A piece of New York’s culinary history is gone forever. Barbetta, the oldest Italian restaurant in the Theatre District, has closed its doors for good. Founded in 1906, this Midtown institution wasn’t just a place to eat—it was a time capsule. From its antique cash register to a chandelier once owned by Italian royalty, stepping into Barbetta felt like dining inside a museum. But here’s where it gets emotional: after over a century of serving up pasta and memories, the restaurant’s final curtain call came on Friday, March 2, 2026.
For many, Barbetta was more than a restaurant; it was a second home. Susana Gardijan, the Private Events Manager, choked up when describing her feelings: ‘This place is like family. I can’t believe it’s over.’ Bartender Tito Garay, who’s been there since 1994, shared a similar sentiment. ‘I’ve been a bartender for the last decade, but I’ve done it all here—busboy, waiter, captain. Thirty-two years of my life are tied to this place,’ he said. Shahin Ahmed, the matre d’ since 2016, echoed the same loyalty: ‘I started as a busboy in 2006 and worked my way up. This place shaped me.’
But here’s where it gets controversial: Barbetta’s closure wasn’t just about the end of an era—it was the result of a deeply personal decision. The restaurant’s iconic owner, Laura Maioglio, passed away last month at 93. With no siblings or children, her final wish was for the restaurant to close. Maioglio, who took over in 1962 after her father’s death, became one of New York’s most beloved female restaurateurs. Celebrities like Shirley MacLaine and Andy Warhol were regulars, and her generosity was legendary. ‘Laura would help anyone in need,’ recalled Wallace Jordan. ‘She was kind to a fault.’
And this is the part most people miss: Barbetta wasn’t just the oldest Italian restaurant in the Theatre District—it was the oldest restaurant in New York still owned by the founding family. In the end, her staff became her family. Is it right for a legacy like this to end with a single wish? Or should such a historic institution have been preserved? Let us know what you think in the comments.
Originally located at 36th and 9th, Barbetta moved to its current spot in 1925 when Maioglio’s father purchased the building from the Astor family. Its closure marks the end of a chapter in New York’s dining history—one that leaves us wondering: What other treasures might we lose as time marches on?
What do you think? Should historic restaurants like Barbetta be preserved against the wishes of their owners? Share your thoughts below!
