February brought an exciting wave of new openings, from a Scandinavian restaurant in DUMBO and a natural wine bar in Gowanus to two Sichuan restaurants in Williamsburg and a new pizzeria in Greenpoint.
Scroll all the way down for a sneak peek at upcoming openings, including a Mediterranean fast-casual spot and a tropical-inspired eatery in DUMBO, a Swedish bakery in Brooklyn Heights, a new cocktail bar in Park Slope, a Cambodian restaurant in Red Hook, and an Italian spot in Williamsburg from the team behind the acclaimed Four Horsemen.
But first, some notable closures—including the end of an era for New York’s oldest Sicilian restaurant.
- Bread & Spread, which has been on DUMBO’s Front Street for 10 years, will be relocating to Downtown Brooking, citing rising rents, gas, and venting issues. Following their move, they are planning add new menu items in their upgraded kitchen. In the meantime, they are delivering straight to your door, with free delivery on orders over $30. Place an order here, and call 718.625.2220 for more information.
- Luzzo’s BK, located on Atlantic Avenue between Brooklyn Heights and Cobble Hill, has closed their doors. They served Neapolitan-style pizza made in a wood-burning oven, alongside other Italian dishes.
- Leyenda, the Latin cocktail spot (opposite sister bar Clover Club) will close at the end of March after 10 years on Smith Street. Check their Instagram for a schedule of special guest bartenders visiting during their final weeks!
- Barboncino Pizza in Crown Heights will close on February 28 after 14 years on Franklin Avenue. The pizzeria served Neapolitan pizza, Italian wine, gelato, and cocktails. They cited “rising economic strains, diminished sales, and other industry-wide challenges” as the impetuses for their closing.
- East One Coffee, a neighborhood cafe and restaurant in Carroll Gardens, has announced that they are regrettably shutting their doors. The last day of restaurant service will be Sunday, March 2 and the last day of cafe service will be Friday, March 7.
- Ferdinando’s Focacceria, the 121-year-old Italian restaurant in Carroll Gardens near Red Hook, suddenly shuttered its doors on February 23. The historic restaurant has been at 151 Union Street since 1904, and was the oldest Sicilian restaurant in New York City. The owners wrote on Instagram: “It was a decision that was both difficult and painful. But nonetheless necessary…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.”
Radio Bakery | Prospect Heights
Radio Bakery made waves across the city when it opened in Greenpoint in 2023, from pastry chef Kelly Mencin and the team behind Rolo’s. It was an immediate hit and ever since has consistently drawn lines and a fervent fanbase. Radio Bakery has expanded with its awaited second location at 186 Underhill Avenue, near Sterling Place, in Prospect Heights. The online menu lists Radio favorites like its focaccia with everything seasoning to cheesy pretzel bear claws. Certain pastries are distinct to this location — like a mango matcha morning bun.
Hildur | DUMBO
Gran Eléctrica in DUMBO closed its doors at the end of December 2024, and in its place the same team (also behind Colonie in Brooklyn Heights) has opened a new spot serving Scandinavian cuisine and French bistro fare. Hildur opened on February 14, and its menu features au poivre with Swedish meatballs, pommes puree, and shoestring fries, and the Swedish Princess cake. They also serve cocktails and natural wine. The wonderful backyard will thankfully remain in use, seating folks directly beneath the Brooklyn Bridge in the warmer months.
Uncle J’s | DUMBO
From the team behind Lucky Rabbit, Uncle J’s offers the neighborhood “cuisine from the most tropical beaches in the world.” The menu will appeal to those with intolerances and allergies. No pork, shellfish, or dairy, and dishes will be mostly gluten-free, totally nut-free, with no nuts, no sesame, halal chicken and beef, and lots of vegan options. Uncle J’s has taken over the Front Street spot formerly occupied by Bread & Spread, which is moving to Downtown Brooklyn.
Hungry Thirsty | Carroll Gardens
Former employees of the beloved restaurant Ugly Baby, which closed at the end of 2024, have opened Hungry Thirsty in the same space, at 407 Smith Street. The menu is new, but the restaurant remains devoted to Thai food. Hungry Thirsty is open Thursday through Monday, 5:00-9:30pm, and are currently accepting walk-ins only. They are still working on acquiring a liquor license, but are currently serving non-alcoholic drinks like their Thai tea slushie, served in funky animal-head mugs.
Luo’s Burgers | Park Slope
This month, Luo’s Burgers opened at 568 4th Avenue between 15th and 16th Streets. They serve a wide variety of cuisine, with American, Hispanic & Asian dishes. For breakfast, they serve breakfast sandwiches, coffee and tea, pastries and bagels. The daytime menu includes burgers, chicken sandwiches, loaded fries, wings, and more. Beverages include fresh Columbia coffee, milkshakes, and cocktails, with happy hour every day from 11am-7pm.
Cafe by the Girls | Park Slope
This Colombian coffee shop based in Chelsea has opened a new location at 203 7th Avenue in Park Slope, in the former space of Blue Bottle Coffee. They serve coffee roasted in-house, pastries, plus breakfast and lunch food.
