Really good, authentic Italian restaurant. The special aracini riceball was flavorful and got nice texture. Also recommend the sardine pasta which had an interesting flavor that I never tried before. would order the pasta again when I’m back. Service was friendly too.
Lucia P.
Like a trip back to Sicily! Very rustic and old school, I highly recommend you give this spot a try!
Lisa Tsai
I thought the place is good! I just came for the arancini special. It’s humongous!! Delicious tho would get again. The rice was a little soggy but it actually went well with the panele (which I wouldn’t have gotten by itself). The sauce with ricotta on top was very very good. I would come back for that as a snack alone. Cash only!!
Greg Tam
In a quaint area of Brooklyn lies an absolute gem; Ferdinando's Focacceria is an almost 120-year old establishment serving some of the most authentic Italian food in the city. I ordered the Pasta con Sarde on the recommendation of my Italian friend and the waiter. They said this dish is hard to come by in NYC. It is made with sardines, fennel, pine nuts, and raisins. The sardines completely melted and integrated into the sauce. Highly recommend this place.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pasta Con Sarde
Ray Monde
Owner was a great gol keeper in the 70’s. Great shots of classic saves on the wall. Everything you could want from a Sicilian restaurant.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Liza Drozdova
the food is very average. Regular pasta from supermarket , not homemade. We took two types of pasta and both were so-so. Arancini was ok, but nothing more. After the waitress has brought us food, she forgot about us. someone else came up to clear away the dirty dishes and started complaining to us that he shouldn’t serve our table and our waitress would get the tip, not him. it was strange. we as visitors did not need to know this. It is impossible to pay by card, payment is only in cash, there is no information about this anywhere, but if you do not have cash, the owners have “carefully” installed a cash withdrawal machine and receive a 2.5 dollar commission from each withdrawal. leaving the restaurant, we saw that there was a device and we could pay by card, but no one would tell you about it, it is not profitable for them. Sorry for the wasted time and money. low-level place
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 1
Service: 1
Evan K.
Very good food, Had veal parm with a salad &pasta. Very good deserts& cannolis. Nice waiter who works very hard. Please support this local business!Old Time Italian cafe charming decor!
M K.
Being born and raised in the neighborhood, I am a decades old customer. Sadly, in the last few years, I've stayed away. Prices got too high and portions too small. I can recall when it all started, too. When the owner started making his own rolls instead of getting them from the local bakery. At one pint, he was using polish cheese on the Pannelle special. The potato croquettes are small finger size these days. Ive been satisfying my appetite at Joe's If Avenue U for some time now. The pannelle special sandwich is HUGE and overloaded by comparison. Even the potato croquettes are much bigger. I miss going to Ferdinando's, but it is just not satisfying in any way at all. I leave it to all the newcomers who think they're discovering something special not knowing what they're really missing.
Starasia Starr
Because of the Google ratings, I had high expectations for this old-school joint. Once Joe’s of Avenue U was bought by Russians, the food went downhill; although, I hear it’s back in Sicilian hands. So pickings are slim for Sicilian food in this city. I guess because we can probably make it better ourselves.The only good thing about this meal was the cannoli—the shell was crisp and the cream was delectable. However, the panelles were inedible. In general, nothing looked or tasted fresh, just warmed up in the microwave, but these had the most horrible flavor. I asked for a little sauce to see if that would help, and it tasted like they opened a can of plain tomato sauce, dumped it in a bowl, and then watered it down. Then they charged me $3 for that!! The caponata and rice ball were good but nothing special. I could make them both better myself or find them better at any Italian deli or butcher. It was very expensive and so disappointing. I would never come here again.If you ever had a panelle from Joe’s of Avenue U, that is the best. Give them a try if you want Sicilian. Not this place.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Cannoli
Steve D.
The best thing I can say about Ferdinandos is it has amazing old world charm. Like stepping into a Time Machine and going back 100 yrs. Lots and lots of history. Mosaic tile floors, lots of intricate wood and several pics of famous ppl adorn the walls. We've worked in the area for many years and never gave a try. Until a coworker and I began talking about it a few weeks back, yesterday was the day we decided to order lunch. We called, ordered and picked up 20 min later. I got the Sicilian eggplant w/ ricotta, coworker got the panelle sandwich. I walked in to pick up or order. I chatted w an older gentleman about Sicily. When we got the food back to the office to eat we both unwrapped our little packages like children on Christmas morning. Upon first glance the sandwiches were small, about the size of a hamburger bun. First bite, good not great. My eggplant was a bit bitter and chewy. Coworkers panelle was a bit dry. That's really it. For $11 sandwiches I can't say we will be back for the food although I'd like to go back for the history.
