Gabriele’s: Old School Italian Steakhouse Opens in Westport

Jessica Ryan January 01, 2022

Located in the space that was originally The Dressing Room next to the Westport Country Playhouse at 27 Powers Court, Gabriele’s opened its doors this winter. Gone are the traces of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Save for the fireplace, the space has been completely transformed. The former rustic vibe has been replaced by plush banquette seating, white linen tables, dramatic chandelier lighting, and beautiful woodwork evokes a classic steakhouse vibe, but the newly light and airy atmosphere offers a modern touch.

The oversized and stately glass partition gives diners a glimpse into the handsome bar space where the wood craftsmanship continues juxtaposed by a contemporary backdrop of illuminated glass shelving lined with premium spirits. There’s also plenty of outdoor seating both in front and in back.

But let’s talk about the food - I had the opportunity to sample a few of the items on the menu last week at a small press gathering. While a traditional Italian steakhouse, Gabriele’s menu takes its seasonal cues from local organic ingredients and has much to offer the non-carnivore with items sourced from the Westport Farmers’ Market. Vegetarians will even find a few impressive dishes here. The Cauliflower Steak served with a carrot ginger purée, blistered tomatoes, roasted corn succotash, and toasted pine nuts was bursting with color, with texture and flavor. Spaghettini with tomato, basil ricotta and shaved Parmesan was the ultimate in comfort food. Made from the simplest of ingredients yielding the freshest of flavors, this dish will satisfy the strongest of carb cravings with a hint of “like Mama made.”

Gabriele’s menu is quite diverse and offers something for everyone, starting the appetizers. We all thoroughly enjoyed the Ahi Tuna Tartare with cilantro, cucumber, avocado, in a large wonton chip and ginger soy sauce. It wouldn’t be a steakhouse without a giant meatball on the menu. Some are there for the drama and some are meant to be thoroughly enjoyed, this one fell into the latter category. A large tender meatball soaks up the wonderful sauce in a personal cast-iron pan. You’ll want some bread with this – to let any excess sauce go to waste would be criminal.

Setting the tone for Gabriele’s extensive menu are the restaurant’s signature classic cuts of hand-selected, prime dry-aged beef, simply seasoned with sea salt and crushed black pepper. The Tomahawk Bone-in Rib Eye was flawlessly prepared, that perfect hue between pink and red with a nice crusty exterior. Passionate carnivores will rejoice over the selection of reserved international meats, including American Wagyu Premier Farms Beef, Certified Piedmontese Beef, and Japanese Kobe “A5”.

Side dishes come in true steakhouse fashion and include baked stuffed potato with crème fraiche and crispy bacon, baked spinach au gratin, asparagus hollandaise, and an insanely decadent creamy mac and cheese which we had “laced” with truffle oil.

If desserts are your thing, those served here are not to be missed. The dessert program here is strong enough to stand on its own - Consider stopping by after theater for a treat and a cocktail, once the Playhouse opens its doors again. If you do have any room left, order something for the table at least. The French Toast Brioche Stuffed with Nutella is as decadent as it sounds with fresh Maple syrup a roasted hazelnut gelato.

The Vahlrona Chocolate Mousse is on point and will not disappoint the chocolate lovers out there, but my personal favorite was the Key Lime Coconut – a wonderful home-made graham cracker base, Key Lime Cream, Coconut gelato and a Grand Marnier berry sauce is truly something special. Assorted soufflés are made to order.