Best Upscale Paleo Restaurants in South Slope | Upscale & Paleo

30 restaurants in Best Upscale Paleo Restaurants in South Slope | Upscale & Paleo

• Skylark — American · rated 5/5: Skylark hums with the nostalgic energy of a classic American road trip, where sleek mid-century aesthetics and warm neon glows create a vibrant backdrop for high-octane flavors. The menu revs up the senses with a playful tribute to automotive history, offering bold, inventive creations like the spirited Little Red Corvette and the timeless DeLorean. It is a stylish escape where every dish and drink feels like a joyride through a bygone era of chrome, leather, and classic cool.
• Gnarly Eats — American · rated 5/5: Gnarly Eats pulses with the energy of a modern urban hangout, where the irresistible scent of flame-seared beef and slow-smoked brisket draws a hungry crowd. Towering burgers—from crispy buttermilk fried chicken to earthy portobello stacks—arrive piled high with fresh ingredients, offering a messy, soul-satisfying symphony of textures and bold flavors. It is a vibrant destination that celebrates the art of the sandwich, inviting guests to roll up their sleeves and indulge in a menu where every bite feels like a decadent celebration of comfort food.
• Chela — Mexican · rated 5/5: Chela invites guests into a vibrant, soulful space where the earthy aroma of toasted masa and simmering chilies fills the air. The kitchen celebrates the rich heritage of Mexican comfort food, serving up everything from the satisfying crunch of stuffed chilaquiles and golden, mushroom-filled gorditas to the delicate steam rising from hand-wrapped tamales. Whether sharing a bowl of creamy, traditional guacamole or savoring a soul-warming tortilla soup, every bite captures the festive spirit and bold, sun-drenched flavors of a neighborhood cantina.
• Al Dente — Italian · rated 4.8/5: Stepping into Al Dente feels like entering a spirited Italian kitchen where the air is thick with the intoxicating aroma of simmering pomodoro and toasted garlic. Hand-rolled pastas take center stage, offering that signature firm bite alongside vibrant, seasonal sauces that celebrate the rustic elegance of Mediterranean tradition. It is a warm, flour-dusted sanctuary where the clink of Chianti glasses and the hum of conversation create an atmosphere of timeless, soulful hospitality.
• Lore — American · rated 4.7/5: Lore invites diners into a sophisticated yet soulful space where the rich tapestry of American flavors is reimagined through a lens of seasonal artistry and storytelling. From the warm glow of the dining room to the meticulously plated dishes that celebrate regional bounty, every element conspires to create an intimate experience that feels both timeless and vibrantly current.
• Luigi's Pizza — Italian · rated 4.6/5: The air at Luigi’s Pizza is thick with the intoxicating perfume of roasted garlic and bubbling mozzarella, drawing diners into a lively, flour-dusted space where Italian tradition is celebrated by the slice. Golden, leopard-spotted crusts provide a crisp, smoky foundation for vibrant toppings and hand-torn basil, creating a soulful dining experience that captures the timeless warmth of a neighborhood gathering spot.
• Table 87 Coal Oven Pizza — Italian · rated 4.6/5: The warm glow of the coal-fired hearth serves as the centerpiece of this bustling eatery, where the scent of charred crust and simmering tomato sauce invites guests into a world of artisanal craftsmanship. Every slice emerges from the intense heat with a signature blistered crunch, topped with velvety mozzarella and fresh basil to create a rustic, flavor-forward experience that celebrates the timeless tradition of the perfect pie.
• Athena — Greek · rated 4.6/5: Athena captures the sun-drenched spirit of the Mediterranean, welcoming guests into a bright, whitewashed space where the air is perfumed with the scent of charred octopus and fresh lemon. The table becomes a vibrant mosaic of salt-kissed olives, creamy feta, and tender, flame-grilled meats, all served with a communal warmth that evokes the timeless hospitality of a seaside taverna.
• Java Rijsttafel — Indonesian · rated 4.6/5: Stepping into Java Rijsttafel feels like a journey to the heart of Indonesia, where the air is thick with the intoxicating scent of toasted coconut, lemongrass, and galangal. A vibrant parade of small plates brings the table to life, offering a kaleidoscope of textures and spices that range from the creamy richness of slow-simmered curries to the bright, fiery kick of house-made sambals. This communal feast celebrates the art of Indonesian hospitality, inviting guests to linger over a spread overflowing with color and soul-warming flavor.
• Giovanni’s Brooklyn Eats — Italian · rated 4.5/5: This soulful Brooklyn gem captures the heart of an Italian-American kitchen, where the air is thick with the intoxicating scent of slow-simmered Sunday gravy and toasted garlic. Diners gather around rustic tables to share generous platters of silken, hand-rolled pasta and golden-crusted classics, all served within a warm, brick-walled space that hums with the convivial energy of a neighborhood celebration.
