Cucina Ciano Opens

The exterior of Cucina Ciano, a new Italian restaurant on the Upper East Side. (Courtesy of Terry Bate)

NEW YORK—Veteran restaurateur Stratis Morfogen and hospitality philanthropist Unik Ernest have teamed up to open Cucina Ciano, a new Upper East Side lounge and eatery on Nov. 11. 

It serves Italian fare that changes by the season. The menu seeks inspiration from northern Italy during the winter season, and southern Italian cuisines during warmer months. 

The restaurant will also act as a gallery, with exhibitions planned for artist Hunt Slonem. 

Executive Chef Tin Huynh has created a farm-to-fork menu with seasonal specials such as Veal meatballs, Panzanella salad with fresh Burrata cheese from Italy; house-made fresh pappardelle with pork ragout and caramelized onions and marcilla; balsamic glazed octopus with artichoke roasted bell pepper frisee salad; and a grilled Berkshire double cut pork chop with mustard glaze and Tuscany bean ragout.

Desserts include Tiramisu and Chocolate Tore; a Torta Casprese (a flourless chocolate almond cake topped with whipped cream and spiced dolcetta); Panna Cotta (clementine segments and fresh blueberries topped with limoncello sorbet); Mascarpone Custard, and biscotti offerings such as Chocolate, Pistachio Orange, and Black Pepper and Honey.

Each night, the dining room blackboard will feature select wines available by the glass or half bottle service. The restaurant’s wine list includes Petrus, Cheval Blanc, Pomerol, along with local Long Island and Hudson Valley wines. 

Cucina Ciano’s drink menu features signature cocktails such as the Spritz and Caipirinha Royal. 

The restaurant seats 50 to 85 on main floor, 20 outside, and 15 in a private room downstairs.

Cucina Ciano
181 East 78th St. 
646-422-7550
cucinaciano.com