Brooklyn Spotlight: LORE

LORE in Park Slope, Brooklyn, is a critically acclaimed restaurant recognized for its unique, globally-influenced cuisine, warm ambiance, and fascinating history.

Here is a detailed look at LORE, its story, menu highlights, and contact information.

What Makes LORE Unique

LORE (the name is inspired by the idea of storytelling and folklore) is a dining experience rooted in the concept of uniting diverse cultures through food. Its uniqueness stems directly from the life experiences of its co-founders:

• Global Culinary Fusion: The menu is a creative blend of Indian-infused American fare with additional global and seasonal influences, described by reviewers as a delicious example of Indian/Korean fusion. Chef Jay Kumar draws heavily from his roots in Mangalore, India, and his twenty-year career managing and expanding a restaurant business in Switzerland. Co-founder Chef John Kim’s Korean-American background also contributes to the creative menu.
• Atmosphere: It is consistently praised as an “upmarket, cozily lit eatery” that feels both hip and intimate. The goal is to provide a neighborhood feel in a sophisticated setting, making it a perfect spot for groups or a romantic night out.
• Recognition: LORE was honored with a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand award in 2024, signifying excellent food at a reasonable price point.

History and Background

LORE was founded in early 2022 by Chef and Owner Jay Kumar and his friend and fellow chef John Kim.

• The Origin Story: The restaurant was born out of a desire to create a community forum during the “social void” of the early COVID-19 pandemic. Chef Kumar and Chef Kim, who met through Kumar’s wife, tracked down the owner of a cherished corner storefront that was formerly the restaurant Camperdown Elm in Park Slope’s South Slope neighborhood.
• The Concept: Chef Kumar aimed to tell his own story—spanning Mangalore, Switzerland, and Brooklyn—through his culinary expression, focusing on locally-sourced ingredients and seasonal dishes.

Highlighted Menu Items

The menu is constantly evolving with the seasons, but several dishes have become signature highlights that draw high praise:

• Fermented Dosa: Called “The city’s best masala dosa” by critics like Eater NY, this classic South Indian rice and lentil crepe is served with masala potatoes, coconut, tomato, and dal chutneys. It is a standout item on both the brunch and dinner menus.
• Duck Leg Confit: A refined main course served with Indian-spiced cannellini bean purée and a tamarind sauce, praised by customers for the meat falling “off the bone.”
• Butterless Butter Chicken: A dairy-free version of the Indian classic, made with cashew crème, tomato, and cardamom, and served with pulao rice.
• Poetic Cocktail List: The drink menu features creatively named cocktails, such as the “RUMI” and “Kahlo,” which are as meticulously crafted as the food.
• Samosa Puffs: A favorite appetizer featuring flaky puff pastry filled with spiced potato and peas, served with an assortment of chutneys.

Customer Feedback

LORE consistently receives high customer ratings (4.7 on Google Maps) with diners frequently commenting on the inventive flavors and the friendly, attentive staff.

• Praise for the Food: Reviewers describe the food as “exceptional and out of the box,” with dishes being “SO flavorful” but not “too over-spiced,” making them enjoyable for everyone.
• Ambiance and Service: One customer summarized the overall experience perfectly: “Everything about this place is in a class of its own—from the food, plating, ambiance, decor, service, and personal touches of the genius culinary minds behind it.”
• The Experience: “Dining at LORE is like taking a flavorful journey through the world.”

Significant Events

The restaurant has celebrated several notable milestones since opening:

• MICHELIN Bib Gourmand (2024): This prestigious award solidified LORE’s status as a must-visit dining destination in Brooklyn.
• Cultural Celebrations: The restaurant is known for hosting special culinary events, such as its annual Holi celebration, where Chef Kumar creates unique dishes like a golden-orange puff-pastry samosa to capture the festival’s vibrant spirit.

Location and Contact Information

Operating Hours