In a neighborhood built on creativity, cocktails and community, Nuso Cucina is aiming to serve as Atlantic City’s newest place to gather around the table.
Joey Ienuso, who has owned and operated restaurants in New York City for years, said his Italian restaurant at 137 S. New York Ave. reflects lessons learned throughout his career developing eateries across multiple cuisines and concepts.
Nuso Cucina opened in July at 137 S. New York Avenue. The restaurant has a hand-painted mural on the outside of the building, a ceiling draped with lemons and an Atlantic City-themed bar.Nuso Cucina
“I’ve always enjoyed creating restaurants that have their own personality and identity,” Ienuso said. “For me, it’s not just about the food. It’s about creating an atmosphere and an experience that people want to come back to.”
Nuso Cucina opened July 4 in the Orange Loop.
Ienuso opened Loteria, a Mexican restaurant on the Atlantic City Boardwalk, last year.
Through that experience, he said he became familiar with the city’s restaurant landscape.
“It’s a really unique few blocks within Atlantic City, with a strong focus on art, hospitality, independent businesses and creativity,” Ienuso said. “There’s a great energy here, and I wanted to be part of it and put my own fingerprint on the neighborhood.”
He said his goal was to create a restaurant that fits naturally into the neighborhood while adding another dining option to the area’s mix of attractions.
The concept behind Nuso Cucina centers on casual dining rather than formal dining, Ienuso said.
The restaurant offers Italian cuisine in a casual atmosphere intended to appeal to families, groups of friends and visitors looking for a relaxed dining experience.
“We want to serve good food, at fair prices, in an inviting environment,” Ienuso said. “We’re not trying to be overly fancy or make people feel like they have to get all dressed up to come in.”
The restaurant also features an outdoor patio that Ienuso said will become a larger part of the business in the future. Plans include expanding live music and special events, particularly during the next season.
“We want Nuso Cucina to have that combination of good food, fair prices, music, drinks and a fun atmosphere that fits the beach and Atlantic City,” the owner said.
The building’s history is part of its appeal, but Ienuso said he is equally interested in the historical significance of New York Avenue itself.
“There was a time when New York Avenue was a very vibrant, active part of the city, and I think you can see some of that energy coming back today through the Orange Loop,” he said.
Ienuso also hopes the restaurant can serve as a community gathering place.
He pointed to a recent remembrance event hosted at the restaurant for local musician Dion, organized with assistance from Steve Weiss and members of the local music community.
“It was a great example of what we want the restaurant to be — a place where the community can come together,” Ienuso said.
Ienuso said the restaurant is still evolving, and additional improvements and programming are planned as the business grows.
“We’re still building and developing Nuso Cucina, so there’s a lot more to come,” he said. “At the end of the day, I want Nuso Cucina to be a place that feels fun and accessible. Good food, fair prices, a great atmosphere and a place where people can relax and enjoy themselves.”
Nuso Cucina is currently open daily from 2 p.m. until last call.
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Dining and Cooking