There’s going to be a chic, new restaurant in town. Elegant décor, a delicious menu of ‘classic Italian with a light twist,’ and a place where you can dine, unwind, celebrate life and people watch. And the best part, you won’t even have to go to Italy to do it. Former Cipriani Chef Denis Franceschini and General Manager Hassan El Garrahy have teamed up with Jean Denoyer and Regis Marinier of the super successful Orsay Restaurant Group, to introduce Bar Italia Madison opening in late September. The new fun, light and real Italian spot will open at 768 Madison Ave at 66th street and take over the former Fredericks space. Bar Italia Madison is bound to cause a stir because it is bringing an unexpected downtown atmosphere uptown, something that Madison Ave in the 60’s needs desperately, a hip and lively scene. Franceschini’s original Bar Italia on the Upper East Side is a runaway success, so get ready to have a new go to spot in the East 60’s. Orsay’s empire encompasses over 20 restaurants throughout New York City and the country, and some of their loyal clientele includes Alec Baldwin, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bill Murray and many top financial personalities. Oh, and they will be hand crushing the mint for the mojitos. Can you say delicious?
This is so great, Madison Avenue really needs a good Italian Restaurant. it’s about time
this is so great, about time
Lets visit there when I come in Nov!
Its going to be the same exact thing as Nello. There’s no way they can pay their rent without charging the same prices as Nello since they’re on what is called the “Gold Coast” (57th to 72nd St on Madison). The only thing we can hope for is better food, but the concept will still be exactly the same.
What they should have done was open up a Milos like Greek restaurant in that space, that would have done well.
Good luck Chef Denis! We need you in Buffalo! You are the best of the best! We will visit your old and new…xoxo