New to the Ridgewood neighborhood, Morsetto was opened by lifelong friends and business partners Francesco “Franco” Curci and Sal Latella. The restaurant is committed to providing authentic, mouth-watering Italian food the way it’s made in Puglia and Southern Italy.
In Italian, “morsetto” means “a little bite,” and that perfectly captures the restaurant’s spirit. “A bite can be something small, but it can also bring back a memory, introduce you to a new flavor or make you feel connected to a place,” says Franco. “That’s really what we’re trying to do—bring a little bite of Puglia to Ridgewood.” Originally from Puglia, Franco has owned and operated other restaurants in both Italy and New Jersey.
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Puglia Perfection
Ridgewood felt like the right fit for Morsetto because of its strong sense of community. “People here care about where they eat, they support local businesses, and they appreciate quality and authenticity,” Fanco explains. “Our restaurant feels Italian without becoming a stereotypical Italian restaurant.”
Instead, Franco and Sal aim to introduce patrons to the dishes they grew up with, such as orecchiette, panzerotti, focaccia barese, burrata, seafood, and traditional sauces, all presented in a modern, approachable way. Every meal is designed to feel comforting, fresh, and memorable.
“I don’t want to Americanize the food,” Curci explains.
A Taste of Home
Morsetto’s inspiration comes from the casual cafés and trattorias of Southern Italy. The vibe is relaxed, but the food is serious. Whether guests stop in for date night or brunch with friends, “everyone is welcome,” says Franco.
He loves when customers say, “This tastes exactly like Italy,” or discover a new favorite dish for the first time.
Franco’s mother, Angela, is a major inspiration for his cooking philosophy: respect the ingredients, avoid shortcuts, and let quality speak for itself.
Visit Morsetto Italian Kitchen at 29 Chestnut St, Ridgewood. Look for them online to learn more.
All Photos: © Morsetto Italian Kitchen
