The Story Behind Gabriella’s Modern Italian

Introduction

Every memorable dining experience begins with a story and Gabriella’s Modern Italian in Delray Beach has one worth savoring. The concept was born from the success of Gabriella’s Italian Steakhouse in Red Bank, New Jersey, a beloved destination known for its upscale steakhouse charm and Italian culinary craft.

Now reimagined for South Florida, Gabriella’s Modern Italian brings that same attention to flavor and hospitality with a fresh, coastal twist introducing interactive dining, pop-up brunches, and tableside experiences that define modern luxury.

From Steakhouse Heritage to Coastal Modern Italian

Gabriella’s Italian Steakhouse built its reputation on refined service, premium ingredients, and indulgent flavor. When owner, Frankie Brusco, looked south, Delray Beach stood out as the perfect home for their next evolution, a place buzzing with energy, art, and an appetite for modern dining.

The Florida version brings the heart of the original concept into a lighter, more contemporary atmosphere, where Italian classics meet creative flair, and every plate tells a story.

Why Delray Beach? Why Now?

Delray Beach is rising as one of South Florida’s most dynamic dining and lifestyle destinations. The restaurant’s design partner noted that Gabriella’s Modern Italian occupies approximately 3,800 square feet in the heart of downtown Delray Beach designed as “a fresh and whimsical take on classic Italian dining” with a bold lounge-style bar and elevated finishes.

The choice of Delray aligns with the brand’s desire to capture both refined dining and modern social vibrancy: brunch pop-ups, tableside tables, a mix of lunch, dinner, cocktails, and nightlife.

Modern Experiences That Elevate the Meal

At Gabriella’s Modern Italian, the dining experience is layered with “show” and substance. These are some of the features that emphasize the modern evolution of the brand:

• Tableside Service: Guests can enjoy tableside presentations such as tableside carbonara or tableside tiramisu that bring theater to the table, not just food.

• Parm Bar: As part of the elevated experience, The Parm Bar allows guests to choose their protein base (Chicken, Pork Chop, Veal), their style (Milanese, Parmigiano, Vodka Parmigiano) and customize their dish with add-ons.

• Pop-Up Brunches & Cocktails: The brand leverages Florida’s brunch culture and social scene including live DJ’s, saxophonist, or trumpist.

• Steak + Italian Fusion: While the New Jersey steakhouse was steak-centric, in Florida the concept expands: Italian classics, fresh pasta, seafood, as well as prime cuts giving it a broad appeal.

• Ambience Meets Social Vibe: The space can shift from sophisticated dinner to stylish night out. The space transforms into a vibrant, upscale nightlife destination.

  
  

Signature Dishes That Speak to the Heritage & Evolution

By merging Italian technique, prime steak heritage and modern flair, Gabriella’s serves dishes that reflect both legacy and innovation.

Examples include:

• House-made pasta with chef-driven sauces.

• Prime steak selections served in an Italian steakhouse tradition.

• Tableside finishes that elevate the guest experience.

• A curated cocktail and wine program that matches the food and social setting.

  
  

The Design & Atmosphere: Where Old-World Meets Modern Social

The interior of Gabriella’s Modern Italian is intentionally designed to reflect both luxury and contemporary energy. According to the design studio’s description:

• Brass metal, antique mirror sculptural arches around the bar.

• A large central bar with jade green tufted upholstery, polished marble, and lounge-style seating that wraps around the dining area.

• Indoor–outdoor flow onto a patio with ambient lighting for evening social dining.

This elevated environment supports the brand’s dual intention: fine dining and social lounge.

Community & Destination Impact in Delray Beach

Gabriella’s adds value to the Delray Beach dining ecosystem by bringing a premium modern-lounge concept.

Its presence on NE 7th Ave situates it within the vibrant downtown dining corridor, helping to elevate the neighborhood’s appeal as a food and nightlife destination.

Conclusion

Gabriella’s Modern Italian in Delray Beach is the culmination of a storied steakhouse legacy re-imagined for the modern diner. With refined Italian cuisine, tableside service, and a dynamic ambiance, it invites you to partake in something elevated and memorable.

Whether you’re joining for a leisurely lunch, an intimate dinner, or a social evening with cocktails and friends, Gabriella’s offers the best of Italy, steakhouse precision, and South Florida energy all rolled into one.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Italian dishes is Gabriella’s known for?

Signature pastas, premium meats, and tableside experience.

Are there interactive or tableside experiences?

Yes, the dining concept includes tableside finishes such as carbonara or desserts, a parm (cheese) bar or finish station, and special brunch/late-night events.

Is Gabriella’s suitable for both dining and nightlife?

Absolutely. The venue is designed to shift from daytime dining to vibrant evening social scene, making it a destination for both food and ambiance.

Is Gabriella’s suitable for private events or large groups?

Yes , we welcome group bookings and offer custom menus for events.

What makes Gabriella’s different from other Italian restaurants?

Chef expertise, the finest ingredients, creative cocktails, and a true commitment to Italian hospitality.

Visit Gabriella’s Modern Italian

Authentic flavor, handmade daily.