Brassica Kitchen + Cafe

Brassica Kitchen + Café is a neighborhood anchor built by classically trained chefs Jeremy Kean and Philip Kruta, grounded in the idea that serious cooking doesn’t need to feel stiff. The menu leans global bistro, often accented by house-made hot sauces and unexpected flavor combinations. A recent expansion into the former Dogwood Café space next door has given the restaurant room to grow, adding a larger footprint, expanded hours, and a brick oven that’s now central to the kitchen’s rhythm.

The vibe: The new space is brighter, more open, and noticeably more energetic. Increased seating is spread across multiple areas, while an expansive bar and the visible brick oven give the room a clear focal point. Despite the added scale, Brassica hasn’t lost its laid-back, neighborhood-first feel. It’s lively without tipping into chaos and casual without feeling careless — the kind of place that works equally well for brunch, a relaxed dinner, or a long night at the bar.

The food: The kitchen pulls freely from global influences, prioritizing bold flavor and balance over strict genre. Longtime favorites still anchor the menu, but the addition of the brick oven has opened the door to a rotating lineup of pizzas that feel fully integrated rather than tacked on. Plates are designed for sharing, but the cooking has enough confidence and range to carry a full meal from start to finish.

The drink: Cocktails here are playful, bold and memorable, often leaning into color and unexpected ingredients. The Meguro — bright green and hard to miss — blends spirulina with rye whiskey, lime, ginger and vanilla and has become a room favorite. Beyond cocktails, the wine list is worth its own look: it’s filled with bottles you might not have encountered before, with a thoughtful tilt toward sustainable, organic, or natural producers that pair well with Brassica’s globally inspired menu. Staff are happy to suggest pairings or tastes to help you navigate both wine and cocktails, which together mirror the food’s creative, approachable, and never-precious ethos.

Time Out tip: As good as the fried chicken is, pace yourself. The menu rewards restraint, especially if you want room for pizza from the oven or dessert, where the Brassica donut remains essential. The chef’s tasting menu offers a broader look at the kitchen, but note that drinks aren’t included and every bill carries a mandatory 23% gratuity tax.