Abbiocco
Nestled in the heart of Syracuse in ground level of Icon Tower at 344 S Warren St, Abbiocco delivers an enchanting dining experience for any occasion—whether you’re planning a romantic date night with wine and dessert, a gathering with friends with cocktails and hand tossed brick oven fired pizza, or a memorable family dinner with an array of entrees perfect for sharing. This restaurant embodies the essence of authentic Italian dining, with every dish crafted to perfection and a warm, inviting ambiance that instantly makes you feel at home. They are open Wednesday through Saturday from 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM. Reservations can be easily made online at abbioccosyr.com, ensuring your spot at one of Syracuse’s most talked-about dining destinations.
Abbiocco, a delightful Italian term meaning “the fit of drowsiness that occurs after consuming a large meal,” is perfectly fitting. For over five years, the Fiacchi family has shared their love of food with the community through their original venture, A Mano Kitchen & Bar. Now, with Abbiocco by A Mano, they have seamlessly blended traditional Italian trattoria charm with fresh, modern touches. With a semi-casual atmosphere, Abbiocco brings a focus on Italian classics, regional specialties, and a seasonally changing menu that keeps locals and visitors alike excited to return for new flavors.
Kyle and I arrived at Abbiocco on a beautiful fall evening. The leaves were falling outside and we were greeted by the warmth of the atmosphere as soon as we entered. We were quickly seated at our delightful table, ready to enjoy a rare childfree date night in the best way we knew how: with amazing food! The menu is always impressive but one tip is to make sure you are open to hear about the nightly specials because they are always amazing. We were also happy to see one of our servers, Nikki! Nikki always makes the experience even more enjoyable with her attentive, friendly service. As always, she guided us through the menu with genuine enthusiasm, recommending dishes and helping to make selections to ensure an unbeatable dining experience.
We began our meal with two spectacular appetizers that set the tone for a night of culinary perfection. The Calamari, lightly fried to golden crispiness, was tender and beautifully contrasted by the bold, tangy bite of long hot agrodolce and the creamy brightness of the lemon aioli. Every piece melted in our mouths, leaving us wanting more. Equally impressive was the Sfoglia, the evenings appetizer special, a vibrant dish that beautifully combined house-made mozzarella, carnival squash, and shaved Brussels sprouts with crispy prosciutto. The fresh pomegranate vinaigrette added just the right balance of sweetness and acidity, enhancing the flavors of the creamy Stracciatella beneath. This dish was pleasing not only to the tastebuds but also to the eye! Abbiocco’s warm, fluffy focaccia bread, served with house-made “everything butter,” was another standout. Each bite was fragrant, soft, and complemented by the butter’s rich, savory flavors, making it impossible to resist. When the main courses arrived, we were simply astounded by the artistry on each plate. Kyle’s 34 oz Bone-in Slice Ribeye was a showstopper: cooked rare to absolute perfection, each juicy, tender slice was bursting with rich, beefy flavor. The steak was accompanied by twice-fried potatoes, which added an irresis
tible crispiness that perfectly complemented the melt-in-your-mouth meat.
My choice, the Halibut, was equally unforgettable. The fish was delicate, with large flakes, and beautifully seasoned, served atop a luxurious cauliflower purée that was both creamy and subtly sweet. Roasted cauliflower and broccoli microgreens added texture and color, while the peri-peri sauce brought a nuanced heat that highlighted the fish’s freshness. Each bite was a harmonious blend of flavors that left a lasting impression. I do not think I have had a fish dish this impressive since my last trip to Abbiocco! Although we were both full after our meal, it was simply too fine of an evening to skip dessert! The dessert menu was just as enchanting and indulgent as the rest of our meal. I savored every spoonful of the Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse, an elegant and deeply flavorful dessert. The mousse was impossibly smooth, its rich chocolate flavor enhanced by the crunch of wood-roasted hazelnuts, a light sprinkling of Sicilian salt, and a hint of EVOO that elevated the entire experience. It was nothing short of heavenly- if angel’s eat dessert, this is surely what they would order. Kyle’s choice, the Apple Frittelle, was an instant classic. The sourdough doughnuts, filled with local apples and dusted in cinnamon sugar, had a crispy exterior that gave way to a warm, fluffy interior. The addition of Alteri’s Fiore di Latte Gelato was the perfect finishing touch, bringing creaminess and a hint of sweetness to round out the flavors.
At Abbiocco, every dish tells a story, each flavor carefully balanced to create an unforgettable dining experience. From the classic brick-oven pizzas to the unique, seasonally inspired specials, every meal here is a chance to savor the flavors of Italy in Syracuse. Book a reservation today and prepare for a night of true Italian hospitality and incredible food that will leave you basking in that perfect “abbiocco” sensation.
