The capital's inveterate gourmets and night owls obviously know Partigiano--close to the Gare--and the Pop-up Hertz--in the centre of town. Both establishments were created over the last three years by brothers Erik and Alexandre De Toffol. For their third venue, the brothers went with Bella Ciao, a new and central address that is set to open up a stone’s throw away from the Place d’Armes.
The much-anticipated new Bella Ciao establishment will open its doors in the location of the former Paul's on Place d'Armes... Guy Wolff/Maison Moderne
Partigiano and now Bella Ciao, the title of an Italian song used by opponents to fascism. What is the significance to this red thread? Alexandre tells us: "We haven't often told the story, but our grandfather was in fact a 'partigiano’ [a member of the Italian anti-fascist resistance in WWII]. When he came to Luxembourg, his first flat was in the Rue de Strasbourg. That's why our main business is now located there, and we continue to honour him with this new place.”
Bella Ciao’s decor features bright colours, nice seats, large friendly tables and a few neon signs here and there that catch the eye. The bar directly at the entrance and the kitchen are clearly assets, while the large stairwell creates a beautiful transition between the ground floor and the first floor. The indoor seating plan can cater to eighty covers combined. The plants on the walls are fake, but work quite well to soften and warm the atmosphere. As for the terrace, it currently has about sixty seats and will undoubtedly be one of the summer's meeting points, alongside those of the nearby Grand Café and Au P'tit Max...
On the plate and in the dining room
Bella Ciao’s cuisine will be more sophisticated than in the group’s other two restaurants, with a menu featuring seafood, fresh fish, smoked and/or truffled burratas, fresh pasta made on the spot, large grilled brochettes, and even tomahawk steak. The restaurant will be competing against neighbouring establishment Au P’tit Max for a figurative trophy in the “war of the Souris d'Agneau", as the dish is served at both locations.
The open kitchen on the ground floor is an undeniable asset for the atmosphere of the new Bella Ciao. Guy Wolff/Maison Moderne
The bar’s cocktail menu also promises to be interesting under the leadership of Georges Sahinides (formerly of Tailors Concept), who has a small lab dedicated to in-house preparations at the back; as well as a “by the glass" device (provided by Wengler Cellars) that will allow exclusive wines--which can usually only be ordered by the bottle--to be served individually.
Partigiano regulars will see familiar faces in the shape of Kostas and Manu at the bar, as well as the irreplaceable Laura Hanin in management. This should ensure a smooth operation for the intense opening weeks.
Manu (left) and Kostas (right) will man the bar. Guy Wolff/Maison Moderne
For more practical information and the exact opening day, we'll keep you informed
Bella Ciao: 3, avenue Monterey, Luxembourg (Centre-Ville)
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This story was first published in French on . It has been translated and edited for Delano.