Nature's Grill Café To Open In Former Zaytoon's Space On Smith Street

The former Zaytoons at corner of Smith Street and Sackett Street 

Nature's Grill Café on Court Street near Atlantic Avenue

Many people in Carroll Gardens were deeply saddened when Middle Eastern eatery Zaytoons closed its doors in November 2018 after over 20 years at 283 Smith Street. Many said they would miss the reasonably priced, heathy food options and the warm, casual atmosphere.
Shortly after the closing, it was rumored that Nature's Grill Café, an eatery and juice bar offering all natural and organic soups, salads, paninis and burgers.  Nature's Grill, which already operates a location a few blocks away at 138 Court Street near Trader Joe's, also has outposts in Bay Ridge and Staten Island.
Perhaps Nature's Grill can't quite replace Zaytoon's, but we can imagine that it will do quite well here, despite the proximity of a sister location nearby.
What do you think? Have you ever eaten at Nature's Grill Café on Court Street? Are you glad they are taking over the former Zaytoons, or still missing that lentil soup and the chicken kebab sandwich?

Here is a photo from 1928 of 283 Smith Street, when it appears to have been a fish store.

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Say It Isn't So: Zaytoon's On Smith Street To Close November 20th

Noooooooo! when we heard a  few days ago that Middle Eastern restaurant Zaytoon's was closing its doors at 283 Smith Street, we thought that it may be a mistake. After all, the restaurant had been open since 1998 and seemed to have a steady business.  Besides, the building was owned by the family.

Unfortunately, a notice by Zaytoon's proprietors (and cousins) Faried and Ahmad are indeed clsoing the doors to their popular Carroll Gardens eatery on November 20th. A note in the window thanks their many customers for twenty years of loyalty.
Their Prospect Heights location at 594 Vanderbilt Avenue will continue to operate, but that is little comfort for locals.

We still can't get over it.  We loved this no-frills neighborhood spot, its warm atmosphere, friendly service, and fresh food.
How about you?


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No Falafels On Smith Street Back In 1928

click to enlarge

No, dear reader! In 1928, there were no falafels to be had at 283 Smith Street. No Moujadarra or Babaghanouj, either. You see, what is now the home of the middle-eastern favorite Zatoon was once a fish store. At least that is what I could decipher on the 1928 photo.


For more Smith Street history, click here:

Corner Of Smith And Sackett Streets Back In The Days

A Look Back In History: Before Smith Street Was Restaurant Row

Before Smith Street Was Restaurant Row: Part 2

View Of Smith Street Circa 1938

A Glimpse Of 285 Smith Street Circa 1940

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