L'Antagoniste

Located squarely in an area that might be referred to as Brooklyn's final frontier for development, this authentic and thoroughly charming French eatery turns out exquisite cuisine and makes a strong statement as to how far the borough has evolved in this century's first decades. Classic and beautifully presented canard à l'orange, loup de mer, charcuterie or soufflé are only topped by truly great desserts. All of this makes for bohemian fine dining in a formerly derelict part of town. The restaurant has a charming back patio, allowing for the uniquely postmodern urban experience of exceptional dining amid the common brownstone walk-up apartments. In the interior main dining room, black-and-white portraits of famed French cultural icons, most seemingly captured deep in mid-thought, knowingly look down from the wall. The location is a short taxi ride from the hotels near the Barclay Center in downtown Brooklyn.