Brooklyn's Hottest New Restaurant Openings, Sad Goodbyes In 2023

BROOKLYN, NY — Oh, what a delicious year it's been in Brooklyn.

Beloved neighborhood joints said goodbye to their long-standing spots as New York City staples opened Brooklyn outposts this year — all while Brooklyn chefs earned nods and awards for their skillful menus.

From traditional Palestinian food to vegan Caribbean concoctions, Brooklyn's food happenings were as diverse as they were tasty this year.

Here's a look at the biggest restaurant news from 2023:

Veselka To Open A Brooklyn Location

Well-known East Village pierogi hotspot Veselka is moving onto Lorimer Street in Williamsburg, new plans submitted with the city show. Veselka owners are working on a 4,885-square-foot space on Lorimer Street between Meeker Avenue and Jackson Street and plan to fully renovate the property bought in May.

Ample Hills Makes A Momentous Return, Followed By More Turmoil

The quintessential Brooklyn ice cream shop reopened in June after a dramatic bankruptcy in 2020, to the delight of Brooklynites across the borough. Hopeful and thankful for Prospect Heights' continued loyalty, owners Brian Smith and Jackie Cuscuna revamped some of their classic flavors.

Then in November, the Ample Hills co-founders said they'd been let go.

Michelin-Starred Chef's Table At Brooklyn Fare Closes Amid Lawsuit

Chef's Table at Brooklyn Fare shut down this summer amid a dramatic court battle between owner and head chef, both of whom threw around accusations that the other funneled cash out of the business. Owner Moe Issa, named in a July lawsuit filed by the restaurant's long-term chef, confirmed Tuesday two new chefs will replace Cesar Ramirez when the eatery reopens in October.

Kellogg's Diner Will Become A 24-Hour Tex-Mex Spot

Brooklyn's old-school Kellogg's Diner, which boasts a 96-year run on Metropolitan and Union Avenues, will soon become a renovated Tex-Mex eatery, Eater reported in December. Nura and Roberta’s chef Jackie Carnesi will take over in the Kellogg's kitchen after renovations are finished in February. The new spot will still serve 24-hour eats and will feature cocktails served at a bar.

Prospect Heights' Beloved Sunshine Co Closes After 10 Years

In October, the beloved eatery Sunshine Co served its last brunch after 10 years on Washington Avenue. Its owners said: "After 10 years, several owners, a few robberies, a great many more floods, a fire, a remodel and a global pandemic, Sunshine Co is ready to say goodbye."

Vegan Caribbean Restaurant 'HAAM' Opens In Williamsburg

Williamsburg's newest vegan spot HAAM will keep you "Healthy As A Motha." The new meat-free Dominican and Trinidadian spot opened its doors on Union Avenue near Meserole Street on Nov. 15 after gaining a customer base in Queens.

Ayat Opens Third Brooklyn Location In Ditmas Park

Palestinian hotspot Ayat soft-opened its third Brooklyn location in Ditmas Park on Dec. 21, bringing with it traditional flavors and an outspoken attitude. Ayat's newest spot sits on Cortelyou Road between East 16th and 17th Street with painted walls and a light green sidewalk extension.

Blue Marble Ice Cream Closed Its Last Remaining Shop

Beloved Brooklyn ice cream chain Blue Marble shuttered its last-standing brick-and-mortar shop in December, its founders announced in a heartfelt message. The location on Underhill Avenue near Sterling Place — Blue Marble's "little engine that could" — served its last scoop and mug on Dec. 24 after 15 strong years of challenges overcome and community gatherings.