CIAO, BELLA

In the latest heavenly news: Sassetta, beloved local favorite hailing from the Design District, is now open in its new location at The Joule. Of course, this is only interesting if you like creative, modern Italian dishes, handmade pastas, pizza, wine... Otherwise, it's probably not your thing. But, if you're down with bucatini, you'll feel an angelic sense of elation heading into the new space designed by local ELLE Decor A-Lister, Jean Liu. The eclectic space fuses contemporary design with artisan-crafted elements like the custom-glazed il Buco Vita dishes and hand-blown, winged wine decanters. (Even the uniforms have been sustainably sewn by hand in Milan.) 

The design star is undoubtedly is the mural—an abstract representation of the rolling hills and peaked mountains surrounding the restaurant's namesake town in Tuscany. It's a specially commissioned piece by de Gournay, the British interiors firm that's world-renowned for its hand-painted wall papers and textiles.

You can practically feel your spirits lift once you step inside—and we
haven’t even gotten to the cocktails yet. Ah, the cocktails. They’ve got
your classics: bellini, negroni, aperitivi for days...But don’t sleep on
their more creative libations. Aptly named after a Roman goddess believed to cast healing incantations, Carmenta’s Spell is the Sassetta signature. Featuring prosecco, pisco, pomegranate, lime, and basil, the cocktail is served in il Buco Vita’s handblown, winged, and busty “Goddess” decanter. (Yes, you read that right: busty

So when it comes to the space, the design, and the cocktails, it's check, check, check. But what about the menu?  

Sassetta’s kitchen is helmed by Executive Chef Mat Urban. His inventive menu reflects Tuscany’s geographic location in the heart of the Mediterranean with influences and flavors from Spain, Southern France, and Northern Africa. 

While the technique and seasonal ingredients come from a fine dining approach, nothing feels fussy. Menu stars include housemade semolina pastas, impossibly puffy, chewy, and crispy thin-crust pizzas, and small plates perfect for a happy hour nosh. (IYKYK: The stuffed Castelvetrano olives are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser carried over from the former Americano concept where Sassetta rests today.)

Reservations are recommended, but walk-in seating is available at the bar. Stop in for date night, cocktail hour, or buy out the restaurant for a private event. A presto.

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The Details: Sassetta, 1530 Main Street. Complimentary valet at The Joule with validation. Click here for menu, hours, and more.