New Italian Restaurant Coming To Harbor Point Section Of Stamford

STAMFORD, CT — The Stamford food scene is about to get an Italian twist to it.

This week, Stamford restauranteurs John and Morgan Nealon announced that Cugine's Italian, a new Italian restaurant, will open in Stamford's Harbor Point community at 121 Towne St., the site of The Lila Rose which is also owned by the Nealons. The Lila Rose officially closed on May 8.

The Nealons are aiming to open up Cugine's Italian later this spring. The new spot will feature alluring, well-plated Italian cuisine, coupled with refined cocktails and a robust wine list.

"Our goal with Cugine’s is to offer not only Harbor Point, but Fairfield County as a whole, an entirely new Italian dining experience," John Nealon said in a news release. "This sophisticated restaurant will invite our guests to take a step back in time and dine in the era of Frank Sinatra, with dark interiors and furniture, beautiful soft mood lighting, a period playlist and classic Italian cuisine."

Morgan Nealon said that while the vibe of the interior space will be of an exclusive speakeasy, Cugine's will be comfortable and "invite invite a warm opportunity for people to connect with one another over exquisite and beautiful food, and be reminiscent of a classic dining experience in a renowned New York City Italian restaurant," he added.

"The menu will be very chef-driven, featuring local ingredients, products from local partners in our Fairfield County community and truly offer a dining and bar experience like no other in the area."

Morgan said The Lila Rose "had an amazing run."

"We are grateful for the support that we received from the community, especially due to opening and operating during a very difficult time," he said "It offered the escape that we all needed for the last two years, but we are excited to open the doors for this entirely revamped and unique concept."

Cugine’s will be open Friday through Sunday for dinner service, expanding to offer brunch soon after.

For more information, follow the restaurant’s Instagram page, and be on the lookout for a more in-depth story from Patch on this new restaurant.