A week ago I got the opportunity to bring a friend of mine to one of the hottest new eateries in the midtown east area called Fabio Cucina Italiana. The brand new space has opened to some great fanfare and buzz alike, and I was eager and excited to see what all the buzz was about. The space alone felt quite contemporary and had lovely designs, hardwood floors and pops of color that really made the whole place feel warm and inviting (see the picture above). This also was my first true “Fine Dining” review that I have done for Manhattan Digest as we really got the 5 star, “Michelin” like experience there with the utmost professionalism from the wait staff, manager and executive chef Fabio Hakill, who prepared the meal for us. Here is more information about him and the design of this beautiful place.
Fabio Cucina Italiana is owned by Executive Chef Fabio Hakill, an internationally trained chef whose career has spanned across two continents over the last 27 years. The Italian born chef first honed his culinary skills in Rome at the famed restaurant Il Caminetto in Rome, Italy. He moved to New York City in 1994 where he cooked in the kitchens of Park Side Restaurant, Piccolino, and finally as a partner and chef in Midtown. During his nearly three decades as a chef, the 48 year old has had the pleasure of serving his delicious Italian cuisine to a prestigious clientele that includes many bold faced names, including Colin Powell, Alec Baldwin, and Joe Torre. In 2013, Chef Fabio decided it was time to realize his dream restaurant and in February of this year, will officially open the doors and welcome guests to experience his cooking at Fabio Cucina Italiana on East 52nd Street.
Italian designer Dominic Gasbaroly created a restaurant rich with charm and character. From the birch canopies perched above the restaurant’s windows and entrance, to the trees and greenery that breathe life inside, no expense was spared to create a warm and inviting space for diners to enjoy. Large red and gold banquettes run down the main room, separated by a table of Italian cookbooks from around the world. Italian sayings adorn the walls and two gothic chandeliers hang over a private dining area for 12 in the main room. Fabio Cucina Italiana also features a downstairs dining room for up to 25 guests with projection capabilities.
Now of course onto the food! Some of the stand out dishes that they presented to me and my friend include the Branzino which was served in a salted crust complimented with a delicious side sauce, the Calamari Fritti which was served with a really yummy spicy tomato sauce, and my personal favorite which was the Linguine Neri All’Aragosta which is black linguine with Maine Lobster in a spicy tomato sauce. I have never had black linguine before but the taste was spectacular with the Maine Lobster and the sauce that went along with it. As stated before, the hospitality me and my friend experience was beyond anything I have ever experience before so this dining experience was a 10/10 for sure with all the factors taken in. Definitely a place I would recommend going to on your next date or family gathering!
So the next time you are in midtown stop on by to Fabio Cucina Italiana. It is a great experience that is not to be missed! Check out their official website for dates and times they are opened as well as a better look at their innovative and amazing menu.