Ferdinando's Focacceria Italiana Restaurant - Brooklyn, NY

Their specialty is the panelle, a fried chickpea fritter. These flat fritters have none of that falafel taste. The flavor is mild and beany. The preferred way to enjoy them is inside a Panelle Special, which is a freshly-baked sesame-topped semolina roll stacked with a sheaf of chickpea fritters, a big cloud of sweet and creamy ricotta, and a sprinkle of sharp cheese.

100% Approval Rating (2 votes)

Overall: Worth a major detour

Must Eats

Potato Special ($5.00)

Panelle Special ($5.00)

Written Reviews

Bruce Bilmes and Susan Boyle

"Palermo street-snacks in Brooklyn! Yes, in the Italian neighborhood of Carroll Gardens, Ferdinando's serves Sicilian specialties not commonly seen on this side of the Atlantic. Their specialty is the panelle, a fried chickpea fritter. If you're imagining falafel, ..." [Read More].

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Map & Directions

151 Union Street, Brooklyn, NY
718-855-1545

Hours & Policies

Seasons:	Open Year Round
Meals Served:	Lunch, Dinner, Dessert
Operational Hours:	Always Call Ahead!
Credit Cards Accepted:	No
Alcohol Served:	Yes
Outdoor Seating:	Yes
Reservations Accepted:	No
Delivery Available:	Yes
Takeout Counters:	Yes

"A Panelle Special is a small sandwich filled with flat chickpea fritters, fresh ricotta, and sharp cheese. These are more snack-sized, but two could make a meal."
Bruce Bilmes and Susan Boyle

"Cut in half, you can see the layers of fritter on the bottom. The creamy ricotta actually makes a stronger impression than the fritters."
Bruce Bilmes and Susan Boyle

"There is also a version made with a potato croquette, equally tempting. The tide of ricotta is extraordinary."
Bruce Bilmes and Susan Boyle

"The short menu lists a treasure trove of Sicilian specialties we can't wait to try. Click on the photo for a readable view."
Bruce Bilmes and Susan Boyle

"Carroll Gardens is not quite the Italian neighborhood it once was, but Ferdinando's remains from an earlier time."
Bruce Bilmes and Susan Boyle