Skip to Content
Features

Behind the Scenes at Legendary Gargiulo’s Restaurant in Brooklyn

After a successful recipe collaboration with Chef Matthew Cutolo of Gargiulo's in Brooklyn, our EIC visited for a tour and some lunch.

The exterior signage at Gargiulo's Restaurant in Coney Island, Brooklyn.

The exterior signage at Gargiulo’s Restaurant in Coney Island, Brooklyn.

We were thrilled to partner with Chef Matthew Cutolo of legendary Gargiulo's Restaurant in a multi-part series dedicated to Italian American classics. As a third-generation Italian American working in the kitchen of a restaurant owned and operated by his family in Brooklyn’s Coney Island since 1907, Chef Matthew knows the intricacies of old school Italian cooking. We wanted to share his dedication to tradition with our readers to inspire the preparation of these dishes at home. 

Here are the recipes, write-ups and reels shared by Matthew exclusively with Appetito: Family Lasagna RecipeChicken PiccataStuffed Shells, Fried Calamari, Penne alla Vodka.

To celebrate this successful collaboration, we sent our Editor-in-Chief, Andrew Cotto, out to Coney Island for a behind the scenes tour of Gargiulo’s hosted by Chef Matthew and his uncle, Mike Russo, the Executive Chef. Of course, lunch was involved. Take a look!

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Appetito

How to Add Pizza to Your FIFA World Cup Experience in New York

With the FIFA World Cup in town, Appetito recommends these five pizzerias for hungry soccer fans who crave authenticity.

June 12, 2026

Illy Affogato Recipe: The Easy Italian Coffee Dessert for Summer

With just a scoop of gelato and a shot of espresso, this classic Italian dessert delivers a refreshing summer treat in minutes.

June 12, 2026

Italian Aperitif Week Turns New York Into One Big Happy Hour

A citywide celebration of Italy's favorite pre-dinner tradition is back, with exclusive cocktails and plenty of reasons to raise a glass.

June 12, 2026

Euphoria and Incanto: Two Taormina Restaurants Worth the View

The Quartucci family has transformed two of Taormina's most sought-after dining destinations into celebrations of Sicily's flavors, landscapes, and traditions.

Why Felice Chose Flatiron for Its New NYC Italian Flagship

A longtime New York favorite unveils its most ambitious location yet.

See all posts