Brooklyn Life

Eagerly Awaited Saraghina Caffè Opens in Fort Greene With Raw Bar, Pizza, Dessert

The vibe is old-school Milan, and reservations can be made for cocktails or dinner.

Photo by Cate Corcoran

by Cate Corcoran

03/24/2022 3 minute 0

A Fort Greene offshoot of the beloved Bed Stuy eatery Saraghina opened to the public Tuesday night, after some friends and family warmup over the weekend.

Inspired by turn-of-the-last-century cafes in Milan, where he was born, Saraghina founder (and former creative director of fashion firm Tocca) Edoardo Mantelli promised Saraghina Caffè would look like one of those essential cultural institutions, and it does.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cba2O6qOWnC/

There is a high wainscot of dark wood paneling throughout, tall white ceilings, an imposing bar with green marble top, a mid-century modern chandelier, and diamond-pattern black and white floors. The menu features an extensive raw bar, snacks and appetizers, as well as more substantial pastas and mains. The most unusual sounding of the three pizzas is the Sabauda, with escarole and the creamy anchovy-garlic sauce known as bagna càuda. Desserts include meringue with berries and whipped cream.

Unusually, they take reservations for cocktails or dinner, although not a few nights are already booked weeks ahead. Parties larger than two may have better luck going in person to book a table for later that evening.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CbdHs9VuHTy/

The space, at 195 Dekalb, was previously home to beloved longtime restaurant Madiba. Saraghina opened in Bed Stuy in 2009 and expanded into two adjacent spaces with a bakery and bar in 2014 and 2015.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CU_KXMCs1ZR/