Now open on Harlem’s restaurant row, Babbalucci Italian Kitchen & Wood Burning Oven aims to be a delicious dining destination, bringing New Yorkers and visitors alike to the burgeoning neighborhood. Chef/owner Andrew LoPresto, along with his wife and managing partner Christy Phansond and childhood friend/co-Owner Bobby Freid were inspired to open Babbalucci in the neighborhood where they live and love. The restaurant features wood-oven fare and new interpretations on Italian classics in a casual setting.

Andrew grew up in the restaurant industry; his father and grandfather were longtime bread bakers. He has followed in their footsteps with Babbalucci, which translates to “snails”in Sicilian, and the menu takes notions from the standards of slow food with all bread and pizza dough baked in-house.

Award-winning, Italian mixologist Enzo Cangemi (Ovest) has created a cocktail list with a focus on artisanal brands in combination with premium spirits, housemade marmalades, bitters, and syrups. Signatures include: Harlem Sazerac(Calvados, Amaro Montenegro, simple syrup, lemon bitters, absinthe), Special Harvest (Grey Goose Pear, arugula, yellow Chartreuse, orange marmalade, and San Pellegrino limonata)and Lenox Up (Grappa Nardini, peach liquor, homemade ginger marmalade, rosemary, and a splash of beer).A wine cellar was created to house the primarily Italian wine list set to open this fall.

Babbalucci’s designevokes a harmonious vibe in the bar, dining room, and soon in their garden, which is set to open later this summer. Design elements such as antique lighting, exposed brick, and works by local Harlem folk artist David Von Kittelberger and JacBrainchild. They are open for lunch, aperitivo, brunch, and dinner.