Chef partner Jim Botsacos has been the executive chef at Molyvos since its opening in 1997, and is excited to honor his mother's Italian heritage (she is from Naples) by bringing true Italian cuisine to the heart of Manhattan with Abboccato. Italian chef de cuisine Jake Addeo has spent many years studying and preparing food in accordance with the true art of Italian cooking, in Italy at the Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners...

Chef partner Jim Botsacos has been the executive chef at Molyvos since its opening in 1997, and is excited to honor his mother's Italian heritage (she is from Naples) by bringing true Italian cuisine to the heart of Manhattan with Abboccato. Italian chef de cuisine Jake Addeo has spent many years studying and preparing food in accordance with the true art of Italian cooking, in Italy at the Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners, as well as at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. His goal: to preserve the flavors of true Italian cuisine.

In order to gain a genuine sense of what Italians eat, the Livanos engaged Fred Plotkin, noted Italian food and wine expert, to guide them through Italy, one morsel and glass at a time. From markets to producers, bakeries and cafes, Chefs Botsacos and Addeo, and managing partner Paul McLaughlin, tasted the best of the best in a dozen different locations, spanning several regions. They cooked with accomplished chefs, as well as home makers, and sipped wines at Enotecas and in the fields. They ate and drank for weeks as the Italians do, and now they are serving it to all of New York, at Abboccato.

The 75-seat restaurant serves true and time-honored Italian recipes elevated through the talent and techniques of the chefs, and features a multitude of Italian products and ingredients. Leading the culinary charge is chef partner Jim Botsacos, with chef de cuisine Jake Addeo, and general manager George Tsopelas. Desserts at Abboccato are in the hands of pastry chef David Carmichael, the award winning pastry chef at Oceana.

The lovely Terrazza, with windows opening onto the street in warm weather, overlooks the beautiful City Center for performing arts. With 20 seats, the Terrazza is ideal for private breakfast, lunch or dinner parties, as well as cocktail parties.