Though NYC’s iconic Domino Sugar Factory no longer actually produces sugar–it underwent a massive 11-year renovation and officially reopened back in September 2023 as The Refinery at Domino–there’s still something sweet being cooked up there now that all-day bakery and café Birdee has opened its doors in the historic building!
Birdee comes from the mind of Renata Ameni, Pastry Chef at the one Michelin-Starred Crown Shy and two Michelin-Starred Saga. The space, whose name comes from the nickname that Ameni’s mother gave her when she was a kid, opened as a way for her to spotlight the Viennoiserie and baked goods for which she developed a cult following during the pandemic.
The new neighborhood café is bringing pastries, sandwiches, coffee, and more to the Williamsburg waterfront. But don’t be fooled, Birdee is not a one-trick pony. That’s to say Justin Osorio, Culinary Director of Kent Hospitality Group, has developed a savory menu for Birdee as well, so even if you don’t have a sweet tooth you can still enjoy the new spot.
But let us focus on the pastries for a second, which throw a nod to Ameni’s Brazilian upbringing and are simultaneously unexpected yet approachable as they’re prepared by merging classic techniques, like laminated croissant dough, with unexpected flavor combinations, like pepperoni pizza.
Offerings include Strawberry Olive Oil Cake, Lemon-Lime Meringue Danishes, Russian Honey Cake, Brigadeiro (Brazilian truffles), and more.
Justin’s savory menu, on the other hand, includes sandwiches–that are tailored for both breakfast and lunch–along with salads and bowls. Highlights include Creamy Grains, with farro, peas, stracciatella, and basil, the USDA Prime Italian Dip, with giardiniera, basil mayo, and provolone, and the and the Baby Lettuce Salad, with avocado, cucumber, parmesan, and croutons.
And, of course, the drink menu includes all your caffeinated favorites, from drip coffee and cortados to espresso and teas.
Plus, if the weather is nice–a hotter summer than usual is on its way, after all–and you’re not looking to stick around, there will be a dedicated counter within the café serving takeaway versions of Ameni’s beloved ice creams, perfect to take with you as you stroll along the waterfront and soak in stunning NYC skyline views.
As for the space itself, it was designed by Modellus Novus–the same architecture and design firm behind Crown Shy, Saga, and Overstory, so if you’ve dined at any of those spots Birdee will certainly feel familiar–and features brick walls are original to the historic building as well as earth green floors and wood Frama chairs.
We’ll see you there! Oh, and while you’re in the area, be sure to check out Domino Square, Domino Sugar Factory’s stunning new one-acre waterfront park that opened back in September!
📍 300 Kent Avenue, Brooklyn
🗓 Open daily
⏰ 8 am to 4 pm