Fabio Viviani Brings Handmade Pasta to Cincinnati with Zingaro

Celebrity chef Fabio Viviani is set to open Zingaro, a new Italian restaurant focused on handmade pasta and regional Italian flavors, in Cincinnati’s Madisonville neighborhood on March 24, 2026.

A Focus on Authentic Italian Cuisine

Zingaro, located at 5380 Medpace Way, will feature an open kitchen where diners can watch staff shape and cut fresh noodles. Viviani, known for appearances on shows like “Top Chef,” “Chopped,” “Beat Bobby Flay” and “Cutthroat Kitchen: All-Star Tournament,” emphasizes that the restaurant isn’t about celebrity, but about the food. “It’s not like I’m a destination resort chef,” Viviani stated. “But once people experience what we offer, they appreciate our food.”

The menu draws inspiration from various regions of Italy, offering dishes like wagyu short rib bolognese, rigatoni with parmesan fondue, and a carbonara raviolo topped with filet mignon. Other highlights include a caprese salad featuring hand-pulled mozzarella, pork ossobuco with saffron and bone marrow risotto, and a Chianti smoked pork chop, which Viviani describes as “absolute cinema.”

Viaggio: A Sister Bar with Global Flair

Adjacent to Zingaro is Viaggio, a sister bar offering craft cocktails and a curated wine list. Viaggio features a wine machine allowing guests to sample a variety of wines without the expense of purchasing full bottles, and cocktails inspired by flavors from around the world.

Cincinnati’s Culinary Scene

Viviani expressed his appreciation for Cincinnati’s culinary landscape, noting the prevalence of independent, “mom-and-pop” restaurants. He hopes Zingaro will become a neighborhood favorite, a place people return to because they genuinely enjoy it.

Reservations and Grand Opening

Reservations for Zingaro are being accepted via OpenTable. Guests can also text “ZINGARO” to (805) 991-5126 for updates and grand opening invitations. Zingaro’s website provides additional contact details and information.