The Bygone New York Restaurant Marilyn Monroe Loved To Visit - The Takeout

"Although the pop culture icon, actress, and model Marilyn Monroe grew up and later died in Los Angeles, there was a time in her life when she called NYC home. Monroe moved to the Big Apple in 1954 to study acting with Lee Strasberg and to film some movies. While in the Upper East Side neighborhood, she soon became a regular at local restaurant Gino of Capri. Better known simply"

"Named after owner Gino A. Circiello, Gino's opened its doors in 1945 and, for the most part, stayed true to its origins up until the day it closed in May of 2010. For most of its history, the proudly old-school restaurant never accepted credit cards and avoided advertising. Despite the large demand from famous clientele, Gino's never took reservations. Patrons were willing to stand in long lines just to eat in the tiny restaurant."

"Known for its zebra wallpaper and buttery tomato sauce, Gino's was as iconic as the stars it served. In fact, it was the subject of a 2015 documentary called "The Missing Ingredient," which sought to unravel the recipe for the proverbial special sauce that turns a restaurant into an institution. The place was likened to a club more than a restaurant, and despite its high-profile customers, it remained an affordable, accessible place where diners could feel at home."

Marilyn Monroe lived in New York City in 1954 while studying acting and became a regular at Gino's of Capri on Lexington Avenue. Gino's opened in 1945 under owner Gino A. Circiello and remained largely unchanged until closing in May 2010. The Italian eatery attracted celebrities such as Frank Sinatra, Jackie Kennedy, Al Pacino, and Truman Capote and occupied the same street where Monroe filmed the iconic subway-grate scene from The Seven Year Itch. The restaurant kept old-school practices—no credit cards, no advertising, and no reservations—prompting long queues. Known for zebra wallpaper and buttery tomato sauce, Gino's was celebrated as affordable, club-like, and received mixed reviews for its food.

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