April brought a batch of exciting new openings to Brooklyn’s dining scene. There’s a cozy Alpine-inspired bistro now open in Brooklyn Heights, a French-Chinese fusion restaurant in Park Slope featuring weekly live jazz, and a fried chicken and Champagne bar in Clinton Hill. Plus, a new all-day café has set up shop at the former Domino Sugar Factory, and Williamsburg’s 42 Hotel added two new restaurants to its lineup.
And there’s even more on the horizon: a new pizzeria is headed to Rockaway Beach, Ziggy’s Roman Cafe is set to open on Main Street in DUMBO, and a bakery in Brooklyn Heights will soon serve Scandinavian pastries and breads infused with East and North African influences. Scroll all the way down for many more restaurants in the works!
But first, the news of some notable restaurants that shuttered their doors this month:
- Marlow and Sons closed this month after 20 years in Williamsburg. Owner Andrew Tarlow announced on Instagram: “I’m heartbroken to have to close Marlow & Sons, but a recent significant increase in our rent has presented a financial challenge that we aren’t able to overcome.” Marlow and Sons was cafe by day, restaurant and bar by night, with a general store in the front. Its sister restaurant Diner continues to serve dinner, Friday lunch, and weekend brunch in South Williamsburg.
- Fatoosh Pitza & Grill in Brooklyn Heights, the Middle Eastern restaurant on Hicks Street near Atlantic, has permanently closed. Fatoosh will be replaced by a new halal spot coming this spring. Read on to learn more!
- Negril BK, the Park Slope Carribbean spot, has closed after 7 years in the neighborhood. Negril opened back in 2017 on 5th Avenue between Carroll and Garfield. Negril cited post-pandemic challenges as the reason for their closure.
- The sandwich shop and bakery Seal & Soil closed this month. The owners said that they are looking to find a new space soon.
- Blanca, the critically acclaimed tasting menu restaurant next door to Roberta’s in Brooklyn, closed on April 12 after opening back in 2012. Chef Victoria Blamey reported that the landlord did not renew the lease.
- The beloved bakery in Marine Park, Michael’s Pastry Shop, closed this month after three decades in business. The bakery dates back to 1994, and was known for pumpkin cheesecake, rainbow cookies, candied oranges, and more Italian sweets.
- The cocktail bar and restaurant Sama Street in Greenpoint has shut its doors. Ownership said “the aftermath of the pandemic has been real, and we believe it’s time to take Sama Street to a new neighborhood.” They hope to find a new location soon.
- The Osprey restaurant at DUMBO’s 1 Hotel has closed and will relaunch in early Summer 2025 under a new concept. Stay tuned!
Restaurant openings in April ’25
Coco Boys | DUMBO
The seasonal coconut ice cream pop up is back in DUMBO at 147 Front Street, a space that’s shared with Red Coffee Stand. Coco Boys serves coconut ice cream out of a halved coconut shell, rotating through all sorts of delicious tropical flavors. Starting in April, they are open Thursday through Sunday 12-9pm. Take a peek at their concoctions here!
Cafe Brume | Brooklyn Heights
Brooklyn Heights has been eagerly anticipating the arrival of a new restaurant on Montague Street, in the space formerly occupied by Theresa’s for decades, and more recently, Mad Chicken. The new spot, Café Brume, will offer Alpine-inspired cuisine and wines, bringing a taste of the mountains to the neighborhood. Its owners—longtime Brooklyn Heights locals who raised their family nearby and were regulars at Theresa’s—are behind the venture. Café Brume will feature a cozy dining room up front and a wine bar tucked away in the back, all styled to resemble a Swiss chalet. The menu will include Alpine classics such as charcuterie and cheese boards, schnitzel, beef tartare, and Wienerschnitzel.
Laundry & Latte | Brooklyn Heights
A new cafe concept has opened at 6 Columbia Place in Brooklyn Heights: a laundromat that doubles as a cozy spot to enjoy your latte and croissant. Instead of making multiple trips to the laundromat, you can linger over your espresso drink in the front of the space while you wait to change the machines!
Ruhani Cafe | Boerum Hill
A new cafe has opened at 519 Atlantic Avenue. Ruhani serves coffee, tea, and pastries, but specializes in homemade chai. Open 7am-10pm daily.
