Much Loved NYC Italian Restaurant, Il Monello, Reopens at 337 East 49th Street
In a city known for great restaurants, it’s impressive to feel the excitement for the reopening of Il Monello at 337 East 49th Street. For more than 30 years, the original outpost was the go-to for classic Italian-American favorites.
Originally opened in 1974 by Adi Gionvannetti, Il Monello served Manhattan’s well-heeled and savvy gastro lovers with northern Italian cuisine. They proudly received a 3-Star rating from The New York Times. When Giovannetti retired in 2001, the restaurant was entrusted to Steve Haxhiaj, who had worked under Gionvannetti from busboy to waiter and then manager in the decade of his tenure. The restaurant unfortunately closed in 2008 due to losing the lease.
Fourteen years later on December 5, 2022, Il Monello is open again. Haxhiaj, now a veteran restauranteur and executive chef, Jaime Chabla, have reimagined the well-missed institution. Il Monello is bringing back many of the acclaimed dishes from the original Il Monello and adding some new dishes from the duo’s experience at Tuscany Steakhouse.
A bit of interesting background on the executive chef. Chef Jaime Chabla is seasoned with over twenty years of experience working in various kitchens across the industry. Jaime originally moved to the United States from Ecuador in 1992, in search for new opportunities. His passion for the restaurant business began with his first job working as a dishwasher in a restaurant. He is now the executive chef at Tuscany Steakhouse where he runs back of house and Haxhiaj runs the front. He works closely with Steve to curate thoughtful menus, where every dish is created from scratch.
Menu highlights include creamy Cacio e Pepe, flavorful Ravioli del Giorno, and high-grade Filet Mignon.
Haxhiaj has been searching for the perfect location to reopen Il Monello since 2008. When he found a place available on 49th Street he realized that the much loved eatery would be back soon. The current menu’s foundation is based on the success of the original restaurant. New Yorkers are a bunch that know what they like and Haxhiaj knows not to fool to much with what works well for a picky crowd.
