Located in a former factory (hence the name), the Factory Kitchen’s spot-on Italian specialties are reason enough to seek out this Arts District eatery.

Concrete columns are the Factory Kitchen’s key design elements—a leftover from the decades when the building served a more industrial purpose. Opened in October 2013, the restaurant has since enticed diners to its minimally designed space for house-made pastas, Italian-centric wine list, craft cocktails and Northern Italian specialties. Just in time for summer’s warm nights, new, cool cocktails are another reason to make reservations (a must) at this very, very popular restaurant.

A small bar and communal tables are at the entrance; the focus here is on the food, which emanates from the bustling open kitchen. In addition to standards, the new cocktails blend local and seasonal ingredients with a touch of Italy. Liqueurs and Amaros are found in many---the Noce Nera mixes Amaro Lucano, black walnut bitters with Templeton Rye. The Cream on Chrome (pictured) is a study in balance: Sloane’s gin shaken with muddled cucumber, St. Germain Elderflower liqueur and topped with black pepper—refreshing and distinct.

Ideal For

Cocktails, client dinners, date nights, special occasions

Favourite Table

At the center of the room, near the window

Signature Dishes

Peperu, prosciutto with sage dough, handkerchief past with almond basil peso

Signature Drinks

Noce Nera, Vinny's Backside, Cream on Chrome, SatisFactory (dessert)