Massara: Bringing the Flavors of Campania to Life

Massara, the newest venture from Chef Stefano Secchi and David Switzer (the minds behind the Michelin-starred Rezdôra), is a tribute to the vibrant cuisine of Campania, a region in Southern Italy. Named after the Campanian word for "matriarch" or "head of the household," Massara honors the tradition of family-centered cooking, showcasing a menu inspired by Chef Secchi's childhood visits to Southern Italy. With dishes cooked over a wood-burning oven and grill, this restaurant serves up the rich flavors of a region blessed with an abundance of farms and fisheries.

BELLA’S Lynette Barbieri recently had the pleasure of dining at Massara on a Friday evening, and it was nothing short of fabulous. From the moment she walked in, the ambiance struck a perfect balance between cozy and contemporary, creating the ideal setting for a relaxed yet refined meal. As she watched the chefs prepare their famous Pizzettes and Wagyu Beef in the open kitchen, the cooking process became part of the show.

The meal began with Polpo, which quickly became her favorite dish of the evening, thanks to its tender texture and incredible depth of flavor. From there, she tasted several pasta dishes, all of which were flavorful, but the Candele truly stood out as a highlight. For the main course, the Branzino, cooked in the coal-fire oven right before her eyes, was a visual and culinary treat. The whole fish was perfectly roasted, with crispy skin and a smoky richness that was hard to beat.

Lynette highly recommends saving room for dessert—it’s just as much a part of the experience as the savory courses. The sweet endings were a fitting conclusion to an evening filled with bold, authentic flavors.

For those looking for a midday escape, Massara has just launched a new lunch menu, served Tuesday to Friday from 12:00 pm to 2:30 pm. The dishes, like the dinner menu, celebrate the bounty of Southern Italy, prepared with care and cooked in the wood-burning oven. If you’re planning a visit, be sure to make a reservation—this spot is quickly becoming a must-try. Whether it’s lunch or dinner, Massara delivers an exceptional dining experience that transports you straight to the heart of Campania.

Visit Massara.nyc for more.