Laura Maioglio, a Bryn Mawr College graduate, is at the helm of Barbetta, Manhattan’s oldest family-owned Italian restaurant, writes Denice Flores Almendares for W42ST. 

Barbetta was started in 1906 by Maioglio’s father, Sebastian, and to this day it still stands as a timeless testament to both culinary excellence and enduring tradition. 

When she took over from her father, Maioglio took her job very seriously. 

“I’ve changed it a lot in its details, not in its philosophy,” she said. “My father served authentic Italian food and I’ve made it even more authentic. When I took it over, we were closed for two years because I completely changed the interior of the restaurant.” 

When the transformation took place in 1962. Maioglio decided to imbue the space with the spirit and aesthetics of Piedmont, Italy, the birthplace of her father. 

The menu also takes its inspiration from Piedmont cuisine. 

“Our signature dishes are typical of the cuisine of the region my father came from,” said Maioglio. 

The restaurant has seen many famous patrons over the years, including the Rolling Stones, who were regulars at Barbetta, and Andy Warhol. 

Read more about Laura Maioglio running Manhattan’s oldest family-owned Italian restaurant at W42ST. 

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