New Italian Steakhouse To Open in Westport

WESTPORT, CT — Following in the footsteps of a popular restaurant that attracted a number of celebrities to the Greenwich area for nearly a decade, Danny Gabriele hopes his newest venture will be met with similar enthusiasm.

He plans to open Gabriele's Italian Steakhouse, an upscale casual restaurant featuring an extensive menu of steaks and more in Westport, next month.

Located on Powers Court, adjacent to the Westport Country Playhouse, the space has been transformed into a stylish restaurant, bar and event venue, complete with patio dining and a reception deck.

According to Gabriele, opening next to the playhouse is a key component for the new restaurant.

"It provides us with the opportunity to be closer to the community, like theater-goers, dog lovers, families, professionals and more," Gabriele said in an email. "We are also able to utilize some of the playhouse spaces to host large private events, such as weddings and holiday parties, and to be the one of the few restaurants in Westport able to offer valet parking."

Local dining enthusiasts may recognize the Gabriele's name from the restaurant group's previous steakhouse in Greenwich, which opened in 2011 and closed in 2019.

According to the group, the Greenwich restaurant not only proved popular with patrons, but celebrities as well, including Robert DeNiro, Michael Douglas, "Judge" Judy Sheindlin and Alex Rodriguez.

Prior to that, the group operated Luca's restaurant in Greenwich from 1982 to 2009. Gabriele said the Westport restaurant will keep the Greenwich steakhouse's well-known name and popular dishes, as well as its service standards.

"Much of the Westport staff is from the Greenwich restaurant," Gabriele said, "and are now working alongside a dynamic fresh management team."

Previous Greenwich customers will also recognize trademarks like a large rectangular dining room table, ceiling domes and a mahogany illuminated mirror bar.

"The Gabriele's brand continues to accommodate everyone," Gabriele said, "from professionals looking to host business dinners, to a boozy lunch/brunch at our patios and lunch and dinner every day, including Sunday brunch."

Despite many callbacks to its Greenwich heritage, the group is excited to venture into Westport, which Gabriele noted is "one of the most beautiful towns on the gold cost" of Connecticut, and one that is flourishing with a new demographic that has relocated to the area due to the ongoing coronavirus crisis.

"Westport residents are filled with historic knowledge about their town," Gabriele said, "and are a proud and active community."

While he noted the coronavirus crisis did delay the restaurant's opening by a couple of months due to some supplies not being delivered on time, Gabriele said getting a quality staff in place and making sure they are properly trained was the main cause for delay.

Westport-Weston Chamber of Commerce president Matthew Mandell said the new restaurant not only looked good, but could be considered another positive as local businesses continue to recover from hardships caused by COVID-19.

"The place looks great," Mandell said. "They did a wonderful job reinventing the space and creating an enticing menu. I am looking forward to dining there."

According to a news release provided by the restaurant, Gabriele's front dining room boasts a stunning slate stone fireplace, plush banquette seating and white linen tables, as well as dramatic chandelier lighting, eclectic artwork and beautiful woodwork.

The wood craftsmanship continues into the bar, where a backdrop of illuminated glass shelves lined with premium spirits offers an urban vibe. High-back cushioned bar chairs and a cozy lounge nook add to the bar's appeal.

The back dining room is an elegant extension of the main dining room, offering natural sunlight and a high ceiling with a chandelier hovering over the room.

Peter Redei, who most recently managed Mediterraneo Restaurant in Greenwich and has launched several successful restaurants in Westchester County, will run day-to-day operations as Gabriele's general manager.

The kitchen is under the direction of Executive Chef Edgar Marcial, who most recently worked at Geronimo Tequila Bar and Southwest Grill and Shell & Bones Oyster Bar in New Haven.

The menu will utilize local organic ingredients, including many items offered at the Westport Farmers' Market. While the restaurant will boast a steak-forward menu, featuring signature classic cuts of prime dry-aged beef, Gabriele's will also offer a variety of flavorful vegetarian dishes, including a rustic cauliflower steak.

"We are the only upscale casual steakhouse in Westport offering vegan and vegetarian options available," Gabriele said, "and supporting local farms by using local ingredients when available."

Side dishes will include an XXL baked stuffed potato with crème fraiche and crispy bacon, baked spinach au gratin, asparagus hollandaise and creamy mac and cheese, either served classic or featuring truffle oil or lobster.

Guests can also enjoy a wide selection of appetizers and raw bar options, as well as desserts prepared daily by pastry Chef Ruben Palma, who has worked for the Ritz-Carlton in Cancun and Le Cirque in New York.

Hand crafted cocktails and martinis will also share the stage with the restaurant's extensive global wine program. In addition to the restaurant's multiple dining room, bar and patio options, private events can also be hosted in the Westport Country Playhouse courtyard, barn and main patio or lobby.