A new restaurant brings a taste of the Caribbean to Fort Greene, Brooklyn, with an elevated dining experience. Mango Bay, which officially opened on Jan. 8, is reintroducing Afro-Caribbean cuisine to the neighborhood, filling a void in the local dining scene.
Co-owners Shamah Levy Devonish and David Berkowitsch, alongside Executive Chef London Chase, launched the restaurant to revive the presence of Caribbean flavors in the area. Fort Greene has long been known for its diverse culinary offerings, but with an abundance of Italian and French establishments, Mango Bay brings a much-needed Caribbean influence.
“One thing that has been missing from this neighborhood for a while has been Caribbean culture,” Levy said. “We had Imani a long time ago, but since that was gone, there hasn’t been a Caribbean restaurant here for a while. We’re here to change that.”
The restaurant is located in a space previously home to another Caribbean eatery, and the team embraced the opportunity to maintain the location’s cultural identity.
Mango Bay has quickly gained a reputation for its elevated approach to both cuisine and hospitality. Guests have praised the restaurant for its exceptional service and warm atmosphere, with many noting that it has renewed their faith in the New York dining scene.
The menu blends traditional Caribbean dishes with modern culinary techniques. Drawing from his roots, Chef Chase has crafted a selection of flavorful stews, expertly grilled seafood, and innovative takes on classic dishes. The beverage program, curated by Devenish, complements the cuisine with Caribbean-inspired cocktails.
“I did the cocktail program, so the beverage program director is all me,” said Levy, half Bajan and half Trinidadian. “We have drinks like the Mango Bay cocktail with mango puree, brown sugar cinnamon syrup, 10 to 1 dark rum, and the London Chase, a milk-clarified rum punch. Everything is really thought out to cater to the people we love and the culture I was brought up around.”
Beyond its menu, Mango Bay is designed to transport guests to a tropical escape within Brooklyn.
“We want people to feel like they’re on a short holiday when they come here,” Berkowitz said. “For two or three hours, they can forget about their struggles and just relax.”
Mango Bay sets itself apart through its approach to hospitality. The owners are actively involved in the restaurant’s daily operations, often stepping into different roles to ensure a welcoming atmosphere.
“A lot of people feel the hospitality because we’re always here,” Devonish said. “We live here, basically, and we make sure every guest is taken care of. Even with our employees, we wouldn’t ask them to do anything we wouldn’t do. Whether cleaning the bathroom or jumping behind the bar, we’re all in.”
The two-story restaurant features a relaxed yet refined ambiance, offering an inviting space for guests. As summer approaches, the team is preparing to expand its offerings with outdoor seating.
“We’re excited for the summer,” Berkowitz said. “Once it arrives, we’ll be opening up our outdoor space as well. So far, the response has been great, and everything is running smoothly. We feel truly fortunate and grateful for the support we’ve received.”
Mango Bay, located at 271 Adelphi St. in Fort Greene, is quickly becoming a top destination for bold flavors, tropical ambiance, and exceptional service. Co-owner Berkowitz said that as the team refines its menu and expands its reach, it remains committed to honoring Caribbean culinary traditions while offering an elevated dining experience.
