Apicio Awaits
Apicio Ristorante & Enoteca opened this month in Zionsville, marking Chef Emilio Cento’s return to the heart of hospitality.
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For longtime fans of Chef Emilio Cento, dining at his new Zionsville restaurant feels a bit like coming home. After years spent shaping the local culinary landscape, Cento returns to what he loves most—being in the kitchen, cooking for familiar faces, and creating experiences that celebrate connection. Several years in the making, Cento is excited to be back in the kitchen, to see his old customers who’ve become like friends and to meet new ones.
At Apicio Ristorante & Enoteca, Cento brings together more than three decades of culinary experience in what may be his most personal creation yet. Named for Marcus Gavius Apicius (the legendary Roman gourmand whose love of food and wine inspired centuries of culinary tradition), Apicio embodies the chef’s belief that “Chi mangia bene, vive bene”—those who eat well, live well. True to that philosophy, Apicius is more than a restaurant. It’s a gathering place, designed with the same thoughtful care Cento gives to his food. Handcrafted pasta and refined Italian classics share the stage with an atmosphere that encourages conversation. “It’s all about connection,” Cento explains. “Apicius was famous for his large gatherings where food, wine, ambiance, and company were all equally important—that’s what we wanted to recreate.” 
The menu is both sophisticated and soulful, highlighting Cento’s signature approach to authentic Italian cuisine made with the finest ingredients. The wine program, however, takes center stage in a particularly innovative way. Apicio features the Napa Technology WineStation®, an advanced preservation system that allows for a remarkable selection of wines by the glass, including bottles typically reserved as full bottles only, meaning guests can enjoy more variety for an elevated dining experience.
With over 90 wines and a beverage program led by General Manager Nicola Gabriele—a Level One Sommelier—and Beverage Director Corey Hamilton, Apicio’s Enoteca, or wine bar, offers an artful balance of tradition and innovation. Hamilton, who previously worked with Cento and happens to hold a degree in archaeology, brings a creative and cultural spin to the restaurant’s cocktail menu, which includes both signature drinks and a thoughtful selection of mocktails.
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As the finishing touches come together, Cento is eager to welcome guests into this next chapter of his career—a celebration of good food, good wine and good company. In the heart of Zionsville, Apicio Ristorante & Enoteca invites everyone to gather, connect and live well.
For those seeking something truly rare, Apicio offers an exclusive Black Card membership, limited to just five patrons, that promises unique privileges and private experiences. Email nicola@apicioindy.com for details. Apicio Ristorante & Enoteca is now open at 3311 South US 421 in Zionsville. For more information, menus and reservations, visit apicioindy.com and follow @apicioindy on Instagram. 
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