Ficuzza Cucina Siciliana & Pizza, a place where every dish tells a story, transporting you to the timeless charm of a small Sicilian village.

The soul of the restaurant is rooted in the childhood memories of its founder, Francesco Realmuto, who grew up surrounded by the beauty and magic of Ficuzza, a village near Palermo, with a history as rich as its landscape.

In my childhood, I’d walk through the forest with my father, Vincenzo, filling my pockets with chestnuts and my heart with precious memories. At home, we’d roast them over the fire, laughing, sharing stories, and savoring simple, delicious food made with love. In Ficuzza, every bite is a Sicilian memory.

Buon appetito!
Francesco

Francesco Ficuzza

Ceo&Founder Francesco Realmuto

Francesco, an Italian food entrepreneur based in New York, began his journey in the United States in 1989. Originally from Sicily, he initially worked as a diamond cutter after arriving in New York. However, his deep passion for cooking and hospitality led him to transition into the culinary world in 2005. Drawing inspiration from cherished memories of family meals, Francesco decided to reconnect with his Italian heritage through food. Founder of Realmuto Hospitality Group, already known in the Big Apple for L’Arte del Gelato, Filaga Pizzeria, and Realmuto Alta Pasticceria Italiana, iconic establishments representing Italian excellence. With almost 20 years of experience, Francesco has led the creation of menus, managed operations, and developed culinary concepts, focusing on Italian and international cuisine.

Chef ficuzza

Executive Chef Romulo Barrientos

Helming the kitchen is Executive Chef Romulo Barrientos, who has many years of experience working in Italian kitchens across New York City, including time spent with Scott Conant and Joey Companaro, who have given him an arsenal of skills in Italian cooking. The menu, created in collaboration with owner Francesco, will highlight the finest, simplistic recipes with deep, complex layers of flavor, honoring traditional Sicilian dishes.

Concept

Ficuzza Cucina Siciliana & Pizza, a place where every dish tells a story, transporting you to the timeless charm of a small Sicilian village. The soul of the restaurant is rooted in the childhood memories of its founder, Francesco Realmuto, who grew up surrounded by the beauty and magic of Ficuzza, a village with a history as rich as its landscape. Ficuzza is no ordinary village.

Once a royal retreat, it was a favored destination of King Ferdinand I of the Two Sicilies, who built the magnificent Real Casina di Caccia as his hunting lodge. The village became a peaceful escape for the king, and its charm extended to all who visited.
Its train station, though small, played a big role in connecting Ficuzza to the wider world. Travelers would pause there for something simple yet satisfying to eat, enjoying a moment of camaraderie and warmth before continuing their journey

For Francesco, Ficuzza is a treasure trove of memories: autumn days spent with his father, Vincenzo, collecting chestnuts in the woods, and carefree adventures with friends, joyfully losing themselves in the sprawling forest.
These moments, filled with laughter and connection, inspired the vision for Ficuzza Cucina Siciliana & Pizza. At Ficuzza, Francesco recreates the coziness, tradition, and flavors of his beloved village