Backyard Bar & Billiards | South Slope
A new sports bar has opened at 740 5th Avenue between 24th and 25th Streets in South Slope. Their food comes from Hen House, a Lebanese shawarma and sandwich spot based in the East Village. The menu includes a Piri Piri Fried Chicken Sandwich, wings, nachos, and other bar food classics.
Liar Liar | Gowanus
This new natural wine bar in Gowanus opened on Nevins Street last month. Liar Liar was founded by a group of friends with experience in the industry. It has a spacious bar and cozy booths. They offer a daily happy hour with bottles priced at $30. Food dishes include a fried chicken sandwich, steak frites, and fries.
Lulla’s Bakery | East Williamsburg
Lulla’s Bakery & Cocktails is a new Venezuelan bakery and café on Graham Avenue. In a stylish dining room, Lulla’s serves a variety of traditional Venezuelan pastries and coffee drinks. The menu features items such as cachitos (similar to croissants) available plain or filled with ham and cheese, pan de queso, pain au chocolat, and croissants with guava or almonds. Beverage options include café con leche, lattes, cortados, nitro cold brew, and a selection of teas. They are currently open daily from 7am to 5pm, with plans to expand into evening hours in the future, with wine and small bites.
Patio Tropical | Williamsburg
This Caribbean food counter is located on an enclosed and heated patio behind This Is Latin America, a shop at 234 Grand Street. Patio Tropical is a project of Stephanie Bonin, known for La Tropikitchen. It’s self-described as a “one-of-a-kind coffee shop, eatery, and culinary studio celebrating Caribbean flavors.” Check out their menu here and upcoming events (including chef residencies) here.
Ren | Williamsburg
This new Sichuan restaurant opened on January 6 on Grand Street in Williamsburg. The rotating menu includes dim sum items, small plates like pickled cucumbers and crunchy golden tofu, and entrees including KungPao Chicken, Shredded Beef with Green Chili, and Spicy Crispy Fish Fillet. They also serve cocktails that integrate Chinese spices.
Meili | Williamsburg
Williamsburg welcomed its second Sichuan restaurant this month with the opening of Meili, brought by the team behind Chili in Midtown. Located inside the grand dining space of the Coda Hotel, the kitchen is led by Michelin-starred chef Peter He. The menu features dishes like the Mr. and Mrs. Smith—sliced beef and tripe in a chile-peanut sauce—along with mapo lobster, tea-smoked duck with sticky rice, and a Chongqing fish stew. Cocktails are also on offer.
St. Anselm | Williamsburg
After being closed due to a fire in mid-September, St. Anselm reopened on February 12 at on Metropolitan Avenue between North 4th and 5th Streets. The restaurant specializes in steaks and grilled seafood, and is currently offering dinner service; lunch service will return at a later date. Favorites include the signature beef (a hanger steak) and delicious sides like pan-fried mashed potatoes.
Diamond Slice | Greenpoint
A new pizzeria has opened at 70 Diamond Street in Greenpoint. They will serve pies and slices with both classic toppings and inventive ones, like Caesar salad, spinach and ricotta, and burrata and pepperoni. In addition to pizza, they serve salads, focaccia sandwiches, beer and wine. The operation was formerly a pop-up run by the owner of Calyer, a cafe in Clinton Hill.
Le Chalet du Terroir | Greenpoint
Taking over the former Himalayas Newa Cafe space, this new Haitian cafe offers coffee, smoothies, sandwiches, soups, and more. The drink menu includes cold brews, lattes, iced teas, and Gingembre, a spicy organic ginger tea. Sandwiches range from the tartine de thon with tuna to the croissant royale with egg, cheese, and avocado. They also serve a variety of salads, plus soups including two Haitian offerings: Soup Pen (bread soup) on Tuesdays and Soup Libète on Sundays. The cafe is open Sunday through Thursday from 8 AM to 7 PM, Friday from 7 AM to 2 PM, and closed on Saturdays.
Damballa | Bushwick
“Listening bars” with high quality sound systems have become more and more popular in recent years. Damballa, Brooklyn’s newest “hi-fi bar,” opened in Bushwick on January 24. Damballa is from the team behind Cafe Erzulie across the street. They serve cocktails and small bites. Learn about their system here and their upcoming events here.
Mito | Fort Greene
Mito at 280 Ashland Pl. is the definition of innovative and modern Japanese cuisine. With a lunch and dinner menu consisting of items such as wok-grilled garlic shrimp and white tuna tempura, Mito offers a dining experience that seamlessly blends tradition with contemporary flair.
These new spots are coming soon to our neighborhoods!
Naya | DUMBO | Opening date TBA
Naya, a Mediterranean fast-casual chain serving bowls, rolls, salads, shawarma, and hummus, is opening a new location on Jay Street in DUMBO.
Overgreens Salad & Juice | DUMBO | Opening date TBA
Overgreens Salad & Juice serves healthy bowls, salads, sandwiches and soups, smoothies, and juice. The chain already has multiple locations in Brooklyn, but will open a new spot in DUMBO in Spring 2025. Overgreens will take over the spot formerly occupied by Tsuta Dumbo, the Michelin-starred ramen restaurant.