• Luck Thai — Thai · rated 4.5/5: Luck Thai invites guests into a vibrant space where the intoxicating scent of toasted chilies and fresh basil signals a journey through the bold landscapes of Southeast Asian flavor. From the velvety depth of golden curries to the smoky, wok-charred perfection of traditional noodles, every plate celebrates a harmonious balance of citrusy brightness and lingering heat.
• Pizza Plus — Italian · rated 4.5/5: Step into a lively neighborhood hub where the comforting scent of bubbling mozzarella and toasted flour fills the air, drawing guests toward the warm glow of the pizza oven. Hand-stretched dough meets vibrant, sun-ripened tomato sauces and a bounty of fresh toppings, while steaming bowls of al dente pasta bring a touch of old-world charm to every table. It is a place where casual comfort meets culinary passion, inviting friends and families to linger over shared slices and carafes of house wine in a space that feels like home.
• Pasta Louise — Italian · rated 4.4/5: This sun-drenched neighborhood gem hums with the joyful energy of a bustling Italian kitchen, where the comforting aroma of simmering sauces and freshly extruded pasta invites guests to linger. Golden strands of house-made noodles are tossed with vibrant, seasonal ingredients and served in a bright, airy space that feels like a perpetual Sunday afternoon gathering with family and friends.
• Siren — Seafood · rated 4.4/5: Bathed in a shimmering, aquatic glow that evokes the mystery of the deep, Siren offers a sophisticated sanctuary where the salt-kissed essence of the ocean meets refined culinary artistry. The kitchen transforms the day’s freshest catch into vibrant masterpieces, from the delicate snap of chilled crudo to the deep, charred richness of whole fish roasted over open flames. It is an immersive experience where the rhythmic clink of oyster shells and the pour of crisp white wines draw guests into an evening of pure maritime indulgence.
• El Nuevo Sabor Latino — Mexican · rated 4.3/5: El Nuevo Sabor Latino pulses with a vibrant energy, where the rhythmic clap of hand-pressed tortillas and the smoky fragrance of slow-roasted carnitas invite guests into a sun-drenched celebration of Mexican heritage. Each plate is a colorful mosaic of bold spices and bright citrus, offering a soulful dining experience that captures the warmth and zest of a traditional family kitchen.
• Hilltop Tavern — American · rated 4.3/5: Perched where the horizon meets the hills, this inviting retreat wraps guests in the warmth of reclaimed wood and the amber glow of a crackling hearth. The kitchen elevates American comfort with the sizzle of flame-seared steaks and the vibrant crunch of garden-fresh sides, all paired with a curated selection of local spirits and craft ales. It is a place where the clink of glasses and the aroma of slow-simmered savory classics create a soulful atmosphere perfect for lingering long after the sun goes down.
• Olivier Bistro — French · rated 4.2/5: Stepping into Olivier Bistro feels like discovering a hidden gem in the Marais, where flickering candlelight dances across vintage mirrors and the irresistible aroma of garlic and browned butter fills the air. The kitchen honors the soul of French cooking, serving up rich, wine-braised classics and delicate tarts that pair perfectly with a curated selection of regional vintages. It is a sanctuary of effortless elegance, inviting guests to slow down and savor the vibrant, storied flavors of a true Parisian neighborhood haunt.
• El Continental — Spanish · rated 4.1/5: El Continental evokes the timeless charm of a sun-drenched Mediterranean plaza, where the air is thick with the scent of toasted saffron and the lively hum of shared conversation. Guests gather around tables laden with crisp, golden croquetas and steaming pans of seafood-rich paella, savoring a dining experience that captures the vibrant, communal spirit of Spain in every bite.
• Far East — Chinese · rated 4.1/5: Far East captures the vibrant pulse of a traditional kitchen, where the rhythmic clatter of woks and the fragrant steam of hand-pleated dumplings create an atmosphere of constant, delicious motion. The air is thick with the savory aroma of soy and ginger, setting the stage for a feast of crisp-skinned roasted meats and vibrant vegetables tossed in bold, umami-rich sauces. Under the soft glow of crimson lanterns, diners find a welcoming retreat that celebrates the deep, soulful flavors of authentic Chinese heritage.
• Indian Spice — Indian · rated 4/5: Indian Spice welcomes guests into a vibrant space where the air is heavy with the fragrance of toasted cumin and cardamom, setting the stage for a feast that awakens the senses. Golden curries simmer in copper bowls alongside charred, pillowy naan pulled straight from the tandoor, creating an immersive experience that honors the bold, soulful heart of traditional Indian cooking.
