April is shaping up to be another big month for Brooklyn’s dining scene, with neighborhood bakeries closing and expanding, beloved breweries opening new taverns, and a wave of kid‑friendly casual spots debuting from Park Slope to Bushwick. From a Georgian restaurant in Greenpoint to a Carroll Gardens icon getting a new life, there are plenty of new places to add to your family’s weekend rotation this spring. But the biggest food news of the month seem to be the closing of Caputo’s Bake Shop after 124 years on Court Street leaving neighbors and community members devastated.
This month’s restaurant openings
Chama Mama | Greenpoint
Chama Mama officially opened at 113 Franklin Street in Greenpoint, bringing authentic Georgian cuisine to the neighborhood. Get ready to try their famous khachapuri (traditional cheesy bread), pkhali (walnut-based veggie spreads), Georgian dumplings, and hearty stews with both meat and vegetarian options. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner Monday through Friday, plus weekend brunch.
Sud NYC | Williamsburg
At 79 Grand Street in the former Bacàn space, Sud NYC is giving Williamsburg families an easy Italian dinner option without the fuss. Think pizza, simple pasta, cocktails for the grown‑ups, and a relaxed setup that works just as well for a weeknight bite with kids as it does for a low‑key date night close to home.
Sea & Soil | Boerum Hill
Sea & Soil has reopened at its new home at 388 Atlantic Avenue! bringing back their beloved sandwiches and café favorites after closing their Columbia Waterfront spot. Get ready to try their expertly crafted sandwiches made with quality ingredients – perfect for a quick lunch or family picnic. A welcome return for this neighborhood favorite!
Met Fresh | Fort Greene
This new neighborhood grocery at 340 Myrtle Avenue stocks everyday essentials with a focus on fresh produce and pantry staples, filling a handy gap for quick family shops near parks and schools. The store is sized for convenience, making it an easy stop for last‑minute dinner ingredients, snack restocks, or a weekend grocery run without leaving the neighborhood.
Kasbah Bakery | Cobble Hill
Kasbah Bakery just opened at 275 Columbia Street, bringing fresh pastries and sandwiches to the Columbia Waterfront neighborhood. Get ready to try their selection of baked goods and café fare in a welcoming space. A perfect spot for a family breakfast or lunch break while exploring the waterfront!
Pho Rainbow | Cobble Hill
Pho Rainbow brings warm bowls of pho and other Vietnamese staples to the Bergen and Dean stretch of Cobble Hill, giving families a comforting new option for casual lunches and easy weeknight dinners. Look for a familiar lineup of noodle soups, rice plates, and crispy bites in a no‑fuss setting that fits seamlessly into the neighborhood.
Grabstein’s Bagels | Carroll Gardens
Grabstein’s Bagels has arrived at 142 Smith Street, bringing its “old school bagels with a new school vibe”. This community-focused spot features a full lineup of hand-rolled bagels, house-made spreads, and creative breakfast sandwiches, making it a perfect neighborhood destination for a quick family breakfast or a weekend bagel run.
Prince Street Pizza | Carroll Gardens
The Nolita slice icon finally debuted in Brooklyn at 271 Smith Street on April 23, bringing its cult‑favorite spicy square pies and easy grab‑and‑go slices to a kid‑tested block. Expect lines at peak times, but the payoff is a portable lunch or after‑practice treat that’s perfect for families on the move.
Bar Ferdinando | Carroll Gardens
An iconic Carroll Gardens institution that previously closed after 121 years of serving Sicilian fare is getting a new lease on life. The team from neighborhood favorite Cafe Spaghetti is reimagining the historic Ferdinando’s Focacceria space as Bar Ferdinando, a new Italian restaurant and bar with updated takes on Sicilian classics and a welcoming bar room. Early previews suggest it will work just as well for date night as for an early family dinner with pasta‑loving kids.
Pies ’n’ Thighs | Park Slope
Williamsburg favorite Pies ’n’ Thighs has arrived at 244 Flatbush Avenue in Park Slope with its famous fried chicken, biscuit sandwiches, and pies. The new outpost offers counter-service, high chairs, and plenty of shareable sides, making it an easy choice for a family dinner on the corner of Flatbush and 7th Avenue.
Iguazu Bar & Bistro | Bay Ridge
The restaurateurs behind Brooklyn’s well-known and beloved Saravá Bistro have just opened Iguazu – a culturally focused dining establishment celebrating the culinary traditions and connections between Southern Brazil and Argentina. Be sure to order the Argentinian empanadas, Pão de Queijo (Brazilian cheese bread), Choripan (an Argentinean Chorizo sandwich), and the Kate Steak. Iguazu is located at 9226 4th Avenue.
APizza | Dyker Pizza Company | Bay Ridge
APizza : Dyker Pizza Company just opened their second Brooklyn location at 9525 4th Avenue in Bay Ridge. They are offering appetizers, pizza, and pasta. Get ready to try the zucchini flowers, mozzarella en carozza, pesto & prosciutto pizza, and their butternut squash pizza with ricotta cream, fresh mozzarella, basil, and hot honey! This restaurant is cash only.
