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…