New Starbucks location | DUMBO | Opening date TBA
A new Starbucks location is coming to 104 Jay Street, between the new Tutu School location and the wine store York Cellars.
Bond Street Coffee and Goods | Downtown Brooklyn | Opening date TBA
A new location of Bond Street Coffee and Goods is coming to the border of DUMBO and Downtown Brooklyn, at Jay Street and Concord Street. Stay tuned for an opening date and more details!
Ferrane Bakery | Brooklyn Heights | Opening date TBA
A new Swedish bakery is coming to 57 Clark Street in Brooklyn Heights. Inspired by the owners’ heritages, Ferrane Bakery will serve Scandinavian pastries and bread that are also inspired by East African and North African flavors (“ferrane” means “oven” in Moroccan Arabic). Coffee will come exclusively from East African farmers. Stay tuned for more updates from the bakery, which is currently under construction! Ferrane is also hosting their first pop-up event in DUMBO at fellow Scandinavian restaurant Hildur. They’ll be serving a seasonal fluffy bun filled with almond paste & whipped cream, typically enjoyed in Sweden on Semmeldagen (Fat Tuesday). Mark your calendar for Tuesday, March 4, 11am-4pm. First-come, first-served!
New German Restaurant | Brooklyn Heights | Opening date TBA
80 Montague Street in Brooklyn Heights was most recently home to Mad for Chicken and before that, Teresa’s. It’s yet to be seen what food spot will take over the space next, but signage indicates that Wurst & Durst LLC dba Wildblume are the new owners and are seeking a liquor license. The neighborhood is anticipating the opening of a German establishment of some sort. Read more here, and stay tuned!
Floyd | Brooklyn Heights
Floyd, the beloved Brooklyn Heights bar and bocce court that closed in December, is looking to reopen in a new space. While they were circling a space at 72 Clark Street, the neighboring co-op blocked the move, citing concerns over noise on the street. Floyd will continue to look for a new location, hopefully with bocce!
Be Pasta | Park Slope | Opening date TBA
A new pasta spot with natural wine is coming to Park Slope at 447 1st Street, between 6th and 7th Avenues. The restaurant is from the team behind neighborhood favorite Terre.
Impasto | Park Slope | Opening in April
This Clinton Hill pizzeria is opening a new location in Park Slope in mid-April, at 200 Garfield Place.
Emack & Bolio’s | Park Slope | Opening date TBA
The Boston-based ice cream chain is opening new location on order of Park Slope and Windsor Terrace, at 242 Prospect Park West. They serve both regular ice cream and vegan ice cream.
Folk | Park Slope | Opening Spring 2025
The team behind the Park Slope restaurant Lore is opening a new cocktail bar at 689 6th Avenue. Slated to open this spring, Folk will serve both craft cocktails and small plates. Stay tuned for more updates!
Brooklyn Granary & Mill | Gowanus | Opening Winter/Spring 2025
This unique bakery coming to Gowanus will mill its own grain onsite. Slated to open in a two-story location at 300 Huntington Street in late winter/early spring 2025, their milling operations will take place upstairs and their bakery will be located downstairs. They will make loaves, baguettes, focaccia, croissants, and more. Check out their Kickstarter campaign and read more here!
Hōp | Red Hook | Opening date TBA
The team behind Red Hook Tavern, husband and wife, are opening a Cambodian restaurant at 358 Van Brunt Street later in 2025. The restaurant will serve Cambodian breakfast dishes and pastries during the day, and will offer dinner in the evening: noodles, meats, stews, and more.
Lidl Grocery Store | Crown Heights | Opening date TBA
A mixed-use building with housing and a new Lidl grocery store is coming up at 750 Bedford Avenue in Crown Heights. This Crown Heights location is in addition to Lidl stores arriving elsewhere in Brooklyn, including 490 Fulton Street in Downtown Brooklyn and 120 Fifth Avenue in Park Slope. The German discount grocery store sells fresh produce, meat, seafood, baked goods, grocery essentials, and more at low prices. In addition to food, Lidl also sells clothing, home appliances, kitchen equipment, and more at discounted prices.
Bong | Crown Heights | Opening date TBA
A Cambodian pop-up called Kreung will move into its permanent home at 724 Sterling Place in Crown Heights later this year. They will serve causal Cambodian dishes like Kuy Teav, Num Pang Paté, Somlor Machu Kreung.
I Cavallini | Williamsburg | Opening May 2025
This Italian restaurant is slated to open on Grand Street near Roebling Street in May 2025. The team behind the wine bar Four Horseman, located just down the street. I Cavallini will have around 70 seats and a backyard, which is about double the size of Four Horseman.
Rose Marie | Williamsburg | Opening June 2025
The East Village Tex-Mex spot Yellow Rose is opening a new bar with Southern food in Williamsburg, on the corner of Ainslie and Lorimer. They will serve cocktails, beer, and comfort food.
Book Club Bar | Bushwick | Opening date TBA
The East Village’s popular Book Club Bar is opening a new location in Bushwick. They offer books, cocktails, coffee, with special events like author talks and book clubs.
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Updated: March 1, 2025. Main Image: Hildur in DUMBO.
