The newly renovated Colony Square and recently opened IPIC theater welcome a contemporary dining experience specializing in authentic, handmade Italian cuisine.

It is hard to put the intoxicating feeling of love into words. Many poets, writers and artists have tried to translate love through their mediums, but one stands out as a truly accurate vehicle: Italian food. Love can be found at new Italian restaurant Serena Pastificio, in both ambiance and menu. A prominent open-concept focal bar crowns the center of the room, and semiprivate dining tables are found throughout the restaurant’s perimeter. Touches of warm wood accents, luxuriant greenery and natural lighting enhance the vibrant ambiance. The 6,635-square-foot space offers indoor and outdoor seating, while 230 seats, a 36-seat private dining room and a 36-seat outdoor patio allow plenty of room for a soiree. Serena Pastificio is located in the newly renovated Colony Square, next to luxury dine-in movie theater IPIC — functioning as the official restaurant of the theater.

Preparing dishes from the freshest ingredients, the culinary team brings precision and passion to each plate. “Serena Pastificio’s menu offers timeless Italian dishes and homemade pasta, accompanied by a modern atmosphere,” says general manager Steven Ratner. “Serena Pastificio provides flavorful dishes and an experience for all to enjoy.” Serena has a new take on flavorful dishes by fusing old-school Italian flavors with new-school techniques. With cuisine inspired by the coast of Italy and the Mediterranean, a taste of culture is in every bite. The restaurant offers pastificio, a prominent pasta-making station where guests will have the opportunity to observe the culinary team preparing pasta by hand. The menu includes an assortment of specialty pastas such as fettuccine alla Bolognese, with beef, pork and pancetta Bolognese sauce, as well as delectable stuffed pasta dishes including mezzelune di aragosta, with lobster, ricotta and mozzarella filling, roasted cipollini and lobster jus, and garnished with fresh chives.

A selection of antipasti dishes are offered as well, including polpettine featuring braised veal-ricotta meatballs, house tomato sauce and Parmesan on grilled crostini, and polpo arrosto, with octopus, smoked potato creme and tomato confit. Fine libations such as globally sourced vino and seasonal ingredient-driven cocktails pair well with the haute cuisine. 1197 Peachtree St. NE, Ste. 140, serena-pastificio.com