Iconic 120-Year-Old Italian Restaurant Closing Later This Week
After nearly 120 years of service, a mainstay of Italian cuisine in New York City will close for good at the end of the week.
Barbetta, founded in 1906, will hold its final day of service this Friday, February 27. This marks the end of the Theater District institution, located at 321 W. 46th Street.
Barbetta closing after painful personal loss
In a message posted "with heavy hearts" on the restaurant's official website, Barbetta announced it will "conclude its remarkable journey" this Friday.
The decision to close comes following the death of owner Laura Maioglio, "the heart and soul of Barbetta," who passed away in January at the age of 93. Maioglio took over the family business in 1962, running the restaurant for ore than six decades.
"It was Laura’s wish that guests continue to gather here in the spirit she cherished, and we invite you to join us during this final month to celebrate the food, wine, and memories that have defined Barbetta for generations," the message from management reads.
"In that spirit, we are sharing our extensive wine cellar, with bottles listed at $200 and above offered at half their listed price. Thank you for being part of our story."
Barbetta customers pay tribute online
On Barbetta's official Instagram account, fans have been leaving heartfelt messages as the restaurant prepares to shutter.
"This is such a devastating loss for NYC, & all my thoughts are with your family ????," one commenter wrote. "We will remember happy nights at Barbetta so fondly! Rest in peace, Laura - thank you for everything!"
"One of our favourite restaurants! A true gem which will be sorely missed," another person said.
"I was 8 the first time I ate at Barbetta and it has been my favorite restaurant to come back to every trip to nyc," a third person added. "I’m now 28, oh how I wish this place was staying open."
"My first fine dining experience as a child was at Barbetta with my grandparents. I will always remember this special place," a fourth person wrote.
"Devastated to hear this," chimed in a fifth.
New York says goodbye to several food spots
According to What Now, Barbetta is one of five major restaurant closures in New York City this month.
The others are:
- Achilles Heel
- The Leopard at Des Artistes
- Tin Building by Jean-Georges
- Red Bamboo
"The family-owned restaurant has served Piemonte’s traditional dishes since 1906, when Sebastiano Maioglio established it," What Now writes of Barbetta.