Alvo Pizzeria | Boerum Hill
A new pizzeria serving slices, salads, and sides is coming to 150 Smith Street, the space formerly occupied by Caruso’s pizzeria.
Bang Cookies at City Point | Downtown Brooklyn
Bang Cookies sells huge, indulgent cookies in delicious flavors, including chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, plus inventive combinations like s’mores and white chocolate macadamia. Come to City Point for their Grand Opening Celebration on Sunday, May 4, at 10am and meet comedian and celebrity TikToker Corey B. and Mike “The Situation” From Jersey Shore. There will be free cookies, giveaways, and more fun!
Hot Peppers | Downtown Brooklyn
A new fast-casual restaurant serving healthy Mexican halal food has opened at 57 Willoughby. The menu features burrito bowls, burritos, tacos, quesadillas, nachos, salads, and plenty of sides.
Disco Birdies | Clinton Hill
Clinton Hill has yet another restaurant from Matt Diaz, the restauranteur behind For All Things Good, Bar Birba, and the wine shop Disco Bottles. Now, Disco Birdies is opening at 355 Franklin Avenue. It will be a casual fried chicken shop with Champagne. They are celebrating their soft opening starting April 24, and will announce more hours to begin in May.
Nate’s Detroit Pizza | Park Slope | Opening date TBA
Nate’s Detroit Pizza, with locations at 220 Atlantic Avenue in Boerum Hill and 451 Court Street in Carroll Gardens, has opened a third spot at 86th 5th Avenue, around the corner from Barclays Center. Founder and Brooklyn dad Nate Skid was a food reporter before experimenting with Detroit-style pizza out of his Park Slope apartment. He then starting selling at Brooklyn pop-up events before he opened his first storefronts.
Flavored Flames | Park Slope
In the space formerly occupied by Reggae Roti at 351 5th Avenue, a new Jamaican eatery called Flavor Flames is coming soon. The new spot is an offshoot of an Elmhurst food truck serving ackee & codfish, curry goat, jerk chicken, and oxtail.
Le Fleur Rouge | Park Slope
In the heart of Park Slope, Le Fleur Rouge is a French-Chinese fusion restaurant inspired by 1930s Shanghai and Parisian jazz culture. They serve French-Chinese cuisine, handcrafted cocktails, and a French wine list—all in a moody, jazz-filled atmosphere. Menu highlights include soup dumplings, beef tartare, Mala cucumber cilantro salad, French onion spring roll and “Beef and Broccoli” au poivre. Open Wednesdays through Sundays for dinner with weekly live jazz performances are on Wednesday and Thursdays from 7-9pm. Soon to come: brunch and a happy hour menu!
Birdee | Williamsburg
This month, a new all day café and bakery located on the ground floor of the former Domino Sugar Factory opened in Williamsburg on Kent Avenue. Birdee’s menu features inventive breakfast pastries, like a pepperoni pizza croissant, strawberry cheesecake danish, as well as Brazilian truffles and more nods to the chef’s Brazilian roots. You’ll also find homemade ice creams and savory offerings such as sandwiches, salads, and bowls. Open daily from 8am-4pm.
Blackbird & Evolution | Williamsburg
Two restaurants are debuting at Williamsburg’s 42 Hotel this month: Blackbird and Evolution, both ventures of Chef Eric LeVine, a two-time James Beard Award nominee.
Blackbird will serve breakfast, dinner, and weekend brunch, featuring elevated takes on classic comfort food. Highlights from the menu include the Maple Roasted Carrot Loin, Grilled Croissant Avocado Toast, and BBQ Pork Croquettes. The cocktail program is equally inventive, with original creations like the Toki-O Highball—made with Toki Whisky infused with sweet and sour cherries, clarified citrus, vanilla, and a touch of fizz—and the Chamomile SNAP, a delicate mix of chamomile-infused vermouth, apple, pear, and a hint of absinthe. The restaurant also has a 500-bottle wine cellar.
Evolution will feature a rotating tasting menu inspired by iconic New York flavors—think Brighton Beach Potato Knish, Coney Island Hot Dog, Dyker Heights Dim Sum (pictured below), and classic New York-Style Cheesecake. The intimate 35-seat space includes an open kitchen and pantry-style prep area, creating a close connection between chefs and guests. Evolution will be open Wednesday through Sunday, from 5-10pm.
