IPIC Theaters will debut Serena Pastificio, a contemporary Italian restaurant specializing in “authentic, handmade” cuisine, on July 13, 2021, in Colony Square, according to a press release this week.
The restaurant, located next door to the brand’s dine-in cinema — which opened December 2020 — will offer “fare rooted in Italian tradition with a focus on scratch-made pasta and simple and fresh ingredients. Serena Pastificio will provide a sophisticated yet approachable nod to Italy’s recipes and unforgettable hospitality, all in a chic and vibrant space.”
“Located in the heart of midtown Atlanta, we are pleased to bring an inviting, upbeat and authentic Italian restaurant to the Colony Square destination,” Steven Ratner, general manager of Serena, said in the release. “It’s our hope Serena Pastificio becomes Atlantans’ go-to spot for dinner before a movie, happy hour alfresco under the trellis, and of course, weekend brunch. We are excited to bring this new concept to the neighborhood and welcome guests to dine with us.”
Serena Pastificio’s kitchen will be led by Chef Christian Darcoli. Most recently, Chef Darcoli was manager and culinary director of Servino Ristorante, a family-owned Italian restaurant located along the waterfront in California.
The restaurant’s “pastificio,” or “pasta station,” is at the focus of concept, where guests can observe Darcoli preparing pasta by hand. Offerings will include a selection of antipasti dishes such as Polpettine featuring braised veal-ricotta meatballs, house tomato sauce and parmesan on a grilled crostini, and Polpo Arrosto with octopus, smoked potato crème and tomato confit. The menu includes a selection of pasta like Fettuccine alla Bolognese with beef, pork and pancetta bolognese sauce and a number of pasta ripiena (stuffed pasta) dishes including Mezzelune di Argosta with lobster, ricotta, and mozzarella filling with roasted cipollini, lobster jus and garnished with fresh chives. For main courses, guests can choose from a variety of pesci and carni dishes such as Cioppio featuring whole lobster meat, prawn, scallop, grouper and mussels with a Pachino sauce and lobster jus, and Veal Milanese featuring a breaded bone-in veal chop and roasted fingerling potatoes.
“Growing up along the Mediterranean North Coast of Italy, I’ve always been passionate about fresh ingredients from the land and sea and incorporating these ingredients into simple dishes,” Darcoli said. “This passion, along with my roots and culinary experience, inspired the menu for Serena Pastificio. With timeless Italian dishes and homemade pasta, accompanied by a modern atmosphere, Serena Pastificio provides flavorful dishes and an experience for all to enjoy.”
The beverage program will be led by Devan Johnson, offering a wine list and seasonal, ingredient-driven cocktails with an emphasis on food pairings.
With 230 seats, the 6,635 square-foot restaurant offers alfresco dining with a 36-seat outdoor patio. Serena Pastificio boasts an open-concept focal bar surrounded by its dining room with semi-private dining tables situated around the restaurant’s perimeter. A 36-seat private dining room is also available.
Serena Pastificio will be open for dinner service starting at 4 p.m. They will also offer brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Ora Sociale weekdays from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
