Two New Restaurants Set to Open in Downtown Stamford

Two new eateries will be opening the heart of Stamford — Azuca and Gastro Bar— the brainchildren of the family Lopez.

Mario Lopez, his wife and his brothers announced Tuesday they will be opening their side-by-side restaurants, Azuca and Gastro Bar next week.

The new establishments are adjoined at 78 West Park Pl. and will launch Wednesday, June 25 with a grand opening event. The celebration begins at 5:30 p.m. and will feature a traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony with Mayor David Martin. Reservations for the grand opening are not necessary and admission is free.

Lopez is the owner of Wilton's Bianco Rosso (www.biancorossorestaurant.com), along with his wife, Cristina Ramirez and other relatives. Ramirez takes part in the family affair by spearheading stylish design for both Azuca and Gastro Bar.

"My wife, my brothers and I ... we are a team — in every aspect of this venture," said Lopez.  

The four Lopez brothers relocated to Connecticut from Ecuador two decades ago and have worked their way up the ranks in the restaurant trade — from bus boys to managing the sleek, Italian-style Bianco Rosso, which opened in 2012. 

The Wilton restaurant has a "Very Good" rating from the New York Times and a strong local following. With the success of Bianco Rosso under their belt, the group decided to expand their expertise to Stamford. Enter Azuca and Gastro Bar, which will be managed by brothers, Alejandro and Carlos, while siblings Mario and Jaime will oversee the Wilton operation.

Ramirez scoped out properties, settling on the West Park Place locale because it's  within walking distance from many area businesses and in a lively Stamford hub. As with Bianco Rosso, Cristina developed a fresh, urban look for Azuca and Gastro Bar to match their eclectic menus. Both offer affordable fine dining amid a “smart casual” dress code. 

“We aimed to create an inviting atmosphere coupled with unique menus,” said Ramirez.

Azuca is a Latin American Bistro with a specialty cocktail menu. Its cozy bar highlights drinks with an island feel using an array of rums, tequilas, piscos, cachacas and mezcals. 

“We offer mojitos, margaritas and other exotic drinks mixed with surprising ingredients for an interesting spin,” said Mr. Lopez.  

Azuca’s authenic menu will feature arepas and more while dessert choices include flan, tres leches and churros.

Gastro Bar is a wine bar showcasing Mediterranean tapas with Spanish, Italian and French influences. The small-plate appetizers will include signature dishes such as bistecca tartar, albondigas, paella and a variey of flatbreads. Lopez describes Gastro Bar as “the ultimate wine and tapas destination.”

Both restaurants feature menus developed by Lopez and his family, in conjunction with Executive Chef Vincent Ricciardelli, hailing from Manhattan’s Grape & Vine restaurant. 

Azuca and Gastro Bar will be open seven days: Sunday through Wednesday 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Thursday through Saturday 11:30 a.m. until 11 p.m. The two eateries will feature pre-fixe business offerings, Sunday brunch and take out service. Private parties and large groups are welcome. 

For more information or future reservations, call Azuca at (203) 817-0189 and Gastro Bar at (203) 817-0190. Their websites — www.azucarestaurant.com and www.gastrobarstamford.com are under development and should be up and running soon.