Wanka 11 | Bay Ridge
Wanka 11 is a beautiful new restaurant on the corner of 68th Street and Third Avenue in Bay Ridge. They serve Peruvian dishes with creative cocktails and mocktails. Be sure to try their entraña a lo pobre, alitas acevichadas, grilled branzino, and empanada tasting. Find their full menu here.
Coming soon to our neighborhoods
These upcoming spots are slated to open later this spring and summer; exact opening dates may shift, so keep an eye on their social channels for updates.
Greenpoint
Socceria | Greenpoint | Opening June 2026
Opening this June at 46 Norman Avenue in Greenpoint, Socceria is Brooklyn’s first soccer-focused sports bar from the acclaimed Taqueria Ramirez team. James Beard finalist Chef Giovanni Cervantes is elevating the game-day experience with a menu of unique tacos and Mexican specialties inspired by traditional cantinas. The spacious corner spot is an ideal destination for families to catch World Cup matches starting June 11, featuring everything from brunch to evening events.
Williamsburg
Café Bar J.F. | Opening May 2026
Café Bar J.F. is set to open at 50 Withers Street on May 13, bringing a neighborhood-focused tavern with seasonal cooking to Williamsburg. The spacious location offers a warm and approachable environment for local gatherings, focusing on great service and a shared love for the community.
Brooklyn Heights
Dinah | Opening soon
Dinah is a modern reimagining of a 1930s Brooklyn diner at 200 Clinton Street that builds a home away from home with hand-rolled bagels and guest chef pop-ups. Following a successful soft opening, they are preparing to announce their first day of regular service very soon.
Park Slope
Kings Co Imperial | Opening June 2026
The beloved Williamsburg Chinese‑American spot Kings Co Imperial is heading to Park Slope, taking over the former Stone Park Cafe events space next door to the restaurant on 3rd Street. Expect soy sauce on tap, wok‑fired favorites, and crowd‑pleasers like long dumplings, mock eel, Kung Pao chicken, and prawn fries—solid options for both adventurous eaters and kids who like to share.
Bushwick
Bark Barbecue | Opening May 2026
Dominican barbecue favorite Bark is expanding from its Time Out Market stall in Dumbo to a flagship in Bushwick with a bar program and expanded menu. Families and groups can expect smoked brisket, chicharron, longaniza, and plenty of hearty sides in a casual space that works well for bigger kids and multi‑family outings.
Carroll Gardens
Trudie’s Tavern | Opening Spring 2026
From the team behind Brooklyn favorites Gertie and Gertrude’s, Trudie’s Tavern will be a cozy pub‑style restaurant coming to Carroll Gardens this year. The spot is expected to focus on elevated comfort food and a laid‑back neighborhood vibe, giving parents another option for casual meals close to home.
Cobble Hill
Lou & Bev’s | Opening Spring 2026
Next door to Confidant on Atlantic Avenue, Lou & Bev’s will be an all‑day bakery, pizza restaurant, and wine bar from the same team. By day, families can stop in for pastries and coffee; by night, the space transitions into a pizza‑and‑wine hangout.
Prospect Heights
Grimm Tavern | Opening June 2026
The team behind Grimm Artisanal Ales is opening Grimm Tavern in the former Olmsted space at 659 Vanderbilt Avenue this June. This new Prospect Heights spot will offer a relaxed, all-day environment featuring Grimm beers on tap and a menu of comfort food favorites like burgers and roast chicken. Just a short walk from the park, it’s set to be a welcoming destination for families and neighbors alike.
Red Hook
Hōp | Opening Summer 2026
opening at 358 Van Brunt Street in Red Hook, Hōp is a Cambodian-inspired restaurant and bar slated to debut later this year. Led by a seasoned team behind several neighborhood favorites, the spot will feature bold flavors and a variety of rice and noodle dishes. It’s an ideal destination for date nights or dinners with older kids eager to explore new cuisines.
April restaurant closings
Alongside all the new openings, several Brooklyn spots have closed or announced their final service recently.
Carroll Gardens
Caputo’s Bake Shop | Closed April 2026
After 124 years on Court Street, the legendary Caputo’s Bake Shop has officially closed its doors. The neighborhood staple was a go-to for generations of families who relied on their signature lard bread, rainbow cookies, and classic Italian breads. Their presence on the block will be deeply missed by the many locals who considered their treats a permanent fixture of Brooklyn life. While it marks the end of an era for Carroll Gardens, the bakery’s long legacy remains a cherished part of the community’s history.
“The crumb of the all around seeded Italian bread of that place was second to NONE. Fantastic olive bread (never had better) , excellent lard bread, onion rolls, Keizer rolls, the list goes on. I’m DEAD serious when I say does anyone know where Joe the baker in the back lives? I know it was about the oven and that the oven matters. It came from Germany and is worth a small fortune, but having the recipes and the ability to make those breads anywhere is what matters. You wanna debate me about Mazolla having the best lard bread, ok fine but Mazolla on its best Tuesday at seeded o’clock, on the seeded channel with a side of seeded could NEVERRRRR compare or compete with Caputos. I’m legit in mourning.” – Community member on FB
Gowanus
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que | Closing May 2026
The smoked-brisket institution at 604 Union Street will close later this spring after its lease ends and the building is slated for demolition to make way for a new apartment development. The restaurant is set to serve its final meal on May 13, marking a bittersweet departure for the many locals who have seen it as a neighborhood fixture since 2011.
