Historic Sicilian Focacceria, now revitalized as Bar Ferdinando. Classic dishes w/ a modern twist in a charming, old-school atmosphere.
Sal Lamboglia is reviving the spirit of a beloved neighborhood institution by opening Bar Ferdinando in the former Ferdinando’s Focacceria space, offering a new take on Italian bar culture.
Sal Lamboglia revives the historic Ferdinando's Focacceria space with Bar Ferdinando, an Italian bar and cafe offering classic Sicilian dishes like arancini and pane e panelle, alongside amari-based cocktails. Opens April 15.
Willa Moore reviews Bar Ferdinando, a Carroll Gardens neighborhood gem that revitalized NYC's oldest Sicilian restaurant, Ferdinando's Focacceria, offering classic dishes like arancini and pane e panelle.
Step into a piece of history at this charming, 118-year-old Italian restaurant, a true Carroll Gardens institution. Once the beloved Ferdinando's Focacceria, it now operates as Bar Ferdinando, revitalized with a nod to its past. Experience classic Sicilian dishes and a warm, neighborhood atmosphere that honors its legacy while offering a fresh take.
This establishment, formerly Ferdinando's Focacceria, now operates as Bar Ferdinando, offering a menu that revisits classic Sicilian dishes. Customers have particularly raved about the panelle (chickpea fritters), with one reviewer giving it a perfect 10/10 and noting it surpassed versions tried in Sicily. The prosciutto sandwich also received positive mentions. While some past reviews were mixed, the current iteration seems to have addressed previous concerns about food quality.
"Customers highly recommend the panelle (chickpea fritters), with one reviewer describing them as a perfect 10/10. The prosciutto sandwich is also noted as a positive menu item."
Customers generally have a positive view, appreciating the revival of a historic neighborhood spot. While some recall past experiences as mediocre, the new iteration, Bar Ferdinando, has garnered praise for its improved food, particularly the panelle.
Important Note
The restaurant has undergone a change in ownership and concept, transitioning from Ferdinando's Focacceria to Bar Ferdinando. While the new iteration aims to honor the legacy, it is not a direct continuation of the original.
"This user questioned if Bar Ferdinando's had changed to just a bar with limited food options."
Neutral"This user recommended Bar Ferdinando's as an affordable, classic red sauce Italian place where a good-sized entree is around $25."
Positive"The user tried the panelle for the first time and found it fantastic. They also enjoyed the vongole alla patatine."
Positive"The commenter found the idea of Bar Ferdinando appealing, specifically mentioning the panelle with lemon juice and a prosciutto sandwich as reasons to try it."
Positive"The commenter regretted not trying the original Bar Ferdinando, expressing interest in the current offerings."
Neutral"The commenter agrees that the food at the previous iteration of Bar Ferdinando was not good, but is glad to see the improvement."
Neutral"The user had the panelle at the old Bar Ferdinando, stating it wasn't memorable, but the current version was."
Neutral"The commenter expressed a strong desire to visit Bar Ferdinando soon."
Positive"The commenter had a negative experience with the previous iteration of the restaurant, citing tasteless panelle, low-quality cheese, rubbery calamari, and overcooked pastas. They are happy to see the apparent upgrade and credit Sal Lamboglia for knowing his stuff."
Negative"The user thanked the previous commenter for the information about busyness and confirmed they would try the restaurant."
Neutral"In response to a question about busyness, the user stated there were open tables at 1 PM and expected it to be okay at 5 PM. They also mentioned ordering takeout to eat in a nearby garden."
Neutral"The user inquired about busyness during lunch/happy hour and planned to visit around 5 PM. They received a response indicating that there were open tables at 1 PM and suggested visiting at 5 PM would likely be fine."
Neutral"The user confirmed that Bar Ferdinando reopened this past week and that the menu is smaller but other items looked good. They also provided an Instagram link for the restaurant."
Neutral"The commenter was not aware that Bar Ferdinando had reopened and expressed interest in returning."
Neutral"The original poster rated the panelle at Bar Ferdinando 10/10, praising its texture, light cheese, and the addition of lemon juice, even stating it was better than panelle had in Sicily. They also enjoyed the prosciutto sandwich and expressed happiness about the restaurant's reopening."
Positive"The author shared that they found Ferdinando's Focacceria to be mediocre when they visited, despite liking the idea of the place."
Negative"Following a discussion about Ferdinando's Focacceria closing, the author clarified that while it is reopening, it is not with the same owner or concept, though the original owner has given his approval."
Neutral"In response to a question about Ferdinando's Focacceria, the author stated that it has permanently closed."
Neutral"The author asked if the original poster had tried Ferdinando's Focacceria on Union St and expressed curiosity about it."
Neutral"Ferdinando's Focacceria was mentioned as a place that has closed, with Pepe Rosso suggested as an alternative."
Neutral