First time eating here for my wife and myself. Was excellent. We both have Sicilian Born Mothers and the food esp. the specialties were just about identical to our mothers’ cooking. Friendly atmosphere where the owner comes to your table to see how everything is and to chat. Highly recommend. We will go back for sure.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Panelle Special, Cannoli
Neeyati Johnson
Such a fulfilling dining experience. I loved speaking with the owner and longtime employees. A very cute and relaxed spot. We loved everything.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Clara Rossilli
I waited all my life to get here to finally have a Manhattan Special out of the fountain....I was not disappointed. Everything was yummy ?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Claudia
We recently went to Ferdinando’s Focacceria after seeing how well this historic restaurant was rated on google. I’m really sorry to say that was very disappointing! 1st the menu variety seemed much cheaper and more varied on line. There were no decent wine or beer choices. The bread was stale and the pale oil presented with it, looked and tasted like vegetable oil with dried oregano sprinkled in. The salad that came with our 3 course prix fixe had many rotten pieces of red lettuce in it, that we had to pick out. The bulk of the salad was pickled vegetables with ridges which looked and tasted like it was out of a jar. There was no mention that the salad was with pickled vegetables. A pickled vegetable salad is unexpected. The 2nd course was a tiny portion of boxed pasta prepared Al dente with flavorless red sauce. The Al dente preparation is the only good thing I can say. Red sauce is among the most important aspects of a good Italian meal. This red sauce, had the consistency of slightly watered down ketchup and not as bright in color as ketchup. Not only was it not made w San Marzano tomatoes, the red sauce was flavorless. We love meatballs and they just didn’t taste good and their texture was smooth and mushy. The chicken parm was soft not crispy. The mozzarella cheese was packaged slices reminiscent of Munster cheese i had as a kid. The parm cheese was not Reggiano or Gran Padamo. It tasted more like generic supermarket parm served in a shaker jar. It was a lovely fall evening and we sat in their backyard which was ok, nothing special. The inside had old world charm but to warm to sit in. The waiter was attentive. Unfortunately no amount of improved ambiance or service could have compensated for this poor meal which cost quite a bit. We were informed that it was cash only when the waiter presented the check to us. Thankfully we won’t be reminded when we pay our credit card bill There is no reason to have a bad Italian meal in Brooklyn even for less money. We don’t enjoy giving a bad review to a restaurant but we expect a good meal and not to be ripped off. We use google to help decide abt restaurants and for those people who do the same, we thought we share our experience so you can make an informed decision abt where you eat.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 4
Christopher F.
This is an historic landmark that is still serving the best Sicilian food. My father brought me here for the vasteda I only ate the pannelli special. It's been over 30 years since I built the Mill on President street. My brother and I frequented Ferdinand's for lunch. Never a bad meal. I'll be back. This year.
Really good, authentic Italian restaurant. The special aracini riceball was flavorful and got nice texture. Also recommend the sardine pasta which had an interesting flavor that I never tried before. would order the pasta again when I’m back. Service was friendly too.
Like a trip back to Sicily! Very rustic and old school, I highly recommend you give this spot a try!
I thought the place is good! I just came for the arancini special. It’s humongous!! Delicious tho would get again. The rice was a little soggy but it actually went well with the panele (which I wouldn’t have gotten by itself). The sauce with ricotta on top was very very good. I would come back for that as a snack alone. Cash only!!
In a quaint area of Brooklyn lies an absolute gem; Ferdinando's Focacceria is an almost 120-year old establishment serving some of the most authentic Italian food in the city. I ordered the Pasta con Sarde on the recommendation of my Italian friend and the waiter. They said this dish is hard to come by in NYC. It is made with sardines, fennel, pine nuts, and raisins. The sardines completely melted and integrated into the sauce. Highly recommend this place.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pasta Con Sarde
Owner was a great gol keeper in the 70’s. Great shots of classic saves on the wall. Everything you could want from a Sicilian restaurant.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
the food is very average. Regular pasta from supermarket , not homemade. We took two types of pasta and both were so-so. Arancini was ok, but nothing more. After the waitress has brought us food, she forgot about us. someone else came up to clear away the dirty dishes and started complaining to us that he shouldn’t serve our table and our waitress would get the tip, not him. it was strange. we as visitors did not need to know this. It is impossible to pay by card, payment is only in cash, there is no information about this anywhere, but if you do not have cash, the owners have “carefully” installed a cash withdrawal machine and receive a 2.5 dollar commission from each withdrawal. leaving the restaurant, we saw that there was a device and we could pay by card, but no one would tell you about it, it is not profitable for them. Sorry for the wasted time and money. low-level place
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 1
Service: 1
Very good food, Had veal parm with a salad &pasta. Very good deserts& cannolis. Nice waiter who works very hard. Please support this local business!Old Time Italian cafe charming decor!
