After exactly 120 years, the curtain has fallen on the Theater District institution Barbetta, with the iconic Italian restaurant having served its final course Friday night.
“It left such an impact on people,” said Suzanna Gardijan, who has been working at Barbetta for 38 years as its Private Events Manager.
“Everybody’s coming back tonight just to say goodbye, and a lot of people are crying, telling us how much Barbetta has meant to them,” Gardijan said from her perch at coat check.
Patrons are seen enjoying their final meal at the elegant and iconic Italian restaurant Barbetta on Friday night. stefano Giovannini for NY Post
Barbetta was famed for its elegant interiors and its large menus. Customer Aara Menzi is seen perusing the menu for the final time on Friday. stefano Giovannini for NY Post
Throngs of well-wishers filled its stately Astor family-built townhouse on 46th Street, full of Italian antiques and furniture, all craving one last plate of the eatery’s signature dishes from Pacific Swordfish to its red wine and beef concoction Bue Al Barolo.
One of the revelers bidding adieu was Bill Bradley, the NBA Hall of Famer and three-term Jersey senator.
“There’s a genuine sadness to it because there won’t be another Barbetta,” Bradley told The Post with tears in his eyes following his last meal at the restaurant.
“From the people first, to the atmosphere, the unbelievable food and perfect location; you put all of that together and you have something special, and it’s all thanks to Laura.”
Longtime customers flocked to the restaurant for a final meal. Servers are seen bringing out desserts. stefano Giovannini for NY Post
A bartender is seen making an Aperol Spritz on the final night of service. stefano Giovannini for NY Post
He’s referring to Laura Maiogli. Starting in 1962, she ran Barbetta with meticulous attention to detail and a passion for the business.
She died at age 93 on Jan. 17, and staff members speculate that it was Maioglio’s decision that Barbetta should close upon her death.
“Laura was an amazing woman who taught me everything,” Gardijan told The Post of her boss, who would frequently take her staff to Italy for culinary inspiration.
“She had such an attention to detail and wanted the restaurant to be like her home.”
A server is seen ready to take out a tray of cocktails to Barbetta’s main dining room. stefano Giovannini for NY Post
Bronnie Kupris, long time customer, told The Post she was saddened by the closure of the restaurant. stefano Giovannini for NY Post
Maioglio was only Barbetta’s second-ever owner, which long made it the oldest restaurant in New York City owned by the same founding family. It’s also widely known as the oldest Italian restaurant in Manhattan.
“To have a restaurant be in the family for that long,