A new all-day cafe by day and Italian restaurant by night is set to bring new flavor to the Lower East Side.
Occhiolino, meaning “wink” in Italian, will debut at 106 Norfolk St., according to business filings.
The casual, bistro-style spot will draw inspiration from Ischia, an island in the Gulf of Naples where volcanic mountains meet the sea.
The interior will have a “light, warm and welcoming” vibe, with paintings and ceramics from Italy decorating the walls. Faux bougainvillea and lemons on the ceiling will give the space an island aesthetic.
The intimate space will offer both table and bar seating, along with an outdoor sidewalk cafe.
The menu will feature fare from Ischia and Italy, with the restaurant’s claim to fame being its zingara. A zingara is a grilled sandwich made with boscia bread, mozzarella cheese, prosciutto crudo, tomato, lettuce and mayonnaise. Occhiolino will offer a variety of zingaras, with each sandwich named after a village in Ischia.
Aside from its famed sandwich, the bistro will serve classic pastries, salads and pasta dishes along with curated drinks.
An official opening date has not yet been announced.
Once open, Occhiolino will operate Monday through Wednesday from 8 a.m. to midnight, Thursday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m., and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Stay tuned!
