ZipPicks Awards
Best Mediterranean in Brooklyn Heights & Downtown Brooklyn
Best Middle Eastern in Brooklyn Heights & Downtown Brooklyn
Master Critic Review
Tutt Heights Cafe
8.3
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Hidden Gems Heaven
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Tutt Heights is an unpretentious Egyptian-leaning cafe tucked off the Brooklyn Heights Promenade, serving zaatar-covered pitza, grilled meats and big salads at neighborhood prices. Hundreds of reviews point to friendly service and consistently satisfying plates that feel more home-style than polished.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Tutt Platter, Zaatar Bread Pitza, Falafel Platter
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Casual Middle Eastern cooking with generous portions and prices that still feel old Brooklyn Heights.
Who should go: Budget-minded locals craving shawarma, zaatar bread and salads.
When to visit: Lunch and early dinner for easier seating in the tiny room.
What to order: Chicken Tutt platter, zaatar pitza, a shared falafel or shepherd salad.
Insider tip: Space is tight—many regulars call ahead and take plates to the nearby promenade.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited availability near the promenade and very difficult after 6pm.
Dress code: Very casual — jeans, sneakers, and everyday wear are perfectly fine.
Noise level: Low to moderate — you can comfortably hold a conversation even when busy.
Weekend wait: 20–35 minutes during peak dinner hours due to the small dining room
Weekday lunch: No wait to 10 minutes most days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — strong selection including falafel, salads, hummus plates, and zaatar pitza
Vegan options: Yes — several naturally vegan options like falafel, lentil soup, hummus, baba ghanoush, and salads
Gluten-free options: Limited — some grilled proteins and salads work, but cross-contact is likely
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual daytime or low-pressure meet-up than a romantic evening — it’s cozy, simple, and more about quick comfort food than ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — they don’t really take reservations, so it’s first-come, first-served; arriving slightly before peak hours makes it easy.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who enjoy grilled meats and flatbreads, but space is tight and there aren’t high chairs or a kids menu.
Best For
Better for: Fast, affordable Middle Eastern comfort food with generous portions and real neighborhood character.
Skip if: You’re looking for polished Mediterranean dining, a date-night atmosphere, or a quieter upscale experience.