Politics & Government

Royal Oak City Commission OKs Plan for Trattoria Pizzeria Luigi

After 35 years in the nightclub business, Luigi Cutraro is looking forward to operating a small restaurant in downtown Royal Oak.

The Royal Oak City Commission unanimously approved a Plan of Operation for Trattoria Pizzeria Luigi at its Monday night meeting.

Luigi Cutraro plans to open the restaurant at 415 S. Washington in the building recently vacated by Antica Pizzeria Fellini. The full-service restaurant will consist of 62 seats and serve specialty Italian food.

After more than 35 years in the nightclub business, a “little” restaurant has been a dream of Cutraro’s for the past five years.

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For more than a decade, Cutraro was the owner of Sangria at the corner of Lafayette and Fourth in downtown Royal Oak. Sangria closed its doors in January and is being redeveloped into an upscale American bistro, according to Crain's Detroit Buisness.

“My dream for the last five years is to go home at midnight,” Cutraro told members of the Liquor Control Committee  in April.

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Cutraro described Trattoria Pizzeria Luigi as being a no frills restaurant, but promised to bring something "unique to the table." He said he plans keep the wood-burning stove left behind by Antica Pizzeria Fellini and a gluten-free menu is in the works.


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