Established in 1933, the Green Arch Restaurant was founded by Francesca Discenza, who came to Cortland with her husband Angelo right around the turn of the century. The enterprising Italian immigrant was the first to make and sell tomato pie in Cortland, and also sold fireworks and operated a “speakeasy” during the time of Prohibition, offering up her homemade wine using her grocery store as a front.
After 86 years of being in the Discenza family, the torch was passed to longtime family friend, Matt Petrella. The restaurant continues to offer classic Italian dishes along with traditional Utica Greens, Francesca’s flatbread and famous homemade “Arch Sauce” – and, of course, alcoholic beverages!
DID YOU KNOW? Green Arch Restaurant was voted one of the Top 20 Best Italian Restaurants in Central New York in 2018.