Little Fino | Williamsburg
The William Vale hotel in Williamsburg has launched a new restaurant with a day-to-night menu. For breakfast, they serve juices, pastries, and more breakfast fare, and cocktails roll out later in the day including a Root Beer Negroni, a neon-orange Campari Creamsicle, and a dirty martini Jell-O shot. Small bites all day, including one part of the menu totally dedicated to martini snacks.
PopUp Bagels | Williamsburg
PopUp Bagels already has locations all over Manhattan, and has now opened a Brooklyn outpost at 661 Driggs Avenue. The chain was founded in Westport, CT, and has grown from there. They do not serve sandwiches—just bagels, which they encourage customers to “grip, rip, and dip.” Open daily from 7am to 4pm.
Rounders | Greenpoint
A new sports bar has arrived on Manhattan Avenue in Greenpoint, serving beer and chicken wings. Rounders is located in the space formerly occupied by the restaurant Esme. They are open daily until late, with the kitchen open 5-10pm.
L&L Hawaiian BBQ | Bushwick
The chain has opened its first Brooklyn location in Bushwick, serving Hawaiian inspired comfort food.
Bar Chuzo | Bay Ridge
The Ecuadorian bar Chuzo Culture closed in February in Park Slope, but the owner is launching a new restaurant called Bar Chuzo. They will have a sit-down restaurant as well as a lounge with tapas and cocktails. The menu includes paellas, oysters, ceviche, their acclaimed chicken wings, and chuzos, or grilled meat skewers.
Coming soon to our neighborhoods
Keep an eye out for more updates on these upcoming restaurants, bars, and bakeries!
Fish Cheeks | Williamsburg | Opening May 13
Fish Cheeks, the Thai seafood spot in Noho, is opening a second location at 661 Driggs Avenue this May. The menu will feature favorites like Mama Tom Yum ramen, marinated raw blue crab, and a loaded seafood tower. Expect Thai-inspired cocktails, including the Prala-Tini—a martini with anchovy vinegar and tomato garnish.
Lidl | Downtown Brooklyn | Opening May 23
Lidl US, similar to Trader Joe’s but with a wider assortment of brands and products, is opening its newest food market on Friday, May 23 in Downtown Brooklyn. The new Lidl store will be located at 490 Fulton Street, Second Floor, open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Read more here!
Lele’s Roman at Ace Hotel Brooklyn | Boerum Hill | Opening May 2025
The Ace Hotel’s restaurant As You Are closed earlier this year. In its place, Lele’s Roman will open later this spring, serving Roman cuisine. It was have all-day service, from Italian breakfast pastries to pastas like cacio e pepe and flatbreads for lunch and dinner.
Dolores | Bed Stuy | Opening May 2025
A new bar serving Mexico City-inspired food will open on Tompkins Avenue in Bed Stuy. Dolores is from the same team behind Winona’s, also in Bed Stuy. They will offer a cantina-style menu with cocktails by Leanne Favre, of Mayahuel, Leyenda, and Clover Club.
I Cavallini | Williamsburg | Opening May 2025
The behind the acclaimed wine bar Four Horsemen is opening a new Italian restaurant on Grand Street near Roebling Street (just down the street), slated for May. I Cavallini will have around 70 seats and a backyard, which is about double the size of Four Horsemen.
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!
JR & Son | Williamsburg | Opening Spring 2025
The same team that restored Kellogg’s Diner is taking on another project in Williamsburg: restoring JR & Son, a dive bar that dates back to the 1930s and closed during the pandemic. The new restaurant plans to serve Italian-American food and drinks. It will be led by Chef Patricia Vega, alum of Thai Diner and a former Top Chef contestant.
Kadamba Kafe | Boerum Hill | Opening Spring 2025
This new cafe with a plant-centric menu is coming to 305 Schermerhorn Street this April. Expect colorful and inventive coffee drinks like cherry blossom lattes, plus salads, smoothies, and bowls. Open Tuesday through Friday, 8am-3pm and weekends, 9am-4pm.
Crown Square Pizza | Rockaway Beach | Opening May or June 2025
Sean Aiken, known for his Neapolitan pizza pop-up Seany Pizza, is opening a permanent pizzeria at Rockaway Beach this summer. The new venture, Crown Square Pizza, will serve his signature Detroit-style pizza, and will open just in time for beach season!
