About Us

Ficarra: A Taste of Sicily

Hicksville, NY – This spring, Ficarra Ristorante will open its doors, welcoming guests into an upscale Italian-American dining experience rooted in authenticity, bold flavors, and heartfelt hospitality. A vision brought to life by Carl Mattone, a proud Sicilian-American, and his dedicated team, Ficarra is more than a restaurant-it’s a celebration of family, tradition, and the rich culinary heritage of Italy.

A Legacy Born in the Kitchen

For Carl Mattone, Ficarra is deeply personal. As the eldest son of seven siblings, he grew up in a bustling kitchen where his mother’s cooking was the heart of the home. Stirring sauces, kneading dough, and gathering around the table weren’t just daily rituals-they were life lessons in love, generosity, and hard work.

“My mother taught me that food is about bringing people together with care and tradition,” Mattone reflects. “Every dish we serve at Ficarra carries that same spirit.”

Honoring those cherished memories, the menu blends time-honored recipes with modern sophistication-featuring handmade pastas, slow-braised Sicilian short ribs, prime meats, and the freshest seafood. No meal is complete without the signature Ficarra Dessert-a fig-inspired masterpiece that pays homage to Sicily’s sweet traditions.

Hospitality with Heart: Meet Demetra Mattone

At the helm of the Ficarra experience is Demetra Mattone, serving as Director of Events and Catering-and leading the team with both elegance and passion. With over a decade of experience orchestrating high-level corporate and media events, Demetra brings a refined approach to hospitality, paired with a magnetic energy that elevates every moment.

Her philosophy is simple yet powerful: “When someone walks through the doors of an event I curate, they should leave having felt something real-the love, the joy, the shared energy that only true hospitality can create. Come through my doors happy, and leave craving more.”

Demetra’s leadership style is rooted in warmth, precision, and a passion for crafting memorable experiences that resonate long after the last bite. She is the heartbeat behind the scenes, ensuring every guest feels seen, celebrated, and inspired to return.

More Than a Meal-An Experience

From the moment guests arrive, Ficarra oSers more than exceptional cuisine-it delivers a sensory experience. The scent of slow-simmering sauces, the glow of golden lighting, and the warmth of genuine hospitality come together to create an atmosphere that is both elegant and inviting.

“We want people to feel at home here,” Carl Mattone shares. “Like they’ve stepped into a place where memories are made, where the food tells a story, and where every taste takes them somewhere special.”

Ficarra is a labor of love-and a tribute to the woman who inspired it all. Carl Mattone’s mother, whose influence shaped the very soul of the restaurant, lives on in every lovingly prepared dish. If she could see Ficarra today, he knows she would smile and say, “This is exactly what I taught you-to feed people, to care for them, and to always honor where you came from.”

For Media Inquiries, Interviews, & Event Details, please contact:

Demetra Mattone

Phone Number: (917) 272-4213

Email: ficarraristorante@gmail.com

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Instagram: @ficarraristorante

Website: www.ficarraristorante.com