Along a townhouse-lined street on Manhattan’s Upper East Side is the recently opened Amarena, an Italian dining concept from chef Julian Medina and restaurateur Louis Skibar, the partners behind Mexican hotspots Toloache and El Fish Marisqueria.

Named after the classic Italian cherry, Amarena encapsulates Italy’s vibrancy and timelessness, blending rustic charm with a touch of luxury. Designed by Pablo Castellanos of Bruccolino Studios, the 3,600-square-foot restaurant spans two floors, transporting guests to coastal Italy while evoking the classic grandiose style of Rome.