It’s the end of a delicious era: Ferdinando’s Focacceria, Brooklyn’s beloved Sicilian restaurant, has unexpectedly closed over the weekend of February 23rd, 2025 after 121 years in business.
One of the oldest Italian restaurants in the city, and in fact the oldest Sicilian restaurant in New York, the Carroll Gardens eatery specialized in favorites from Palermo, including cow spleen, ricotta, and shredded caciocavallo cheese, the beloved panelle sandwich, a.k.a chickpea-stuffed fried ravioli, and it’s over-the-top riceball special — a treat we can attest is like none other.
A shocking and saddening Instagram post from the restaurant reads:
Due to unforeseen circumstances, our family has made the decision to permanently cease the operation of Ferdinando’s. It was a decision that was both difficult and painful. But nonetheless necessary. Rendering a 121-year institution such as ours a fond memory cannot come without a mix of emotions. Fading into The Red Hook sunset quietly, without fanfare, was felt to be a proper and discreet finish. We apologize for not providing an opportunity to savor a last meal with us and to say goodbye. We wish to thank the generations of patrons, generations of families, for their business and support.
Naturally, the community responded with hopes of saving the classic establishment. “My family has been going here since the 1920’s when they immigrated to America,” one Instagram user chimed in. Another added, “I live in Switzerland I would have come back if I was warned! Please someone save this place!”
Reports from Gothamist indicate that the restaurant’s owner Francesco “Frank” Buffa was aging and unable to dedicate 12 to 14 hour days at the family-owned establishment, a factor that lead to its closure. However, there aren’t explicit details about the “unforeseen circumstances”. But the reports also indicate that the hunt is underway for a potential new owner, so perhaps the legacy can continue. We’re crossing our fingers.
In the meantime, satisfy your craving for carbs with the best places to order pasta in NYC.