Marilyn Monroe Dined Here: Why Her Favorite NYC Restaurant Became a Cupcake Sensation!

When it comes to iconic celebrity food favorites, Marilyn Monroe’s tastes continue to captivate us, offering a glimpse into the lavish world of one of Hollywood’s brightest stars. Monroe’s favorite New York City restaurant, Gino of Capri—more commonly known as Gino’s—has become a part of her enduring legacy. However, in a twist of fate, the beloved Italian restaurant is now home to something far different: Sprinkles, a trendy cupcake chain with a twist.

The History of Gino of Capri

Founded in 1945 by Gino Circiello, Gino of Capri quickly became a go-to spot for New York’s elite, offering hearty Italian dishes like lamb chops, pasta, and signature red sauce made rich with butter. Located at 780 Lexington Avenue, Gino’s offered an inviting atmosphere where celebrities and everyday New Yorkers could mingle. The restaurant was a favorite haunt of many icons, including Frank Sinatra, Gregory Peck, Jackie O, and even Ernest Hemingway. But it was Monroe who made the restaurant especially iconic, frequently dining there with her second husband, Joe DiMaggio, and later with her third, Arthur Miller.

Monroe’s love for the establishment seemed as much about the restaurant’s ambiance as its food. The kitchen’s special red sauce, paired with luxurious layers of ice cream, was a decadent treat that fit perfectly with Monroe’s glamorous lifestyle. The restaurant’s comforting, old-school charm, reasonable prices, and classic Italian offerings made it a true staple of 1940s and ’50s New York City dining.

From Classic Italian to Cupcakes

Despite its popularity, Gino’s closed its doors in 2010, marking the end of an era. A year later, Sprinkles, the renowned cupcake chain, opened its first New York City outpost in the same space. Known for its high-end cupcakes and even an automated “cupcake ATM,” Sprinkles brings a modern twist to the neighborhood—far removed from the old-school, classy Italian dining of Gino’s.

But the transition wasn’t without controversy. Sprinkles reinstalled a reproduction of the iconic zebra-print wallpaper, designed by Franco Scalamandre for Gino’s. The wallpaper, which featured leaping zebras against a crimson background, had been one of Gino’s defining design elements, adding a touch of vibrancy to the otherwise classic eatery. While reviews suggest the wallpaper was eventually removed, it was a symbolic nod to the restaurant’s rich legacy.

Gino’s Legacy Lives On

While the space now serves cupcakes instead of lamb chops, the memory of Gino’s remains a cherished part of New York’s dining history, particularly for fans of Monroe’s life. Gino of Capri was more than just a restaurant; it was a place where celebrities mingled with regulars, creating a unique and egalitarian charm that epitomized old-school New York. Monroe’s connection to the restaurant, alongside other legends like Frank Sinatra, helps ensure that Gino’s place in the city’s culinary history is firmly entrenched, even if its physical doors have closed.

Now, as Sprinkles continues to attract a new generation of customers with its innovative approach to dessert, the space once known for its hearty Italian meals has transformed into a cupcake haven, where sweet treats meet modern convenience. While the upscale vibe of Gino’s may have faded, the spirit of Monroe and the icons who frequented the restaurant will always be a part of its legacy—no matter what is served on the menu.