A new Italian restaurant is opening in former Orto space in Charlotte. Here’s what we know
A new Italian restaurant from the team behind The Vintage and The Wine Loft will be moving into the former Orto space this summer.
Menagerie Hospitality Group, which runs both of the South End spaces, will come into NoDa with Figo36, a concept that will serve modern interpretations of Italian classics.
Dan Weiss, president and founder of Menagerie Hospitality Group, told CharlotteFive that the contemporary casual spot will be accessible to visit for apps and drinks, dinner or late-night dining after a show. “It’s hard not to like Italian,” he said.
The team is especially excited about moving into the bustling neighborhood.
“Figo is a slang term in Italian that essentially means ‘cool,’ and we feel it’s a fitting name for a new spot in NoDa,” said Sean Keyser, vice president of Menagerie Hospitality Group. “We want to reflect the vibrance that already exists in the NoDa community while adding our own touches.”
What to expect
The food: Naturally, there will be pasta, flatbreads and comfort-food entrees, along with a tapas menu that’s probably “a little off the beaten path.” Gluten-free options will likely be included. And take note: There will be a burrata bar.
Executive chef Kyle Gaddas, who’s now at the helm at The Vintage and The Wine Loft, will run the kitchen at Figo36.
“He loves to work with funky menus — and if there was ever a community that loves funk, it’s NoDa,” Keyser said. “One of standout features will be his style.”
Gaddas described the menu as, “Old World influence honoring the ancient Roman umami-driven palate with fresh and fun ingredients.”
The drinks: The bar program will be crafted by the same team behind the cocktail menu at The Vintage.
A variety of Italian and other old world wines will be included on the wine menu, along with new world wines. You’ll also find a cocktail menu centered on classic Italian cocktails and a strong amaro program, plus zero-proof mocktail choices.
“The energy in a restaurant is at the bar — it just seems that’s always how it is. A great program hits all the angles,” Weiss said.
Among the craft cocktails will be the “Pop, Lock & Grapp It,” highlighting grappa and fresh Italian ingredients.
The vibe: “You can expect color and nature, and we want to honor the artful expression of NoDa and get input from local artists there,” Keyser said. “We want the place to reflect that in the environment, including music.”
The design: Monika Nessbach at Design Bar, who worked on Menagerie’s South End spots, will bring her eye to the new concept, making substantial changes from the Orto space.
“Although chef (Paul) Verica did an amazing job with the kitchen and front of house, we definitely want to put our mark on it,” Weiss said.
Outdoors: The team plans to craft an outdoor space with intentionality to take advantage of existing visual features in NoDa, including the Lynx Blue Line. The restaurant is nestled in a busy spot with neighbors that Menagerie hopes to partner with on creating a must-visit destination, including Idlewild, The Chamber by Wooden Robot, Summit Coffee and Jenni’s Spendid Ice Creams.
“I love the idea of us contributing to the movement of people with light rail,” Keyser said.
Charlotte’s Italian food scene
Charlotte has seen an explosion of Italian restaurants in recent years, but not all made it through COVID-19. Orto, owned by James Beard nominated chef Paul Verica, was open for less than a year. Uptown, Vapiano also closed — but it later reopened as The Bella Ciao.
The new NoDa venture also finds itself just around the corner from Ever Andalo, an Italian restaurant on its way to the space that was recently Crepe Cellar. But the team at Menagerie isn’t worried.
“All of us will add to what this neighborhood has to offer — great food, great vibe, great atmosphere,” Weiss said.
Figo36
Location: 416 E 36th St., Unit 600, Charlotte, NC 28205
Neighborhood: NoDa
Instagram: @figo36_noda
This story was originally published February 3, 2022 at 6:00 AM.
