Chefs Drew Belline and Ford Fry partnered to open no. 246 as a “Cal-Ital” inspired restaurant over ten years ago and are now excited to see it evolve into its next iteration of “OG” red sauce, classic Italian.
246’s reimagined direction marks a new era for the Decatur gem that pays homage to the old-school, Italian dining scenes of yesteryear through a new menu and a revamped ambiance that has evolved backwards through the decades to evoke the classic comforts of the Italian-American restaurant culture’s spirited beginnings.
Reminiscent of the iconic mob-style destinations of the late 70s with scenes of guests enjoying the likes of spicy rigatoni vodka & a bowl of meatballs in gravy in mind, the menu features a remixed, throwback to classics like a classic house-chopped salad, calamari marinara, fried house-made mozzarella & cheesy garlic bread al forno for the table, Nonna-approved pizzas and pastas, secondi crowd-pleasers like chicken al limone, shrimp scampi, bistecca alla Fiorentina & sizzling flounder piccata — plus a playful dessert menu, classic cocktails and a carefully curated wine list of American and Italian standouts.
“As I evolve as a chef I’m finding that I am craving nostalgic dishes of simplicity from the past, dishes that strike a chord with memories and family. That’s what we are doing with the next ten years of no. 246.” — Drew Belline
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