Sometimes we all just crave a little comfort food. A simple meal enjoyed in a relaxed, convivial environment, where conversation is flowing and plates are big enough to share with loved ones. When Mo Pittle envisioned his latest project, he wanted to serve the residents of his beloved neighborhood, Hyde Park, with some of the most comforting cuisine on the planet: classic Italian American. “Panciuto is about good food and an inclusive vibe—having an easy meal that is going to be satisfying and affordable in a space with a local diner feel,” Pittle says.
The Concept
Mo Pittle is a man of many talents. A former pre-med student and professional drummer who carved a successful advertising career across the U.S., he fell into the restaurant business by chance when he opened his Jewboy Burgers food truck as a client case study. As the business took off, Pittle realized he had found a new creative passion and ran with it—and now, he’s opening his sixth restaurant. Debuting Sept. 15, his latest concept is an homage to the big family meals he grew up with, which he saw reflected in the Italian American culture he experienced living on the East Coast. “I grew up in a large family as the eldest of six, and every meal was a big meal. I have strong memories of how gratifying they were,” he says. Enter Panciuto (“pan-chew-toe”), a love letter to family-style dining where everyone is welcome. “I don’t want guests to worry about what they’re wearing or their food knowledge,” Pittle says.
The Decor
If you close your eyes and imagine an Italian American neighborhood bistro, you might envision dark red hues paired with checkered black-and-white accents. Pittle is leaning into visual comfort through familiarity, using a traditional color palette to create a sense of home. He also gets to exercise his passion for local art with Italian-style pictures from AO5 gallery and neon signs by Todd Sanders from Relic Roadhouse. “I like it when people come into the restaurant and look around—the more there is to see, the more there is to talk about,” he says. Creating an atmosphere conducive to conversation (and not just time scrolling on smartphones) is an important goal for Pittle. “There is more to a meal than just the food. Bringing everyone together, kids and old people, this is comfort that isn’t necessarily from the food but from the heart,” he says.”
The Food
Translating to “pot-bellied,” Panciuto offers up all the classic cozy Italian American staples, with generous portions you’d expect from a nonna. Even the antipasti dishes are true sharers: The large bowl of Arugula Caprese boasts chunky fresh meaty mozzarella and an attractive blend of four brightly colored tomatoes and pine nuts with a textured crunch, while the Foccacia Pizza Squares topped with pepperoni or marinara-vodka-pesto remain incredibly light despite their size, the homemade focaccia perfectly aeriated with lovely crisp edges.
Don’t miss the exquisite Sausage and Mushroom Cavatelli, its rich umami mushrooms thick-sliced in a light but flavorsome cream sauce with large juicy “crumbs” of herbaceous fennel-forward Italian sausage, or the enormous, indulgent Chicken Parm Alla Vodka. Pittle rightly encourages guests to inhale the tantalizing aroma of the on-point Zucchini Fries before tasting. Other menu essentials include bolognese and vegetarian 14-layer lasagna, and of course, Spaghetti and Meatballs. Make sure to leave room for the joyfully bouncy Tiramisu. Leftover-boxing is encouraged, and for Pittle, it adds to the experience. “I love baked pasta leftovers—it’s so good when it’s hot, but there’s something special about it when it’s been sitting in the fridge and you dig in.”
The Drinks
A full bar is in the works at Panciuto, which will serve what Pittle describes as “good drinks with healthy pours.” In the meantime, the concept offers a curated selection of beers and wines. At the Hyde Park restaurant, come ready to sit back, relax, eat, and talk. Pittle lives his philosophy, happily working tables himself, chatting with customers just because he wants to. “Real conversations are so important,” he says.
Panciuto is opening Sept. 15 in the Hyde Park neighborhood at 4413 Guadalupe St. Follow the restaurant on Instagram at @panciuto.atx.
Dining and Cooking