Le Crocodile is a French-inspired restaurant located in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. It is situated inside the Wythe Hotel directly across from Brooklyn Bowl, and it offers an upscale dining experience. The restaurant is renowned for its French-American cuisine, and it has received rave reviews since it opened its doors in 2018.
To provide context here, we were supposed to go to Brooklyn Bowl for a friend’s birthay meeting. Being the airhead that I can be from time to time, I missed the fact that we needed to purchase a ticket ahead of time to get in or else there’s a danger of selling out.
It sold out, of course.
This led to my partner exclaiming that there was a restaurant in the area that she wanted to try. Making lemons out of lemonade, we walked across the street to have a drink at Le Crocodile. The buzzy scene and interesting menu consisting of French faire caused us to try for a last-minute reservation. Someone ended up canceling, and we were in on a very busy Saturday evening.
Serendipity
The Inside
The interior of the restaurant is modern, with high ceilings, an open kitchen, and large windows that provide ample natural light. The atmosphere is both intimate and lively, with a welcoming bar area that serves cocktails and a diverse wine selection (even though you need a reservation during busy times). The decor is stylish, featuring dark wood paneling, leather banquettes, and brass accents.
Le Menu
Le Crocodile’s menu is seasonal, with a focus on local and sustainable ingredients. The cuisine is modern French, with a touch of American influence. The menu offers a wide range of dishes, from raw bar selections, appetizers, entrees, and desserts.
The raw bar menu features a selection of oysters, clams, and shellfish, served with a variety of sauces and accompaniments. The appetizer menu includes dishes such as foie gras terrine, escargots, and steak tartare. The entree menu offers a variety of options, including roasted chicken, lamb chops, and dry-aged ribeye. The dessert menu features classic French desserts, such as crème brûlée and tarte tatin, as well as innovative creations such as hazelnut chocolate mousse.
The food at Le Crocodile is exceptional, with a focus on simplicity and high-quality ingredients. The dishes are beautifully presented, and the flavors are well-balanced. The service is attentive and knowledgeable, with the staff able to provide recommendations and wine pairings.
The wine list at Le Crocodile is impressive, featuring a selection of French and American wines. The restaurant offers a range of options, from affordable wines to rare and vintage bottles. The sommelier is knowledgeable and passionate, able to provide guidance and recommendations.
Le Crocodile also offers a brunch menu, which includes classic dishes such as eggs Benedict and French toast, as well as more inventive options such as smoked salmon tartine and avocado toast.
So, after all, Le Crocodile is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for French-American cuisine in Brooklyn. The food, atmosphere, and service are all outstanding, making for a pleasant dining experience. If you happen to screw up your Brooklyn Bowl reservation like I did, Le Crocodile is the perfect choice to land and dine your disappointment away.
(We were able to meet said friend at BB anyway after our dinner 🙂 )
Until next time.
Justin