park

Left desolate when industry moved out of town, DUMBO’s waterfront has since been transformed into a 34-hectare greenspace and its success is illustrated daily as locals and visitors enjoy the tree-lined paths, bikeways, gardens, sport and playground facilities, and – yes, again – those views.

St Ann’s Warehouse

It might be off off Broadway, but this decades-old cultural institution hosts acclaimed avant-garde productions featuring both artists of great distinction and exciting emerging talent. Housed since 2015 in a 19th-century Tobacco Warehouse, the space is an attraction in itself.

Brooklyn Flea

Set under the Manhattan Bridge, the DUMBO edition of Brooklyn Flea runs every Sunday between April and October. (It’s in Williamsburg on Saturdays.) You’ll find furniture, vintage clothing and antiques, as well as jewellery and art from local designers. And food, of course. Wander aimlessly or spend up big – either way, it’s time well spent.

Wellbeing means different things to different travellers. Here’s how to pick a hotel that gets it right for you.

The best wellness holidays aren’t necessarily spent wrapped in a spa robe. Sometimes they’re found around a dinner table in Cambodia, on a hiking trail in New Zealand or after finally beating jet lag on the other side of the world. The hotel you choose is what makes them happen.

1. Easy access to good food

meals from Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20 — Taste delicious meals at Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20.

One of the quickest ways to derail healthy habits on holiday is to spend half of it working out where to eat instead of digging into the culture around you. Thankfully, Novotel has done much of the hard work already, with chefs building menus that lean into the flavours, ingredients and traditions of each destination.

In Sihanoukville, Cambodia, Korkor soup – often dubbed ‘Cambodian ratatouille’ – sits alongside raw blue crab dressed with lime and chilli, best enjoyed with views across the Gulf of Thailand.

In the lovingly chaotic city of Bangkok, the presence of food cranks up the sociability. At Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20, you can settle in with mango sticky rice and stranger-turned-friends beside the pool at Sky on 20 rooftop bar, or bring them along to tackle river prawns and stir-fried crab with holy basil at the buzzing Crab Paradise Dinner Buffet.

Then Novotel Dubai Al Barsha welcomes you with a laidback twist on the level of indulgence the Middle Eastern city is best known for up on Deck Se7en. Looking towards Burj Al Arab, the rooftop lounge has everything from Mediterranean-style dishes like seabass ceviche to Italian prosecco sundowners.

At the other end of the scale, in the hills that surround the Novotel Bali Ubud Resort, calm comes from nature. At Siralada restaurant, Balinese traditions shape the menu while thunder rumbles over the surrounding jungle – proving the setting is as nourishing as the food itself.

While at Novotel Nha Trang, chef Kieu Thi My Hanh and her team showcase Vietnam’s knack for balancing freshness, texture and fragrant herbs. Pho remains a favourite, while seafood salad with pomelo and mango brings those flavours together in one bright dish.

It’s all an approach backed by partnerships with expert food creators such as Alfie Steiner, whose plant-forward recipes prove healthy food should never taste plain.

2. Better sleep options

Novotel Bali Ubud Resort room — Sleep deeply with Novotel.

There are few travel experiences more disappointing than arriving in a new country, determined to seize the day, only to fall asleep fully clothed by 3pm.

For Australian travellers, jet lag is often an unavoidable part of the journey. That’s one reason Novotel runs sleep-focused initiatives that help guests adjust quickly without compromising on health. We’re talking partnerships with Sydney-based sleep specialist Olivia Arezzolo, known for her advice on everything from better sleep habits to beating jet lag, alongside features like pillow menus, in-room yoga content and tailored sleep guidance.

The sooner you’re operating on local time, the sooner you can get back to more pressing matters – like deciding which spa treatment to book.

3. More ways to move

woman hiking around queenstown new zealand — Stay at Novotel Queenstown Lakeside and explore local hiking trails. (Credit: GettyI mages/ naruedom)

Every place in the world has its own way of getting you moving: whether that’s hiking up ice-bitten mountains before a sauna or gentle stretching by the pool before a facial. From fitness centres to spas, Novotel recognises that wellbeing rarely looks the same.

At Novotel Queenstown Lakeside, activity is inescapable. Here, hiking trails, ski fields, bungee jumps, and white-water rafting have made the region famous. The hotel’s location on the shores of Lake Wakatipu means less time spent organising yourself and more time out there experiencing them. To top it all off, you can book a private hot tub for the evening before heading back into the wilderness tomorrow.

Bali, of course, takes a softer approach. At Novotel Bali Ubud Resort or Novotel Bali Nusa Dua, movement is less about conquering a mountain and more about a dance class between the tropical gardens and lagoon pools. Afterwards, the spa takes over, with traditional treatments like a Lulur body scrub: a combination of rice, turmeric, sandalwood, ginger and jasmine that’ll soothe muscles already relaxed by the Balinese heat.

4. Better connections

Kids will love a stay at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh.

One of the best things about travel is that it gives your family stories you’ll be telling for years. Novotel helps create them with activities that bring everyone together, whether that’s trying something new, learning a local skill, or simply spending more time together.

Go for a distinctly Thai twist at Novotel Phuket Vintage Park, where many of the family activities draw on local culture. Kids can try everything from beginner Thai boxing and language lessons to umbrella painting and – a pastime beloved by children the world over – pool foam parties. Everyone is welcome to join in, whether that’s getting splashed, covered in paint, or simply watching their children discover a new side of Thailand during the dedicated Family & Kids Day.

A different adventure awaits at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh. Kids could be perfectly content with discos, drawing classes and new holiday friends, but the Red Sea has other ideas. Sitting on the edge of Naama Bay, days here might involve snorkelling colourful reefs, taking a boat trip to Ras Mohammed National Park or heading into the desert by quad bike or camel for a Bedouin-style dinner beneath the stars.

5. Location is everything

Surin Beach, Choeng Thale, Thalang District, Phuket, Thaiföld — Explore Phuket’s gorgeous beaches. (Credit: Bence Biczo)

Everyone’s idea of wellness looks a little different. With more than 600 hotels across 65 countries, Novotel gives guests the freedom to choose the destination that suits them best. Whether that’s a beachside escape in Phuket, an alpine expedition in Queenstown or a city break in Bangkok, there’s a good chance a Novotel isn’t far away.

All that’s left? Choosing your version of wellbeing.

Discover stays to inspire your everyday at novotel.accor.com.

Where to eat, stay and play in DUMBO, New York