For a quarter century now Settepani has been on the corner of Malcolm X (formerly Lenox) Boulevard and 120th Street, yet to pass it you would think it just opened weeks ago as part of the ongoing gentrification of this part of Harlem. Settepani was founded by Ethiopian-Eritrean immigrant Leah Abraham and her Sicilian husband chef Nino Settepani, who also run the Settepani Italian bakery in Williamsburg.

With their effervescent daughter Bilena and son Seyoum, they have become beloved neighbors with a faithful clientele that come for the pastries displayed up front in the brightly lighted storefront as well as the wonderfully personalized Italian and Mediterranean food served in the adjacent dining area. These days you can also dine on the sidewalk and watch and hear all of the vibrant color and music of the locals.