6. Ferdinando’s Foccaceria (1904)

Located at 151 Union Street in Carroll Gardens, Ferdinando’s Focacceria opened in 1904 as Paul’s Focacceria just a short walk from the bustling, working waterfront. Serving Sicilian fare, the Focacceria catered to Italian immigrants working as longshoremen and has remained in the same brick building.

It has all the details so often recreated in newer establishments: tin ceilings, exposed brick walls, tiled floors, and wooden French doors, but also has the feel of a place that has been evolving naturally, mixing newer materials like wood paneled walls from the mid-century while retaining previous elements. Besides the specials on the chalkboard, you can find classics like panelles, vastedda, cold salads and cheeses, and pasta dishes and parmigianas.