Bolero

Bedford Avenue in Williamsburg is good for lots of things (like overpaying for minimalist jewelry and getting lectured about water damage at the Genius Bar) but having a nice dinner isn’t one of them. That’s changed thanks to Bolero, a casual Vietnamese spot with less casual food from chefs who worked at very high-end restaurants like Blue Hill At Stone Barns and Benu in San Francisco. The menu is primarily made up of small plates - like fried dough packed with crab and pork, and delicious glass dumplings filled with earthy mushrooms. Share a few of these with a date at the counter overlooking the open kitchen, or come with a group and order the whole menu in the dining room that’s covered in handheld radios and mosquito netted light fixtures.