Frank Stitt Protege To Open Pizza Restaurant Downtown

BIRMINGHAM, AL — A new pizza restaurant is coming to Birmingham's Loft District, thanks to Highland's Bar & Grill veteran Marco Butturini. Butturini plans to open Le Fresca at 2218 Second Ave. N. this fall.

A Birmingham Business Journal report said the Italian-born restaurateur is joining forces with his brother, Luca Butturini, a skilled pizzaiolo for the last three decades, and Matthew Christe formerly of Bottega Restaurant who will serve as sous chef.

The menu will feature traditional Italian courses and dishes along with 10 to 15 pizzas, and use a mix of authentic ingredients from Italy, and local produce. Butturini said he also plans to borrow some recipes from world renowned Venetian restaurant, Cipriani.

Butturini worked in London and Bermuda before joining the staff at Bottega in 2000. For almost two decades, he has worked at Chez Fonfon and Highlands Bar & Grill. With his new restaurant, he will be joining a long list of Stitt proteges who have gone on to open their own restaurants in Birmingham.

Butturini credits the support of Frank and Pardis Stitt and fellow alumni at the three restaurants with helping him launch his new concept.

The restaurant will seat 40, and the bar will have room for 20 people.