Scuda- what? Scuda- who?

A new restaurant in Greenwich Village has everyone talking—even those who can't pronounce its name.

With the same title as a Ferrari racing unit, Scuderia (skoo-duh-REE-yuh) boasts rustic-hip décor and Italian comfort grub sure to drive diners back for more.

Italian for "team," the name Scuderia couldn't be more fitting; thanks to the collaboration of its four owners, chef and graphic artist, the once-vacant spot at 10 Downing Street is now a cozy, casual-yet-glam spot New Yorkers can call "home." Each partner brings a different skill, a different passion—a different flavor—to the table.

When you walk into the restaurant, you'll see a Max de Cherchi group photo scrawled with orange-lettered words: "Alessandro is from Firenze, for real. Silvano needs no introduction. Fabrizio was nominated for a Pulitzer (he's a musician). Leyla has the biz in her blood."

Let's meet the Scuderia squad…

Alessandro is from Firenze, for real. Easygoing and gregarious, Alessandro Bandini sports a pair of black and white sneakers with his blue suit shirt and red silk tie.

A native of Florence, Italy who worked in kitchens and dining rooms across the globe, Bandini finally settled at Silvano Marchetto's Da Silvano (across the street from Scuderia), where he climbed from the position of waiter to General Manager. He's now a certified sommelier and a co-owner of Scuderia. His goal? To make sure Scuderia patrons have a great time; one they'll remember forever.

Bandini says, "What I look forward to the most is the simplest of things: to make our customers happy; to leave our customers feeling like they have finally found 'their restaurant.' "

Bandini will work closely with the other crew members to ensure diner satisfaction. "I aim to be on the floor with my team, adding the finishing touches to my customers' dining experiences and ensuring smooth, efficient service delivery," says Bandini.

Silvano needs no introduction. You can spot Silvano Marchetto a mile away with his unmistakable shock of white hair, bright blue eyes and red-and-yellow-stippled Nikes (made just for him). This restaurant luminary has been forever lionized for his abovementioned eatery Da Silvano, a celebrity hotspot for over 30 years. Once dubbed the "Pope of Greenwich Village" by a writer in W magazine, Marchetto brings more than three decades of culinary experience to Scuderia.

"I'm bringing my creativity and knowledge of good food to this project. We're trying to make Scuderia the best new spot in town, and I believe we're going to do it," says Marchetto.

Fabrizio was nominated for a Pulitzer (he's a musician). Fabrizio Sotti believes great food has an effect similar to great music. That's why he finally entered the restaurant business.

Born in Padova, Italy and raised a classically-trained pianist, Sotti fell in love with rock and jazz music. He moved to Manhattan, where he not only found success as a guitarist, but as a producer and songwriter who worked with A-listers such as Whitney Houston, Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna and the late Tupac Shakur.

"I believe that the ultimate goal for an artist is to reach people in their heart and make them dream […]," says Sotti, whose experience from playing, writing and producing music helped him create the aural ambiance for Scuderia.

Sotti serves a soundtrack to suit the restaurant's mood—at breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Leyla's got the biz in her blood. Many kids play with plastic cups and saucers. Silvano's daughter Leyla grew up around the constant clanging of ubiquitous pots and pans. Yet she only recently discovered how to run a restaurant.

Leyla says, "Putting this project together over the past year with my dad, Alessandro and Fabrizio, has been an amazing learning experience. You really do learn best doing something, and you figure out quickly whether or not it's right for you. Thankfully, I think I've learned that I actually do want to follow in my father's footsteps. It only took 29 years."

An art-savvy Georgetown graduate, Leyla won't stop until she gets each design just right. She selected bright orange stools and green-tinted candleholders to balance the earthy, hip-industrial feel of the restaurant. Scuderia exudes her playful-yet-sophisticated personality.

But seasoned chef Claudio Cristofoli brings personality to the food. Not only has he gleaned experience from the Treviso Culinary Institute, but he's also worked at top restaurants in Europe and in chic New York eateries such as Cipriani Downtown. A few of his Scuderia specialties include thin-crust pizzas that gush with hot mozzarella and basil, and other classic comfort foods with an Italian twist: a Fontina cheese sandwich with artichokes and a pulled pork sandwich with red peppers and pesto. The list of bar nibbles and entrees goes on.

And thanks to one clever cartoonist, diners can have a little fun with their feast. The witty wall designs come from Silvano's wife—graphic novelist Marisa Acocella Marchetto, whose art was featured in The New Yorker, Glamour, ESPN and other famous magazines. The in-house artist for Scuderia, she designed the restaurant's logo, Web site, and of course, the rear door to the ladies' and gents' rooms with multilingual synonyms for "restroom."

Nestled in the heart of a celebrated street, Scuderia has a beat all its own. Booming with eclectic energy from its creative, passionate teammates, this place is destined for success.

(Photo courtesy of Max de Cherchi)

— Written by Danielle Travali

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