'Garden' of good eats

Carroll Gardens is home to an artisanal food scene reflected in its restaurants and markets. Eateries here often have a rustic feel, and highlight their buildings’ original features, such as exposed brick and embossed metal ceilings.

Menus feature fresh, local ingredients and traditional preparations.

Court and Smith streets are the main thoroughfares, with the Sunday Greenmarket nestled between them.

Mazzola Bakery
192 Union St.,
718-643-1719
You may never have thought you’d crave something called Lard Bread ($5.50), but chances are you’ll be hooked on the soft loaf, peppered with bits of salami, in one bite. Locals also recommend the chocolate loaf bread ($4.50), as well as the fresh-brewed coffee and croissants ($1.50).

Alma
187 Columbia St.,
718-643-5400
Begin with a tasting of tequilas (three shots start at $12) while taking in the Manhattan skyline from the rooftop deck of this Mexican eatery. Guacamole ($9.75) and fajitas from the grill ($16-19) round out a spring or summer feast.

Frankies Spuntino
457 Court St.,
718-403-0033
Spuntino is Italian for “bite” or “snack”, which is just what diners find at this casual spot, which focuses on the “lighter side of Italian cooking.” Try the shaved brussels sprouts with lemon and castelrosso ($10) or a sausage and broccoli rabe sandwich ($9.50). Run by the same team, Prime Meats (465 Court St., 718-254-0327) is just down the block and offers pretzels and spatzles inspired by German alpine cuisine. Don’t worry if you don’t know what that means: there’s a glossary there.

Park Natural Foods
350 Court St.,
718-802-1652
Behind its unassuming store front, this natural grocery stocks the finest in organic produce, dairy products and prepared foods, as well as baby foods and products for discerning members of the stroller set.

Carroll Gardens Fish Market
359 Court St.,
718-797-4884
Seafood lovers can find whole and filleted fish, shellfish and in-season lobsters and crabs at this well-kempt market. The fish is fresh and the prices affordable. Frozen seafood is also available.

Cubana Café,
272 Smith St.,
718-858-3980
It’s hard to go wrong at a place where the words “no cerveza, no trabajar” are painted on the wall. Attentive waitstaff serve up stiff mojitos ($8) and authentic Cuban sandwiches ($7.50) in this inexpensive eatery.

Union Market
288 Court St.,
718-709-5100
This upscale, gourmet market is a perfect one-stop shop on the way home, offering everything from fresh bread and pastas to prepared salads and gourmet chocolates.

Zaytoons
283 Smith St..
718-875-1880
Go beyond hummus and falafel at this corner cafe, with dishes such as Fatoosh Salad ($4-6), Moroccan-style couscous ($10.50) or the leg of lamb sandwich ($7). On the other hand, the hummus ($4-6) is delicious, as is the fresh baked pita bread (75 cents). BYOB.

Greenmarket,
On Carroll Street at Smith Street
This Sunday, Greenmarket will open for the season. It features award-winning cheese from Consider Bardwell Farm in Vermont, heritage duck from Hudson Valley Duck Farm and a selection of fruit and vegetable farmers. It runs from from 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Restaurant tip:
But be sure to visit the ATM before dinner; many spots are cash only.

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