The oldest Italian dining establishment in Manhattan is on the brink of serving its final dish.
After a remarkable 120-year stint on West 46th Street’s famed Restaurant Row, Barbetta is set to close its doors for the last time tomorrow, Friday, February 27.
The closure marks the end of an era for the city’s longest-standing family-run restaurant, a decision made in the wake of the passing of its dedicated owner, Laura Maioglio, who led the beloved venue until her death last month at 93.
“It is with profound sadness that we announce, following the passing of Ms. Laura Maioglio, the guiding force behind Barbetta, our cherished restaurant will conclude its extraordinary history, with our last service on Friday, February 27,” expressed the restaurant in a heartfelt farewell on its website.
Barbetta’s storied journey began in 1906, thanks to the vision of Maioglio’s father, Sebastiano Maioglio, as detailed by Secret NYC.
Occupying four historic 19th-century brownstones initially acquired by the Astor family, the restaurant became a pillar of the Theater District, attracting a vibrant mix of Broadway luminaries, opera singers, artists, and political figures.
The Post penned an ode to the restaurant back in 2015, noting that the eatery had been featured in films such as “Arthur,” with Dudley Moore, “Basquiat,” with Jeffrey Wright; and “Alice” with Woody Allen.
Laura Maioglio took over the family business in 1962 and, over the course of over six decades, transformed Barbetta into one of the most elegant Italian restaurants in the city.
At the time, regional Italian cuisine was not a trend in New York, and Americans associated Italian food with rustic joints full of red sauce.
Barbetta built its reputation on consistency and tradition, specializing in Piemonte cuisine from the northwestern Italian region, where the Maioglio family originated.
Elegant pastas, risotti and seasonal white truffles were signature dishes — with the restaurant even sourcing truffles through its own hunters and truffle hounds in Italy for some years, extremely unusual at the time.
The wine cellar at Barbetta also introduced many American patrons to Piedmontese wines such as Barolo and Barbaresco long before they became wine list staples.
Barbetta also stood out for its flourishing garden patio, which was created in 1963 and was among the first open-air dining spaces in Manhattan outside of Central Park. The garden eventually became one of the city’s most highly coveted summer dining reservations.
While Barbetta was an institution in New York, it made its mark far beyond the Big Apple.
The restaurant was recognized as a historic establishment by Locali Storici d’Italia — the first restaurant in the US to receive the distinction.
In Barbetta’s farewell message, the restaurant invited guests to visit until its closing, and they shared that many bottles from their wine cellar are being offered at half of their listed price.
“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 restaurant said.
“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.”
