At Sungold Williamsburg, Executive Chef Michael King brings the warmth of Hudson Valley harvests to Brooklyn with an autumn menu that blends rustic comfort and refined Mediterranean flair.

When autumn settles over Williamsburg, it brings a familiar softness—a golden haze that warms the edges of the day. Inside Sungold, that feeling takes form. The restaurant, tucked within Arlo Williamsburg, glows with the same honeyed light that spills across Wythe Avenue. Much like the hotel itself, the space feels both contemporary and inviting—polished without pretense, grounded in the neighborhood’s creative energy. Velvet banquettes, brass accents, and exposed brick set the tone for evenings that hum with low music and the quiet clink of glassware. There is an intimacy here—the kind that turns dinner into something lingering and unhurried.

The new autumn menu created by Executive Chef Michael King captures that same balance of warmth and ease. Known for his close connection to Hudson Valley farms and the Union Square Greenmarket, King brings a sense of place to every dish. His approach to autumn is less about heaviness and more about depth—an invitation to experience the season through texture, aroma, and contrast.

“Fall ingredients have this incredible ability to feel both rustic and elegant,” King says. “Celery root, chicories, farro—they carry the season’s richness without relying on the usual flavors. They bring balance and freshness that make each dish feel grounded but still unexpected.”

Sungold Williamsburg: The Menu — A Dialogue Between Comfort and Craft

Sungold’s new dishes unfold like a story told in layers. Small plates are designed for sharing, yet each stands confidently on its own. The Housemade Focaccia arrives warm and fragrant, paired with salty chive butter that melts on contact. The Maplebrook Burrata, dressed with caramelized carrots, sourdough, and red mustard, captures autumn’s sweetness with restraint. Nearby, the Apples & Chicories salad—tossed with mustard cider vinaigrette and aged Gouda—feels crisp and quietly bold.

A bowl of Shiitake Mushroom Broth offers a lighter, savory beginning. Its surface shimmers with chili crisp and lime, a whisper of heat that lingers just long enough. It is the kind of dish that redefines what “comfort” can mean—elegant, restorative, and deeply satisfying.

Handmade pastas remain at the heart of Sungold’s experience. The Lumache with black kale, walnuts, and Gorgonzola dolce delivers a nutty, velvety richness. Folded with Maine lobster, spicy tomato sauce, and mascarpone, the Rigatoni captures coastal indulgence without losing its balance. Each bite reveals the chef’s ability to find harmony between Mediterranean tradition and local abundance.

Sungold Williamsburg Entrées: The Warmth of the Harvest

Among the larger entrées, the Roasted Market Squash stands out—a dish that seems to glow from within. Tahini, farro, preserved lemon, and sunflower gremolata layer into a composition that feels both hearty and light. The Striped Bass, paired with olive oil–crushed potatoes, and rainbow chard, leans into brightness. Elsewhere, Pork Belly & Clams reimagines a New England clam chowder — King’s childhood favorite — in a deconstructed, more elegant form.

For the traditionalist, the Grassfed Strip Steak arrives seared to a gentle char, its peppercorn jus deep and earthy. The Chicken Parmesan, served Il Vagabondo-style with fennel and herb salad, nods to nostalgia without predictability. And from the wood-fired oven, a Brussels Sprouts Pizza layered with cipollini onions, aged provolone, and hazelnuts offers a smoky sweetness that feels distinctly autumn.

Sungold Williamsburg Sides: Quiet Meditations in Flavor

Sides are treated with the same care as the mains—not as afterthoughts but as quiet meditations on simplicity. The Lady Apples and Fennel, touched with hibiscus and herbs, bring a floral brightness. Charred Broccoli with garlic confit and lemon anchovy vinaigrette cuts through richness with clarity. The Roasted Fall Mushrooms, finished with onion soubise and Fiore Sardo, speak to the deep, earthy umami of the season.

A Bar That Feels Like a Warm Glow

As the evening unfolds, the energy at the bar shifts from soft conversation to a low hum. Soft, top-down lighting casts a warm glow across the bar, illuminating rows of spirits like liquid gold. Its setting inside Arlo Williamsburg extends that same warmth—polished yet approachable, with the kind of design detail that defines the hotel’s creative spirit. Bar Captain Armando Acevedo’s autumn cocktails mirror the menu’s philosophy—familiar but unexpected, indulgent yet balanced.

The Cashmere Margarita is an autumn take on the classic, infused with a pumpkin nitro wash, tamarind, and toasted pumpkin seeds. The Fireplace Fashioned replaces smoke with suggestion—stirred with autumn spice syrup and a touch of wood warmth. Then there is The Prescription, a whiskey blend with ginger, bergamot, and honey—smooth and quietly commanding.

Returning favorites like the Rhapsody, Arlo Espresso Martini, and Oaxaca Sunset round out the list. Each one crafted to feel like an evening companion rather than a showpiece.

The Experience: Brooklyn Warmth Meets Subtle Luxury

Dining at Sungold feels distinctly Brooklyn—grounded, stylish, and welcoming without pretense. The staff move with an unhurried grace, guiding the evening with quiet assurance. The space blurs the line between neighborhood favorite and destination dining, carrying an energy that’s both cosmopolitan and deeply rooted.

Beyond dinner, the restaurant stirs with quiet energy throughout the day. Breakfast and lunch offer lighter, market-driven plates, while Lucky Hour [Monday through Friday, 4–7 PM] draws a neighborhood crowd with the Brooklyn Happy Meal—a $14 pairing of an espresso martini, fries, and a fortune cookie. And the Wine & Brine special, featuring a dozen oysters and a bottle of wine for $50. On weekends, brunch stretches from morning to afternoon, with bottomless mimosas, Bellinis, and spritzes that turn late mornings into slow, golden afternoons.

Why Go Now

Autumn is when Sungold feels most itself—a season translated into texture and tone. It is the glow of a glass catching the last light, the warmth of roasted squash, the perfume of chive butter and herbs rising from the plate. In a neighborhood known for its dining scene, Sungold stands apart not by doing more, but by refining what already works: good food, a thoughtful space, and an experience that feels effortlessly golden.

There is a kind of alchemy in the way Sungold interprets the season—light softening through glass, the earthy sweetness of the harvest, the slow arrival of evening. It is autumn in New York distilled into a meal, one that invites you to pause before the rush of winter.

Sungold at Arlo Williamsburg
📍 Location: 96 Wythe Avenue — Williamsburg, Brooklyn
🕒 Hours: Open daily from 7:30 AM to 11 PM | Brunch Saturday–Sunday, 7:30 AM – 4 PM
📸 Instagram: @Sungoldbk
Reservations: sungoldbk.com or via OpenTable