Ciao Birmingham! Authentic Italian restaurant, Lé Fresca, opening soon on 2nd Ave. N.

Reading time: 2 minutes

le fresca before opening Ciao Birmingham! Authentic Italian restaurant, Lé Fresca, opening soon on 2nd Ave. N.
The future site of Lé Fresca on 2nd Ave. N. Photo by Chaise Sanders for Bham Now.

What do you get when an Italian born and bred restauranteur opens a new pizzeria downtown? You get Lé Fresca and an ecstatic content producer who’s ready for authentic Italian food in Downtown Birmingham!

I’m convinced Italian food is indeed my love language. If you give me some prosciutto, pizza and wine, then I’m a happy camper. Since I work just walking distance from the Loft District, I’m beyond excited about the new pizzeria, Lé Fresca, on 2nd Avenue.

Marco Butturini, his brother, Luca Butturini and Matthew Christe are joining forces to bring authentic Italian flavors to the Loft District this fall. You may be familiar with that name. Marco has shared his talents at Birmingham staples such as Highlands Bar & Grill, Chez Fonfon, and Bottega. So you know the food will impeccable.

What’s on the menu?

The Butturinis are from the Veneto region of Italy where you’ll find stunning cities like Venice, Verona, and Padua. Lé Fresca will give Birmingham a taste of traditional Italian dishes along with an array of pizzas made in a brick, wood-burning oven straight from Italy.

le fresca oven
Le Fresca’s wood-burning oven straight from Italy. Photo via Le Fresca’s Facebook.

The menu will combine authentic Italian ingredients with local, in-season products. Word on the street is that the lineup will even feature some recipes from Cipriani, a world-renowned Venetian restaurant.

The pizzeria will also offer a full bar stocked with wines and beers.

Where will it be?

pizza picture by chaise
This article has me feeling nostalgic for this pizza I had in Bologna. Photo by Chaise Sanders for Bham Now.

Lé Fresca is scheduled to open in February at 2218 2nd Ave. N.

Their hours will be:

  • Tuesday- Saturday
  • 11 AM- 10 PM

It’ll be neighbors with Bamboo on 2nd and El Barrio. Soon this area of the Loft District will offer cuisine from around the world. If you’re ever looking for me around dinner time, I’ll be at Lé Fresca.


What 2020 restaurant openings are on your radar? Let us know on social @BhamNow.

Chaise Sanders
Chaise Sanders
Articles: 287