Crispy Chickpea Fritters and Limoncello Spritzes: Bar Ferdinando Revives a Brooklyn Legend
The Vibe
The air inside 151 Union Street carries the weight of history, mingling with the fresh scent of toasted sesame and brewing coffee. In Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn, a resurrection is underway. Bar Ferdinando has opened its doors in the space formerly occupied by Ferdinando's Focacceria, the 121-year-old neighborhood institution that closed in early 2025. This isn't merely a new opening; it is an homage. Restaurateur Sal Lamboglia, known for Swoony's and Cafe Spaghetti, has taken the torch from previous owner Francesco "Frank" Buffa, who originally took over from father-in-law Ferdinando Ciaramitaro in 1975.
The room buzzes with a unique energy, bridging generations. Longtime regulars eager to revisit the space they frequented for decades sit alongside a Y2K-chic Gen Z crowd curious about Lamboglia's latest venue. The pressure is immense, acknowledged by Lamboglia himself, who urges staff to take in the meaning behind every guest. The emotional resonance is palpable; early reports describe patrons moved to tears simply by sitting at tables where they shared lunches with grandparents years ago. It is a space where tradition meets reinvention, balancing the gravity of the past with the vibrancy of a new all-day concept.
What to Order
The menu is a careful curation of legacy items and new signatures, designed to honor the past while satisfying modern palates. The anchor of the menu is the panelle, a Sicilian chickpea fritter that loyalists feared might disappear. Lamboglia has kept it, serving it piled high on a crusty sesame seed roll. The texture contrast is key: the fritter offers a fried exterior giving way to a soft interior, topped with fresh, creamy ricotta and a vital squeeze of lemon juice to cut the richness.
Equally iconic are the arancini. These rice balls arrive halved, exposing the steamy interior, and are crowned with a snowy pile of grated pecorino. For a taste of the new guard, seek out Lamboglia's signature seafood salad, a green salad featuring sweet gold raisins, or the clam and potato dish. These additions are so in step with the original DNA of the kitchen that they feel like inherited recipes rather than innovations.
Start your meal with the sfincione crostini, a nod to the Sicilian focaccia tradition. On the sweeter side, pastry chef Jackie De La Barrera, whose credentials include Agi's Counter and Radio Bakery, crafts bomboloni that pair perfectly with the morning coffee service. As the day transitions to evening, the bar program helmed by Ricardo Echeverri takes center stage. Echeverri, formerly of Frenchette and Minetta Tavern, has introduced a cocktail menu that feels both very Italian aperitivo hour and au courant. The focus is on low-ABV spritzes and precision cocktails. Order the 50/50 martini served on a big rock, a limoncello spritz for brightness, or an olive-briney Negroni for a savory kick.
The Experience
Bar Ferdinando operates as an all-day spot, a strategic shift from the previous iteration. Mornings begin with coffee and pastries, moving seamlessly into cocktails, wine, and small plates as the sun sets. This flexibility makes it a versatile hub for the neighborhood. The service team operates under a conscious mandate to honor the history of the space. Lamboglia has been personally sitting down with returning patrons, ensuring the transition feels respectful rather than erasive.
The balance of old and new works because the fundamentals remain intact. The fried chickpeas are still there. The sense of community is preserved. However, the addition of a sophisticated bar program marks the most noticeable difference, as the former focacceria simply did not have one. This evolution allows the space to function as a dinner destination rather than just a lunch counter, extending its utility for locals. The atmosphere is buzzier than ever, fueled by curiosity and nostalgia alike. It is a dining experience that asks you to acknowledge the past while tasting the future.
Worth Knowing
Location: 151 Union Street, Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn, New York.
Opening: Soft opening began April 15.
Best For: Multigenerational groups, solo lunchers seeking history, and cocktail enthusiasts looking for low-ABV options.
Reservations: Given the buzz and limited space in the historic footprint, expect a wait during peak hours.
Budget: Small plates and focaccia sandwiches suggest a moderate price point suitable for casual dining, though specific entree pricing varies.
Tip: Visit during the afternoon transition to experience both the pastry program and the early cocktail service.
