Borough Park’s kosher dining scene just got a major upgrade with the opening of Cucina Modern Kitchen, a Mediterranean-Italian restaurant launched by the team behind Mendelsohn’s Pizza. Located next door to the legendary pizzeria, Cucina Modern Kitchen is a bold new venture from the same ownership, building on Mendelsohn’s decades-long reputation in the neighborhood.
The new restaurant had its soft opening on Thursday night, offering friends and family a first taste of its upscale menu. With over three generations of culinary expertise from the Mendelsohn’s family, Cucina Modern Kitchen is positioned to bring a fresh and modern take on kosher dining. The name “Cucina”—which means “kitchen” in Italian—reflects the restaurant’s focus on high-quality ingredients and an active, lively cooking experience.
A Modern Twist on Classic Flavors
The owners describe the restaurant as a fusion of Mediterranean and Italian flavors, taking inspiration from traditional dishes while incorporating sophisticated, upscale twists. The restaurant’s standout offering will be its Neapolitan sourdough personal pies, an evolution of Mendelsohn’s classic pizza, but with an artisanal touch.
In addition to pizza, diners can expect a curated selection of Mediterranean dishes, featuring fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and a refined presentation that aims to elevate the kosher dining experience. The focus is on creating a menu that surprises and delights, taking flavors “a couple of notches” above the expected.
A Menu That Celebrates Tradition and Innovation
Cucina Modern Kitchen’s menu is a testament to the harmonious blend of traditional flavors and modern culinary techniques. Each dish is crafted to provide a memorable dining experience:
- Risotto Renaissance: A creamy masterpiece featuring tender risotto combined with wild mushrooms, fresh herbs, and a hint of truffle essence.
- Wild Mushroom Ravioli: Delicate pasta pockets filled with a rich wild mushroom mixture, served in a luscious cream sauce and topped with Parmesan cheese.
- The Neapolitano: A tribute to classic Italian pizza, this dish showcases house-made fresh mozzarella, a secret marinara sauce, and fresh basil, all baked to perfection.
A New Look & Elevated Ambience
Cucina Modern Kitchen isn’t just about food—it’s an experience. The restaurant boasts a sleek and stylish interior, designed to offer a warm and inviting atmosphere. The space was designed by Bala Interiors, who had previously worked on Mendelsohn’s, but the real creative force behind the decor was the owner’s wife, who meticulously curated the lighting, furniture, and color scheme to create an elegant yet comfortable dining setting.
With seating for 60+ guests, the restaurant is designed to accommodate both intimate dinners and lively group gatherings.
Soft Opening —Reservations Required
Currently in its soft opening phase, Cucina Modern Kitchen will officially welcome the public next week. The initial launch will feature a prix fixe dinner, and reservations are required.
For reservations, call (631) 784-0600 or visit their website at CucinaModern.com. Cucina Modern Kitchen is located at 4420 18th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11204, and is open Sunday through Thursday, 12:30 PM – 10:30 PM.
With a mix of elevated flavors, modern decor, and deep family culinary roots, Cucina Modern Kitchen is set to become a must-visit destination for kosher food lovers in Borough Park.
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