Being born and raised in the neighborhood, I am a decades old customer. Sadly, in the last few years, I've stayed away. Prices got too high and portions too small. I can recall when it all started, too. When the owner started making his own rolls instead of getting them from the local bakery. At one pint, he was using polish cheese on the Pannelle special. The potato croquettes are small finger size these days. Ive been satisfying my appetite at Joe's If Avenue U for some time now. The pannelle special sandwich is HUGE and overloaded by comparison. Even the potato croquettes are much bigger. I miss going to Ferdinando's, but it is just not satisfying in any way at all. I leave it to all the newcomers who think they're discovering something special not knowing what they're really missing.
Because of the Google ratings, I had high expectations for this old-school joint. Once Joe’s of Avenue U was bought by Russians, the food went downhill; although, I hear it’s back in Sicilian hands. So pickings are slim for Sicilian food in this city. I guess because we can probably make it better ourselves.The only good thing about this meal was the cannoli—the shell was crisp and the cream was delectable. However, the panelles were inedible. In general, nothing looked or tasted fresh, just warmed up in the microwave, but these had the most horrible flavor. I asked for a little sauce to see if that would help, and it tasted like they opened a can of plain tomato sauce, dumped it in a bowl, and then watered it down. Then they charged me $3 for that!! The caponata and rice ball were good but nothing special. I could make them both better myself or find them better at any Italian deli or butcher. It was very expensive and so disappointing. I would never come here again.If you ever had a panelle from Joe’s of Avenue U, that is the best. Give them a try if you want Sicilian. Not this place.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Cannoli
The best thing I can say about Ferdinandos is it has amazing old world charm. Like stepping into a Time Machine and going back 100 yrs. Lots and lots of history. Mosaic tile floors, lots of intricate wood and several pics of famous ppl adorn the walls. We've worked in the area for many years and never gave a try. Until a coworker and I began talking about it a few weeks back, yesterday was the day we decided to order lunch. We called, ordered and picked up 20 min later. I got the Sicilian eggplant w/ ricotta, coworker got the panelle sandwich. I walked in to pick up or order. I chatted w an older gentleman about Sicily. When we got the food back to the office to eat we both unwrapped our little packages like children on Christmas morning. Upon first glance the sandwiches were small, about the size of a hamburger bun. First bite, good not great. My eggplant was a bit bitter and chewy. Coworkers panelle was a bit dry. That's really it. For $11 sandwiches I can't say we will be back for the food although I'd like to go back for the history.
Restaurantji Recommends
First time eating here for my wife and myself. Was excellent. We both have Sicilian Born Mothers and the food esp. the specialties were just about identical to our mothers’ cooking. Friendly atmosphere where the owner comes to your table to see how everything is and to chat. Highly recommend. We will go back for sure.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Panelle Special, Cannoli
Such a fulfilling dining experience. I loved speaking with the owner and longtime employees. A very cute and relaxed spot. We loved everything.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I waited all my life to get here to finally have a Manhattan Special out of the fountain....I was not disappointed. Everything was yummy ?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We recently went to Ferdinando’s Focacceria after seeing how well this historic restaurant was rated on google. I’m really sorry to say that was very disappointing! 1st the menu variety seemed much cheaper and more varied on line. There were no decent wine or beer choices. The bread was stale and the pale oil presented with it, looked and tasted like vegetable oil with dried oregano sprinkled in. The salad that came with our 3 course prix fixe had many rotten pieces of red lettuce in it, that we had to pick out. The bulk of the salad was pickled vegetables with ridges which looked and tasted like it was out of a jar. There was no mention that the salad was with pickled vegetables. A pickled vegetable salad is unexpected. The 2nd course was a tiny portion of boxed pasta prepared Al dente with flavorless red sauce. The Al dente preparation is the only good thing I can say. Red sauce is among the most important aspects of a good Italian meal. This red sauce, had the consistency of slightly watered down ketchup and not as bright in color as ketchup. Not only was it not made w San Marzano tomatoes, the red sauce was flavorless. We love meatballs and they just didn’t taste good and their texture was smooth and mushy. The chicken parm was soft not crispy. The mozzarella cheese was packaged slices reminiscent of Munster cheese i had as a kid. The parm cheese was not Reggiano or Gran Padamo. It tasted more like generic supermarket parm served in a shaker jar. It was a lovely fall evening and we sat in their backyard which was ok, nothing special. The inside had old world charm but to warm to sit in. The waiter was attentive. Unfortunately no amount of improved ambiance or service could have compensated for this poor meal which cost quite a bit. We were informed that it was cash only when the waiter presented the check to us. Thankfully we won’t be reminded when we pay our credit card bill There is no reason to have a bad Italian meal in Brooklyn even for less money. We don’t enjoy giving a bad review to a restaurant but we expect a good meal and not to be ripped off. We use google to help decide abt restaurants and for those people who do the same, we thought we share our experience so you can make an informed decision abt where you eat.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 4
This is an historic landmark that is still serving the best Sicilian food. My father brought me here for the vasteda I only ate the pannelli special. It's been over 30 years since I built the Mill on President street. My brother and I frequented Ferdinand's for lunch. Never a bad meal. I'll be back. This year.