North Fork-Based Italian Eatery Opening Second East End Outpost

Fans of Caci will be thrilled to learn that the popular Italian Southold restaurant is opening a second location on the East End. The new Caci Shelter Island will be situated in the historic and luxury boutique hotel, The Shelter Island House.

The Cacioppo family, who own Caci, have known sisters Suzanne Walsh and Janet (Walsh) Rogler, who own the hotel, for many, many years – making this new endeavor a natural fit. Growing up both families resided in Garden City, but spent many beloved summers on the East End.

“After several discussions regarding both businesses, it became apparent that Caci taking over restaurant operations at Shelter Island House would be a winning collaboration and a complement for both Caci & The Shelter Island House brands, and happened at just the right time for us to expand,” Anthony Cacioppo said. “We have always loved visiting Shelter Island, and the historic charm of this graciously restored inn really attracted us to the opportunity to have our second location here.”

The Shelter Island outpost will showcase a seasonally inspired menu highlighting authentic Northern Italian cuisine from Umbrian-born Executive Chef Marco Pellegrini. The restaurant will source many ingredients locally and also import imperative components from Italy for Caci favorites like house made pasta, gnocchi, bread, and gelato. Chef Pellegrini will helm both East End locations.

“Anthony and I had been in search of the right partner to open up a restaurant on the North Fork since 1995 when Anthony and I bought our first home in Southold. We never thought that we would find him years later while in Italy on vacation,” Daniele Cacioppo shared. “It was a magical connection, Marco’s authentic and simple style was exactly what we were in search of and the moment Marco described his philosophy of ‘One Actor,’ we asked Marco to take a look at the North Fork and the wheels started turning.”

Chef Pellegrini and his family moved from Italy to Long Island in 2014, where he has left his mark with diners. While in Italy, the Foligno native spent time in the kitchen of many highly acclaimed restaurants, which led to his admiration of local farmers and purveyors – an appreciation that continued when he landed on the East End.

Homemade gelato. (Photo: Brian Nordstrom)

“I am inspired by the agriculture and aquaculture the North Fork offers, and believe that the access to these fresh ingredients provides me the opportunities to create an unforgettable dining experience,” Chef Pellegrini said. “I am really looking forward to bringing this unique menu, as well as tastes of Central and Northern Italy to Shelter Island.”

“We love the ability to source as many local ingredients as possible and utilize the wonderful bounties from the North Fork region while combining them with authentic Italian ingredients. We receive deliveries from Italy every week and we source locally as much as possible,” Daniele, who is overseeing the opening of Caci Shelter Island, added. “We built Caci North Fork with the vision of expansion and the underlying concept that Caci North Fork would be the central location for all the food, sourcing local produce, food prep, and production. When the opportunity was presented to open Caci Shelter Island, we all agreed that this was the perfect timing for Caci to grow.”

Similar to the Southold eatery, Caci Shelter Island will boast the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence winning wine list – with a wide variety of North Fork and Italian wines.

“Our goal is to always offer an elegant yet simple and consistent menu, as well as dining experience,” Danielle concluded. “We are beyond excited to bring Caci to Shelter Island and become a part of this beautiful island’s notable community.”

Caci Shelter Island expects to open over Memorial Day Weekend. The restaurant plans to serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

The Shelter Island House is located at 11 Stearns Point Road in Shelter Island Heights. For more information, visit www.cacirestaurants.com.