Harlem should brace itself for another change: Settepani Cafe & Bakery is being transformed into a restaurant and lounge with southern
Italian cuisine. Space was cleared in the 1,500-square-foot cafe
at 196 Lenox Avenue and 120th Street by removing the gelato, cookie and
cake displays (baked goods can still be ordered from the Williamsburg
location at 602 Lorimer Street). There will be bar lounge dining up
front, with a standard restaurant in the back. Total seating, including
bar seats, will jump to 65 from 34. The official unveiling for
Ristorante Settepani is March 30, but there’s a “sneak preview” tonight
from 7:30 to 10 p.m. Leah Abraham, who owns Settepani with her husband
Nino Settepani, said she’s prepared for some shock given the bond
customers have with the cafe. “What people loved about us is
more than the food. It is that people walked in and were welcome,”
Abraham said. [more]