Desnuda

“The jalapeño in the Tiradito de Atun is pickled to temper the spice, and the potato crunch rounds out the dish texturally.”

“I will definitely be back – I can't wait to try more food, especially the tea smoked Oysters.”

“Had a range of cocktails but the 'Prufrock and a Hard Place' was a standout!”

Desnuda

Takes Reservations: Yes
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Bike Parking: Yes
Good for Groups: Yes
Happy Hour: Yes
Waiter Service: Yes

Price range.

$$$ Price range $31-60

8 reviews

  1. I didn't know about Desnuda until one Thursday evening I was having Happy Hour in Williamsburg. We stumbled upon Desnuda and my world has changed ever since.  The oysters and cocktails were unbelievable. They include 3 sauces for your oysters, you won't need tabasco, trust me!  The cocktail that stood out the most is called "The other lady." We've practically tried half the menu and will go back to try the other half. Be aware that this place is for raw lovers. You might still be hungry later on, however, this is damn good and worth the price. Sit at the chef's table and watch all the fabulous creations.

  2. This is basically a tequila and rum cocktail bar with what looked like good seafood. The tequila cocktail I had was great, and they also serve free truffle popcorn to munch on at the bar, which was delicious.

    They also played a lot of great deep cut 80's music. It's a little pricey for BK, but it was a cool spot.

  3. You have someone that actually wants to go on a date with you? You should take them here before they change their mind. Because Desnuda hits all the right notes.

    The food is exotic but still accessible…delicious, but light enough that you'll still be able to disappoint your date afterward. Each and every dish is a delicate and masterful balance between salty and sweet, acidity and heat.

    The jalapeño in the Tiradito de Atun is pickled to temper the spice, and the potato crunch rounds out the dish texturally. Unlike your conversational skills, there is nothing boring about this tuna.

    Make sure you get a spoon if you opt for the Ceviche de Camarones, as drinking that lime and orange juice along with the creamy avocado and the plentiful pieces of prawn make it memorable. If the brussels sprouts on special are available, you'll also want to slurp up every bit of that maple marinade, with the chunks of bacon a tasty treat each time.

    Each dish is also beautiful enough to ache for Instagramming, but Desnuda is too dark to bother with a camera. More importantly though, it's dark enough that your date can pretend she's with someone better-looking.

    And they have alcohol, which can only help someone with your personality. The barkeep can handle anything you throw at him, but don't sleep on the menu; their house cocktails aren't an afterthought as in so many other eateries. Here, they complement the food quite well. If she wasn't so violent, I would leave my wife for The Other Woman. Tequila, habanero syrup, and a hibiscus salt side ensured that I'd order another, and the hint of spice paired perfectly with that same note in every dish we had.

    Even the music is excellent in this place. If Desnuda was a person, your date would already have left you for him. But if you pick the restaurant, all it will do is make you look good.

  4. If you're looking for a place to grab drinks in Brooklyn that teeters between upscale and laid back, head over to Desnuda. Though the bar/seafood-oriented spot is small and has limited seating, the decor is modern without being too uppity.

    The cocktail menu is  moderately priced (around $12 each) and  boasts creative concoctions such as tequila drinks with hibiscus and jalapeño notes. But beware all whiskey-drinkers, this isn't the place for you.  There were drinks that feature rum, tequila or vodka on the menu, but none with heavier, darker liquors.

    While we didn't have any of their seafood dishes (though they all looked and smelt amazing), the bar is stocked with truffle popcorn that you will be munching on all night long.

    Overall, a great spot to grab a drink on date night or with your girlfriends.

  5. This restaurant is the perfect place for a cocktail / happy hour. I came for the oyster special, and with all the money I saved on oysters, got several delicious drink.

    First, oysters. The sauces were very different than the standard oyster fare — Desnuda has a jam-like sauce, a smoky sauce, and two more that I can't remember. They were delicious and made each oyster a different experience. Also, the oysters were well shucked. After going to other oyster places and getting large pieces of shell in my mouth, I've come to appreciate restaurants that carefully shuck their oysters…even the happy hour ones. Thank you.

  6. When you find "the one", you just know.

    Even before entering the doors at Desnuda, we got a good vibe from the place. Every inch of the décor (both outside and in) is beautiful, rustic, and well put together. If I had a summer home, this is what I would want it to look like.

    While it's tempting to sit in the cozy booths, I highly recommend sitting at the bar and chatting it up with Steve while watching him prepare your food and drinks. The rest of the team is equally as pleasant but Steve really kicked our dinner experience up a few notches.

    Now onto the food! After a dozen ($1) oysters, a beer, a rioja, truffle popcorn, 3 specials (Hamachi in yuzu sauce, seared scallop done 2 ways, and Brussels sprouts) and tuna ceviche with pickled jalapeno, Desnuda sealed the deal for us. We can't wait to come back again, and try the East Village location as well.

  7. Stopped by for a snack on a Sunday night. The truffle popcorn is great. Usually, I don't like popcorn, but this was pretty good.

    We started with a dozen oysters. They were poorly shucked with pieces of shell all over the place, and the oysters were from Virginia and they weren't particularly briney or creamy, just kind of mehhhhh. We also shared the scallop tiradito. It was served lukewarm and drowning in sauce, so those two factors kind of ruined it for me.

  8. Superficial,obnoxious,oblivious service. The owner was rude. Playing musical chairs with me and my girlfriend,switching us from one place to the next. The best part was the bar tender in the back bar. Not to be confused with bar back. She was fast making the drinks, friendly,funny, and loved her conversation.  The drinks come with a bowl of popcorn. Yums. The rice bowl I had was delish. But sadly,the owner/waiter was not very nice. Will not go again. It seems like a lot of reservations are made in this small oyster,clam,seafood aficionados restaurant.

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South 1st Street 221
11211 NY US
Get directions
Monday, 6:00 pm - 12:00 am
Tuesday, 6:00 pm - 1:00 am
Wednesday, 6:00 pm - 1:00 am
Thursday, 6:00 pm - 1:00 am
Friday, 6:00 pm - 2:00 am
Saturday, 6:00 pm - 2:00 am
Sunday, 6:00 pm - 12:00 am