Fort Greene's Madiba Will Likely Become Italian Eatery: Reports

FORT GREENE, BROOKLYN — A Dekalb Avenue spot that once held a South African restaurant for nearly 20 years will soon get a new tenant, BKLYNER reports.

Owners of an Italian eatery in Bed-stuy, Saraghina, have filed liquor license permits for the 195 Dekalb Avenue outpost, which was once home to Madiba before it closed about a year ago. Madiba had offered South African food to the neighborhood for 19 years before it closed its doors.

A manager with Saraghina's Bed-stuy location, David Truscott, confirmed with Bklyner that the new restaurant is on its way. Saraghina is an Italian tapas and pizza style restaurant on Halsey Street.

The second location will likely also serve pizza and Italian entrees, Truscott said, but he couldn't be sure since plans are still in the beginning stages. He said it will probably be six months before the new business opens.

In Bed-stuy, Sarighina opened in 2009. The restaurant features Neapolitan pizza from a wood-burning oven and includes a coffee bar.

Madiba announced that it would close last February after struggling to keep its doors open due to rising rent costs. The neighborhood fixture served up South African dishes like oxtail stew and bobotie.

"We've seen a neighborhood change right in front of our eyes, which has resulted in the displacement of many residents who can no longer afford the growing rent or new mortgage costs," the restaurant owners said at the time.

"We, including my family, would like to personally and warmly thank each and every one of you, all of whom have been central to our success but also to our unwavering commitment to the community, both internationally and locally."