Top Chef Mike Isabella opening Graffiato this spring

A runner-up on ‘Top Chef’, the D.C. chef is working with local talent to bring his Italian-inspired dishes to town.

February 4, 2014; 1:10 PM • by Nathan Cushing

Mike Isabella, a D.C.-based chef and restaurant owner, will bring his restaurant Graffiato to Jackson Ward this spring, taking over the space currently occupied by Popkin Tavern.

Having appeared on Top Chef and Top Chef All-Stars, Isabella and his Graffiato partner, Hilda Staples, are working with Rappahannock’s Travis Croxton to bring the Italian restaurant to 123 W. Broad.

Richmond Magazine has more on the new restaurant:

There won’t be dramatic changes to the old Popkin Furniture building. “The space is super-cool — with its high ceilings, and big glass windows on the corner, and old floor that’s totally on an angle,” says Isabella. “For me, it’s about keeping that feel of Popkin’s and trying to marry it with Graffiato.” A few of the walls will get a layer of graffiti, lighting will be changed, the bar is in for re-facing and a wood-burning oven will be installed in the kitchen — but that’s about it. Although half of the menu from D.C. will travel down to Richmond, the rest of the offerings will be brand-new. You can also expect Prosecco on tap and Virginia wines to be included in the wine menu.

Photo by: asaris1