An Elevated, Modern Approach to Italian Cuisine
Italian tops our family’s list of favored cuisine in part because there is generally something to appeal to each member’s diverse palate. My husband, Tim, is our resident meat eater and our daughter often opts for vegetarian dishes while our teenage son and I fancy ourselves fledgling foodies who lean more toward seafood specialties.
The same thought process applies when coordinating a dinner out with friends – it’s hard to go wrong with Italian fare, particularly when dining at an establishment that “honors Italy’s rich culinary heritage while embracing creativity and craftsmanship.”
Toward that end, the newly-opened Monaco Italian Kitchen + Bar provided the perfect venue for a friend’s recent birthday celebration – the service was excellent, attentive yet unobtrusive; the reimagined age-old Italian dishes were delicious; and 4,500 square-foot indoor-outdoor space marries elegance with warmth, evoking the effortless charm of Italy’s dining culture.
Offering a fresh, modern take on Italian cuisine, Monaco Italian Kitchen pays a heartfelt homage to Italy’s culinary traditions, reinterpreted through a modern lens. The team, having trained in Naples, brings authentic Neapolitan techniques to the table-most notably in their scratch-made doughs and wood-fired pizzas, specialty pastas, and fresh sauces. The menu showcases an assortment of staple and seasonally-inspired Neapolitan-style pizzas including the popular Diavola topped with San Marzano dop tomatoes, spicy Calabrese, smoked mozzarella and fresno peppers.
Beyond pizza, the restaurant’s Panuozzo Napoletano sandwiches-such as the Mortadella with pistachio pesto and bufala mozzarella, or the Chicken and Nduja with Provola and smoked mozzarella-offer a taste of old-world street food with a refined twist. The pasta program is equally impressive, featuring dishes like saffron risotto, lamb bolognese, and delicate housemade cappelletti served in brodo. For mains, the slow-braised lamb shank and seared filet mignon with seasonal accents showcase the kitchen’s commitment to both comfort and sophistication.
Appetizers like grilled prawns and arancini set the stage for a memorable meal, while the bar program, curated by Jason Friedman, elevates the experience with standout cocktails. Highlights include an espresso martini made with a fresh-pulled shot and a blue cheese martini with house-brined olives. The wine list is thoughtfully curated, with a focus on Italian regional selections and approachable varietals for all palates. For those abstaining, the non-alcoholic menu is equally inventive and flavorful.
With its elevated cuisine, expertly crafted cocktails, and thoughtfully designed space, Monaco Kitchen + Bar delivers an experience that is at once familiar and refreshingly new. Whether you’re craving a wood-fired pizza, a perfectly executed pasta, or simply a stylish spot to unwind, Monaco Italian Kitchen is a destination worth discovering.
