Tony Monaco’s Highly Anticipated Monaco Italian Kitchen Opens its Doors

Buon appetito, Irvine! Celebrated Orange County restaurateur Tony Monaco has officially launched his fourth culinary concept, Monaco Italian Kitchen, bringing an elevated and modern approach to Italian dining to the vibrant Eighteen Main complex at 2000 Main Street, #300, marking an exciting addition to Irvine’s burgeoning food scene.

This new namesake venture is a heartfelt tribute to Tony Monaco’s Italian heritage, promising a sophisticated yet welcoming experience for both lunch and dinner.

“With Monaco Italian Kitchen, we wanted to create an experience that honors Italy’s rich culinary heritage while embracing creativity and craftsmanship,” shared owner Tony Monaco. “Our culinary team’s commitment to quality shines through in every detail. Chef Karl and his staff have truly outdone themselves, reimagining age-old Italian dishes in a fresh and exciting way.”

Prepare your palate for a delightful journey through Italy, with a menu that masterfully blends traditional flavors with contemporary techniques. Monaco Italian Kitchen places a strong emphasis on scratch-made doughs, specialty pastas, and fresh sauces, ensuring every bite is bursting with authentic Italian goodness.

Pizza aficionados, take note! The menu boasts an enticing selection of Neapolitan-style pizzas, from classic staples like the Bianca, Margherita, and Diavola to seasonally inspired creations. The dedication to Neapolitan tradition is evident, with the culinary team having completed a professional pizza intensive in Naples, Italy, under the tutelage of world-class pizzaiolos.

Beyond pizza, Monaco Italian Kitchen shines a spotlight on Panuozzo Napoletano sandwiches, a beloved Naples street food. Imagine sinking your teeth into fresh pizza bread filled with premium seasonal ingredients. Expect tempting options like Mortadella with pistachio pesto, bufala mozzarella, tomato, and arugula, the savory Chicken and Nduja with Provola, smoked mozzarella, red onion, and frisee, and timeless classics like the Caprese.

The regional Italian culinary exploration continues with an impressive array of pasta offerings, including housemade Cappelletti en Brodo, luxurious Saffron Risotto, and comforting staples like Cacio e Pepe and Lamb Bolognese. For the secondi course, indulge in high-quality selections such as Filet Mignon, delicate Branzino, and tender Braised Lamb Shank. Fresh starters, ranging from flavorful Beef Tartare and crispy Arancini to succulent Grilled Prawns, a curated Charcuterie Board, and refreshing salads like Caesar and a Chopped option, perfectly complement the main courses.

Executive Chef Karl Pfleider expressed his excitement, stating, “Our team has worked together on Tony’s concepts for quite some time, but each new concept allows us to flex our culinary creativity – something we love to do. The trip to Italy to train and prepare for crafting Monaco’s menu was so inspiring. We took what we learned from that experience and infused it into every aspect of the menu – something we truly can’t wait to share with the Irvine community.”

No Italian dining experience is complete without the perfect beverage, and Monaco Italian Kitchen’s bar program expertly delivers. Focusing on Italian regional wines and curated craft cocktails, developed in partnership with head mixologist Jason Friedman, the drinks are designed to enhance the traditional cuisine. Guests can look forward to innovative twists on Italian-inspired classics, including a diverse martini selection. Highlights include the Espresso Martini, made with a fresh shot of espresso for that extra kick, the intriguing Blue Cheese Martini with housemade blue cheese olives and brine, and the refreshing Il Decision pear lemon drop. The menu also features beloved staples like an Old Fashioned and a Cosmo, alongside a selection of aperitifs, spritzes, and even non-alcoholic creations.

The ambiance of Monaco Italian Kitchen is just as inviting as the menu. The 4,500-square-foot indoor-outdoor space seamlessly blends elegance with warmth, drawing inspiration from the charming trattorias of the Italian Riviera and the refined aesthetics of Milanese cafés. Light wood accents evoke sun-drenched Mediterranean landscapes, while striking black-and-white tile detailing beneath the wraparound bar grounds the open-concept space, paying homage to classic Italian craftsmanship. Abstract jewel-toned murals adorn the upper walls, reminiscent of Italy’s artistic heritage, leading the eye to floating shelves showcasing a curated selection of wines and spirits. The open layout effortlessly connects the indoor dining room with a spacious patio, offering a total of 130 seats to accommodate various dining preferences.

Monaco Italian Kitchen is now open daily for lunch and dinner at 2000 Main Street, #300 in Irvine’s Eighteen Main. Operating hours are Sunday–Thursday from 11 AM to 9 PM, and Friday–Saturday from 11 AM to 10 PM. Keep an eye out for upcoming specials, including a daily Happy Hour. Reservations are highly recommended and can be made on OpenTable.

For more information and to stay updated on all the delicious happenings, visit www.MonacoItalianKitchen.com!