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The secret’s out.
ITA Kitchen, the popular Italian restaurant owned by Salvatore and Christina Sorrentino, is coming to Patchogue.
The Sorrentinos, along with their business partners, are bringing their growing brand to the former PeraBell Food Bar next to the Patchogue Theatre on East Main Street.
They made the official announcement on Instagram.
PeraBell, which ran for nearly 17 years, closed Aug. 12 after owners John Peragine and Dave Chiarella wanted to shift their focus to other projects. Scottie Campbell, who also owned PeraBell, is staying on board for the new venture.
“We’re really excited to come,” to Patchogue, said Christina. “We know it is going to be a winner.”
The ITA Kitchen concept revolves around a modern, hip take on traditional Italian dining, the owners have said.
“We want our place to have a colorful vibe that is inviting,” Christina said of the expected design of the Patchogue location.
After opening their first location in Bay Shore in 2019, ITA Kitchen has been in growth mode. They opened in Garden City South last year, then followed that up with an East Moriches location that opened this May. Patchogue is expected to open in September.
It’s all been a pleasant surprise for the couple, who thought Bay Shore would be their only ITA Kitchen.
“We thought it would be one-and-done,” said Christina. “Maybe try a different concept [after Bay Shore]?”
For Sal, he grew up in the kitchen. At 18, he began working as a chef at his family’s restaurants. The family previously owned Matteo Restaurants, which has locations in New York and Florida.
Then, he decided with his wife to open their own spot.
The first ITA Kitchen was born.
“Modern version of Italian with a fun vibe,” was how Christina described their brand. “We want to hit on all facets with every age group.”
ITA Kitchen was an instant hit when it launched. To grow it, in 2021, the couple teamed with a prominent local restaurant group.
When they saw a prominent space in Patchogue was available they said it was a “no-brainer” to jump.
“Patchogue is such an incredible neighborhood,” said Christina. “Patchogue has become this going out destination on Long Island. This will be the last store we open in 2023, but you never know what will come next year. We are already looking at other spaces.”
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Top: ITA Kitchen bartender serving up a margarita. Photo courtesy of ITA Kitchen’s website.
