Courtesy Michael's on King
Two shuttered restaurants have merged to offer a new twist on Italian-American cuisine.
Magnolia's (formerly Magnolia's on King) has joined forces with Michael's Little Italy and is now operating as Michael's on King at 703 King St.
Dinner service starts at 5 p.m. nightly, and brunch is offered Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Reservations are recommended and the dress code is "casual elegant."
"My hope is that I’ve created a menu, a setting, and a mood that allows you to experience this culture, even if just for one night. If you want to savor a plate of freshly-made pasta, a glass of fine wine, and a few moments of “The Sweet Life,” then we have a place at the table for you," wrote Michael's Little Italy owner Michael Strutton on the new venture's website, michaelsonking.com.
Michael's Little Italy was located at 305 S. Washington St. Strutton took over the former La Trattoria Old Town and brought his own vision to his restaurant in 2019. The restaurant combined fine dining with a pizzeria. It closed just two weeks ago.
On Instagram just days before opening as Michael's on King, Strutton wrote: "Over the past five years, we have enjoyed countless good times on Washington Street, and we look forward to better serving our guests in a more convenient and modernized location in the heart of Old Town. Our staff and same great Italian-American homemade recipes are moving with us to join the family at the current Magnolia, where service will continue tonight with the addition of a few of Michael’s “specialties”. Thank you all for your tremendous support, and we’ll see you up the street!"
Magnolia's on King had opened in 2015 and closed during the pandemic. It reopened late this summer as just Magnolia's.
Early reviews on the new, combined venture have been positive.