Brooklyn Granary and Mill | Gowanus | Opening June 2025
This unique bakery coming to Gowanus will mill its own grain onsite. While the mill is now open, the bakery is slated to open in June. Located at 300 Huntington Street, milling operations take place upstairs and their bakery will be located downstairs. They will make loaves, baguettes, focaccia, croissants, and more. The operation is led by the former head baker at Blue Hill at Stone Barns, who hopes to bring stone milled whole grain from regenerative farms to Brooklynites.
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.
Ziggy’s Roman Cafe | DUMBO | Opening Summer 2025
Many months following the closure of Main Street Landing in DUMBO, a new restaurant is coming to 15 Main Street, just steps away from Brooklyn Bridge Park. Stay tuned for more info!
Breakfast by Salt’s Cure | Prospect Heights | Opening date TBA
In the space formerly occupied by LaLou, a wine-focused restaurant on Vanderbilt Avenue, a new location of Breakfast by Salt’s Cure has popped up. The popular breakfast spot already has locations across New York and Los Angeles, including an outpost across from Carroll Park, which has lines around the block on weekend mornings. They serve their famous oatmeal griddle cakes, plus eggs, home fries, sausage, and breakfast sandwiches.
New Halal Restaurant | Brooklyn Heights | Opening date TBA
A beloved neighborhood fixture, Fatoosh Pitza & Grill, has closed its doors—but something new is on the horizon. The team behind Little Flower Cafe in Astoria and Blue Hour, the counter tucked inside a Bushwick gas station, is taking over the space at 330 Hicks Street near Atlantic Avenue. Their upcoming venture will be a halal-friendly spot serving everything from burritos to pastries and coffee, with a vibe that transitions seamlessly from morning to night. Stay tuned for more details.
Mariscos El Submarino | Park Slope | Opening date TBA
This Mexican seafood joint based in Jackson Heights opened a new location in Greenpoint this past summer, and will open a third location soon in Park Slope, in the former space of Maya Taqueria at 226 7th Avenue. Mariscos El Submarino is best known for aguachiles and shrimp cocktails.
16 Handles | Cobble Hill | Opening date TBA
Frozen yogurt fans, rejoice! A new location of 16 Handles has popped up at 300 Court Street in Cobble Hill.
ABC Kitchens | DUMBO | Opening date TBA
A massive new restaurant from Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten is coming to Empire Stores in DUMBO soon: the combined concept of ABC Kitchen, Latin-fusion ABC Cocina and vegetarian ABCV will have approximately 300 seats in the old Sugarcane space that closed during the pandemic. Read more here!
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.
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. Check here for more updates and an opening date!
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!
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.
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. They are now in the final stretch of construction and will be opening their doors soon.
Border Town | Greenpoint | Opening September 2025
Border Town, a pop-up operation known for its breakfast tacos, will be opening a permanent restaurant in Greenpoint in September 2025. It will be located at 189 Nassau Avenue at Humboldt Street, near McGolrick Park. They will serve serveral tacos de guisado and breakfast burritos for lunch and breakfast. Eventually, they hope to serve dinner fare, plus margaritas and micheladas. For now, you can find them on Saturdays in May (starting May 3) at Greenpoint’s Variety Coffee.
New Restaurant by Chef Eyal Shani | Williamsburg | Opening late 2025
The renowned Israeli Chef Eyal Shani will open a new restaurant at Williamsburg Wharf, the 3.75-acre development coming to Williamsburg’s waterfront. The restaurant will occupy 4,000 square feet on the ground floor at 470 Kent Avenue. Some of Chef Shani’s restaurants have included Port Sa’id, Michelin-starred Shmoné, HaSalon, Miznon, and the Kosher-certified restaurant Malka, with NYC locations on the Upper West Side and in DUMBO. More details about Chef Shani’s new venture in Williamsburg to come!
Book Club Bar | Bushwick | Opening date TBA
The East Village’s popular Book Club Bar announced that they will open a new location in Bushwick. They offer books, cocktails, coffee, with special events like author talks and book clubs.
Do you want all local parenting news in your inbox? Sign-up for our weekly newsletter now!
Updated: May 2, 2025. Main Image: Le Fleur Rouge in Park Slope.
