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Ficuzza Brings the Flavors of Sicily to the West Village
February 26, 2025, 2:45.21 pm ET

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Photos: Ficuzza

The West Village is about to get a taste of Sicily with the highly anticipated opening of Ficuzza, the latest venture from Francesco Realmuto, the mastermind behind L’Arte del Gelato and Filaga Pizzeria. Inspired by the picturesque Sicilian village of the same name, the restaurant channels the rustic charm of the Bosco della Ficuzza forest and the grandeur of the Royal Palace of Ficuzza— with a focus on pasta and pizza.

For Realmuto, Ficuzza is more than just a restaurant—it’s a tribute to his childhood memories of foraging for chestnuts with his father in the Sicilian woods. He’s teamed up with Executive Chef Romulo Barrientos (formerly of I Sodi and Market Table), who brings serious firepower to the kitchen, having honed his skills under heavyweights Scott Conant and Joey Campanaro.

The menu is all about simple, high-impact Sicilian flavors, with standouts like house-made Sicilian sausage from Gaspare’s Prime Meats, spaghetti con le sarde with wild fennel and toasted breadcrumbs, and a caponata that’s poised to steal the show. The pizza selection is no slouch either, with thin-crust beauties like the Capricciosa (prosciutto cotto, mushrooms, and artichokes) and the Mortadella e Pistachio with arugula pesto.

For those who prefer their indulgence in liquid form, Ficuzza’s bar program is as dialed-in as the food. Sommelier Andrea Marchese, whose résumé includes Michelin-starred spots like La Pergola in Rome and STUDIO in Copenhagen, has curated a killer Italian wine list that leans heavy on Sicilian gems like Etna Rosso and Viviri Sicilia Grillo. Meanwhile, the cocktail lineup brings a taste of Italy with sippers like the Rossini Spritz (Prosecco and strawberry purée) and the Anitta (vermouth, fortified wine, and bitters). Italian craft beers round out the mix for those craving a crisp, hoppy alternative.

Designed by Deborah Mariotti of Mariotti Studio, the 45-seat space is a love letter to Sicily, with forest-green hues, dark wood accents, and a statement-making Verde Guatemala marble bar. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide prime views of 7th Avenue South for the ultimate people-watching experience, and when the weather cooperates, the 30-seat outdoor patio is sure to be a hot ticket.

Ficuzza opens Wednesday through Sunday, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. at 121 7th Ave South. If its pedigree is any indication, this spot is about to be the next big thing in NYC’s Italian dining scene. Buon appetito!

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