Fortuna Cucina Italiana Opens
Fortuna Cucina Italiana opens May 13 in Wilmington, NC—seasonal Italian dishes, local seafood, housemade pasta, and Amalfi Coast-inspired design.
Giorgios Hospitality Group has announced the opening of Fortuna Cucina Italiana, a new contemporary Italian restaurant debuting May 13 in Wilmington, North Carolina. The concept is the latest from acclaimed restaurateur Giorgios Bakatsias, founder of Giorgios Hospitality Group, known for building hospitality experiences inspired by global flavors and time-honored traditions.
A New Italian Restaurant from Giorgios Hospitality Group
Bakatsias has spent more than three decades developing restaurant concepts shaped by his upbringing in Karista, Greece, and by time spent in leading kitchens across Paris, New York, and the Mediterranean. Today, Giorgios Hospitality Group operates more than 18 restaurants across North Carolina, bringing a wide range of culinary influences to communities throughout the state.
With Fortuna Cucina Italiana in Wilmington, the group turns its focus to a seasonal, coastal-forward take on Italian dining—pairing classic preparations with local sourcing.
Seasonal Italian Cooking with a Coastal Wilmington Twist
Fortuna Cucina Italiana is rooted in seasonality and designed to highlight fresh ingredients—especially local seafood. The menu is led by Executive Chef and Partner Chris Lewnes, formerly Executive Chef at Sartiano’s in The Mercer Hotel. Lewnes brings Italian American heritage and classical French training to the kitchen, shaping a lineup of Italian favorites with a modern, ingredient-driven approach.
Menu highlights include:
• Red Snapper Carpaccio with avocado mousse, mango, jalapeño, and citrus vinaigrette
• Burrata di Puglia with Lady Edison prosciutto and saba
• Flounder a la Francese with wilted greens and lemon butter
Housemade pasta selections include:
• Bucatini Fra Diavolo with Maine lobster, San Marzano tomato, and Calabrian chili butter
Among the entrées, guests can enjoy:
• Bistecca alla Fiorentina, a prime porterhouse served with porcini butter and Barolo sauce
Amalfi Coast-Inspired Design in Wilmington
Set behind a weathered cedar shake exterior that nods to Wilmington’s coastal surroundings, Fortuna Cucina Italiana channels the sun-drenched warmth of the Amalfi Coast. Inside, a lemon branch mural hand-painted by local artist Arianne Hemlein sweeps across the walls, while woven rattan pendant lights add a relaxed, coastal glow—especially on the patio.
For updates, follow @fortunawilmington and @giorgiosgroup on Instagram.
For more information, visit fortunawilmington.com.
Want to go:
Fortuna Cucina Italiana
414 Arboretum Dr Suite 130 Wilmington, NC 28405
Hours: Mon & Tues: 4–9 PM
Wed & Thurs: 4–10 PM
Fri & Sat: 4–11 PM
fortunawilmington.com
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