For 121 long, beloved years, New Yorkers–and celebrity clientele including Leonardo DiCaprio and Martin Scorsese–flocked to Ferdinando’s Focacceria in Carroll Gardens to dig into classic Sicilian fare in a historic atmosphere. Hearts broke all across the city when the restaurant abruptly closed in 2025 due to the owner’s health and retirement, but now it’s getting a new lease on life.
On April 15, Ferdinando’s Focacceria will reopen as Bar Ferdinando, a new neighborhood cafe and cocktail bar. Longtime Ferdinando’s owner Francesco “Frank” Buffa hand-picked Sal Lamboglia as the spot’s new owner, who’s also the one behind neighboring dining spots Cafe Spaghetti, Swoony’s, and Sal Tang’s.
The new venture will throw some nods to its precursor, such as serving up Sicilian rice balls, octopus salad, and the original pane e panelle, made using Buffa’s family recipe, which diners have grown fond of ordering throughout the years.
“We don’t want it to be unrecognizable — but I do want to see myself reflected in the space,” Lamboglia told the NY Post.
Diners can also expect fun new menu items like house-made eggplant caponata, insalata di mare, a dessert menu of bomboloni, olive oil cakes, and Sicilian desserts from Radio Bakery alum Jackie De La Barrera, and coffee and espresso.
Ricardo Echeverri, formerly of Swoony’s, will lead the cocktail program. Expect aperitivi, amaro-forward pours, martinis, vermouths, and a creative take on the Manhattan Special, a Brooklyn-based espresso soda.
Inside, the space will feel familiar. Lamboglia noted he’s hanging on to roughly half of the institution’s original artwork, historic light fixtures, flooring, and chairs.
Lamboglia stated in a press release:
My goal is to preserve what makes Ferdinando’s so special while giving it the care it needs to keep going for years to come.
If all goes to plan, Bar Ferdinando won’t replace the institution Brooklyn lost—it’ll simply carry its story forward. By preserving beloved recipes, historic details, and the spirit that made the restaurant a neighborhood staple for more than a century, the new chapter ensures Ferdinando’s legacy lives on in Carroll Gardens–just with a fresh espresso, a good cocktail, and a new generation of regulars at the bar.
Bar Ferdinando
- 📍 Location: 151 Union Street, Carroll Gardens
- 🗓️ Opening Date: Wednesday, April 15, 2026
