The Italian food company Nocca will open its first quick-service restaurant in New York City on October 31, 2025. The new eatery, located at 250 Mott Street in Nolita, will focus entirely on freshly prepared gnocchi, offering dishes that combine traditional Italian recipes with a fast-casual format aimed at busy city diners.
Founded in 2015 by Nicholas Wooller and Alessandro Sita, Nocca began as a food production company specializing in shelf-stable gnocchi made from natural ingredients sourced in Italy. The founders say their goal was to bring attention to gnocchi as a standalone dish rather than a secondary option to pasta. The company’s products are now distributed internationally, and the Nolita opening marks its first direct venture into restaurant service.
The concept follows a model that has gained ground in major U.S. cities in recent years: traditional dishes presented in a simplified, accessible way. Similar approaches have been seen with brands offering single-focus menus like pasta bars or poke bowl counters. Nocca’s restaurant will serve a selection of gnocchi dishes with sauces such as Pomodoro, Pesto, Vodka, Cacio e Pepe, and Bolognese, prepared to order and customizable with toppings like burrata or Italian sausage.
The founders describe the Nolita location as a link between heritage and innovation. “New Yorkers move fast, but they still care deeply about quality,” said Sita. “We wanted to create a space where they can enjoy authentic Italian food that fits their rhythm.” Wooller added that opening in Nolita — a neighborhood historically shaped by Italian immigrants — aligns with the company’s mission to reinterpret classic Italian comfort food for modern life.
The restaurant’s interior was designed by Jeanette Didone of By Black, a studio known for contemporary spaces that highlight Mediterranean influences. The design includes bold colors and minimal decor, intended to make the experience casual but distinctly Italian. A few indoor tables will complement the mostly takeout format.
Before the official opening, Nocca will host a preview event for journalists, influencers, and local residents on October 28. The company said it hopes to use the launch to test demand for quick-service gnocchi before expanding to other U.S. cities.
The arrival of Nocca’s restaurant adds to a growing trend of Italian food ventures adapting traditional dishes to fast-casual settings, particularly in New York, where Italian cuisine continues to evolve beyond fine dining.
