The popular dumpling restaurant that took Times Square by storm is set to make its debut in downtown Brooklyn.
Din Tai Fung, the renowned Taiwanese xiao long bao eatery known for notoriously long reservation wait times, has finalized a lease for a substantial 20,000 square foot location at The Brook, a new apartment tower. This development is the brainchild of Witkoff Group and Apollo Global Management and has just started welcoming tenants.
Witkoff Group was established by Stephen Witkoff, who served as President Trump’s envoy for the Middle East and played a significant role in the recent peace talks between Israel and Hamas.
Day-to-day operations of the company are overseen by Stephen’s son, Alex Witkoff.
The Brook stands out as a major, impressive addition to Brooklyn’s lively downtown residential area. Over the last 15 years, this area has seen rezoning lead to the creation of tens of thousands of new apartments.
Perched at the intersection of Fulton Street and DeKalb Avenue, this nearly $500 million project, designed by Beyer Blinder Bell, will include 590 rental units along with 30,000 square feet dedicated to tenant amenities.
Din Tai Fung’s Midtown location, which opened in 2024 at Broadway and West 51st Street, has already become a major hit. It transformed a formerly vacant space, previously home to Mars 2112, into a thriving 450-seat restaurant. The chain also has multiple locations across various states and internationally, including the UK, China, and other parts of East Asia.
In August 2024, a review mentioned that Din Tai Fung’s xiaolongbao stands out not just for its flavor but also for the texture, thanks to an intricate 18-step hand-folding process. This process is essential for achieving the perfect pleats, known as the “golden ratio,” in each dumpling filled with savory goodness.
While there was an initial frenzy for tables at the Broadway location, recent reports indicate that securing decent reservations has become easier, with availability if you plan a few weeks in advance.
Fans can expect Din Tai Fung to open its doors at The Brook in early 2027.
