Etcetera Etcetera, a beloved Italian restaurant in Hell’s Kitchen, announced it will be closing its doors on October 29 after nearly 20 years in business.
The restaurant, located on W44th Street between 8th and 9th Avenue, has been owned and operated by Daniele Kucera since 2005. In an email and social media post this afternoon, Kucera shared that he made the difficult decision to close Etcetera Etcetera due to his deteriorating health, that has included extended hospital stays.
Known for its cozy atmosphere and menu of Italian favorites like homemade basil spaghetti with crab, grilled steak and burrata, Etcetera Etcetera has been a go-to spot for theatergoers, tourists and local regulars alike.
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Kucera expressed his devastation over the closure in an email, saying: “I’ve been at the hospital for a month now. I lost my voice, so I communicate only via email or message. I am devastated to have to close EE, but there is no alternative. The doctors and my husband are taking care of me. I am in good hands. I worked so hard for that place. I am so sad!!”
Daniele arrived in the States from Italy in 1992. After working in the restaurant industry for a number of years, he started Vice Versa restaurant in 1999 with two other partners. In 2005, he decided to go it alone and launched Etcetera Etcetera. Interviewed by Manhattan Sideways in 2014, he recalled that for the first five years, no one came. “I wasn’t on the heavily populated avenues and this part of W44th did not attract the crowds.”
But Daniele continued to cook impeccable food and eventually the word spread. As his reputation grew, people were also beginning to venture farther west. Today, the restaurant is filled with dining enthusiasts, many of whom visit the city and come based on a hotel concierge’s recommendation. There are plenty of regulars, too, who initially came after reading the reviews but now return time and time again. Daniele’s approach to his dining room is to make it feel like a home. He has created a warm ambiance with reds and grays, and he has continued to strive to make it the best it can possibly be every day.
During the pandemic, Kucera and his team helped feed local hospital workers and the homeless while continuing to operate for takeout and delivery.
On hearing news of the impending closure, regular customers shared their feelings. “You changed the neighborhood for all of us… EE was not just an incredible dining spot, but a gathering place for friends— pre- and post-theatre dinner, or just a place to sit and relax with a fabulous glass of Italian red — Love you and thank you,” said Guy Barbarulo on Instagram. While Charles Cox said: “Thanks for countless wonderful evenings with your staff, enjoying incredible food and drink. Your restaurant will be missed but never forgotten. Take care of yourself, my friend. Many hugs!!”
The final day of service will be October 29. In his closure announcement, Kucera thanked customers and staff, writing: “The staff and I would like to give you a huge hug for supporting us throughout these years! We had fun, good food, good drinks and wines, but more than anything we’ve built a community not to be forgotten.”
What sad news – I thought this would just be another story about losing a restaurant, but reading about Daniele Kucera’s health struggles is heartbreaking. All the best to him!
Farewell Etc. What lovely memories you created. I recall Holly Ann and I awarding one of the top prizes as “favorite restaurant” from our “Hell’s Kitchen Take Out Challenge” during COVID. When elected, my first District Leader business meeting was held at Etcetera Etcetera.
Daniele hang in there and know you have much love coming to you from Hell’s Kitchen.
I’ve had many a pre-theatre dinner there over the years. It is a stylish restaurant with a warmth and neighborly feel rarely found in a Manhattan restaurant. You gave many residents and tourists delicious meals, so this is devastating news. My prayers for Daniele and his husband.
So sad. Great restaurant. Blessings to Daniele.
I have not ever been to EE but I would have thought that someone wonderful as Daniele would take the reins and continue trying to bring his wonderfulness to Hells Kitchen. I wish you all the best sweet Daniele!
💝🌹
Thank you for giving this community such a gift all of these years. 🥰💜
I am a long-time employee of Daniele’s at Etcetera Etcetera and the whole staff is devastated by this development. He’s been like a father to many of us and Etc Etc wasn’t just a job to us, it was our second home. Many thanks to all the regulars and friends who helped make it such a vibrant community.
*Side note: our final day of service will be October 29th, not November 1st as stated in the article.
Good luck in whatever you do next, David. We have updated that date in the story. Thank you.
Daniele, you will be missed! We are sad that you are closing, we wish someone as dedicated as you will continue EE. Your lasagne were the best ever! Best wishes for your health.
Wishing Daniele all the best! He created a wonderful restaurant which served outstanding food in a warm and welcoming environment. A special shout-out to Anna who made my wife’s 60th private birthday party extra special and memorable.
We are saddened at the news of your health and the loss of EE to the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood. We had a great holiday party at your restaurant and a bunch of great meals and will always remember your part in our town fondly. We wish you strength and courage and victory in your battle.
Our best
Robin and Steve Kaufman ( Manhattan Plaza Pharmacy/Duane Reade around the corner.
This closure and the reason for it truly breaks my heart. Daniele always gave me a warm welcome and safe and special pace to dine alone and with friends. I wish Daniele’s devoted staff the very best.
My favourite eatery in New York and Daniel my favourite host What a loss. So sad.
Geoff Holter
Vancouver, Canada
Daniele is a sweetheart and the restaurant reflected his intelligence, dedication, warmth & taste. So sorry about what has happened.
Etc Etc has been one of our all time favorite NY restaurants. Delicious, delightful, and wonderful service. It was like saying hello to an old friend. Will miss you terribly.