• Pangat — Indian · rated 4/5: Pangat invites diners into a vibrant celebration of Indian soul food, where the air hums with the sizzle of fiery woks and the smoky fragrance of tandoor-charred chicken. From the playful crunch of yogurt-drizzled street snacks to the deep, coastal heat of succulent Prawn Sukka, every dish captures a sense of communal joy and bold, nostalgic flavor. It is a lively space where the zest of Indo-Chinese fusion meets the rustic charm of traditional Maharashtrian favorites, creating a feast that feels both spirited and deeply comforting.
• Hà Nội Vietnamese Kitchen — Vietnamese · rated 4/5: Steaming bowls of aromatic pho and golden-crisp pork dumplings anchor the experience at this vibrant kitchen, where the air is thick with the comforting scent of star anise and charred ginger. Guests savor the tender richness of cubed beef tossed in a savory signature sauce or explore the delicate, herbaceous textures of banh hoi and bun, all served in an atmosphere that captures the soulful, bustling energy of a Hanoi street corner.
• Far East — Chinese · rated 4/5: Far East serves as a vibrant neighborhood hub where the intoxicating scent of sizzling fryers and savory glazes beckons diners toward a world of golden-brown comfort. The kitchen excels in the art of the perfect crunch, transforming succulent chicken wings with sticky honey or pungent garlic sauces while serving up tender, charred rib tips and mounds of snap-fried shrimp. Each order arrives piping hot and brimming with flavor, offering a nostalgic and deeply satisfying experience that celebrates the simple joy of well-seasoned, soul-warming fare.
• Little Honey — American · rated 4/5: Little Honey serves as a sun-drenched neighborhood retreat where the comforting scent of fresh-baked goods and griddled egg sandwiches creates an instant sense of belonging. The kitchen transforms daytime staples into artisanal delights, layering vibrant roasted beets or savory meatballs onto crusty bread alongside thick, airy Al Taglio slices that boast a satisfyingly crisp finish. It is a bright, welcoming sanctuary where morning rituals transition seamlessly into leisurely lunches centered around bold flavors and thoughtful, high-quality ingredients.
• Zagaya — Mediterranean · rated 4/5: Zagaya unfolds as a sophisticated retreat where the bold, aromatic spices of Ethiopian-inspired bites harmonize with the rustic elegance of artisanal cheese boards and perfectly pressed panini. Guests linger over golden Tej cocktails and curated wine flights in an atmosphere that feels both globally inspired and intimately welcoming, celebrating a unique tapestry of flavors that invites slow, soulful discovery.
• Shelsky's Brooklyn Bagels — American · rated 4/5: This bustling Brooklyn landmark captures the soul of the classic appetizing shop, greeting guests with the briny aroma of expertly smoked fish and the savory warmth of slow-cooked deli meats. Artisans behind the counter masterfully assemble overflowing platters of silken salmon and stack peppery pastrami high on fresh rolls, creating a sensory feast that honors deep-rooted culinary traditions with every bold, salty bite.
• 390 Social — American · rated 4/5: 390 Social pulses with a vibrant energy, offering a stylish yet approachable sanctuary where friends gather over artfully arranged boards of artisanal meats and cheeses. The air is filled with the irresistible scent of truffle-dusted fries and golden yuca croquettes, while playful takes on classic comfort food like savory deviled eggs and loaded salchipapas invite lingering conversations in a spirited, communal atmosphere.
• Zoller's — American · rated 4/5: Zoller's captures the soul of a classic neighborhood deli, where the morning air is thick with the savory scent of sizzling Taylor ham and the irresistible pull of melted cheese on toasted rolls. The bustling counter turns out everything from golden, crispy fried chicken sandwiches to herb-flecked Caprese stacks, creating a sanctuary of hearty, hand-held comfort that satisfies every craving from dawn through the afternoon.
• Kiku Sushi — Japanese · rated 4/5: This serene neighborhood gem invites guests into a world of vibrant freshness, where the crisp crunch of garden-inspired salads meets the soothing warmth of traditional Japanese broths. Delicate ribbons of seaweed and tender hijiki share the stage with jewel-toned slices of tuna and salmon, while the aromatic steam from bowls of savory miso and spicy ramen fills the air with a sense of quiet comfort. It is a space where clean flavors and nourishing textures come together, offering a tranquil escape centered on the art of simple, healthful elegance.
• South Slope Ramen — Japanese · rated 3.9/5: This intimate neighborhood sanctuary envelops guests in the savory perfume of slow-simmered broths and the cozy, golden glow of a bustling open kitchen. The art of the slurp is celebrated through steaming bowls of springy noodles and tender, flame-kissed proteins, creating a soulful, warming escape that lingers long after the last drop of umami-rich soup is gone.