If you’ve watched The Sopranos, you probably crack a smile when you hear the word “Gabagool.” It’s a dialectal pronunciation of Capicola, a popular variety of Italian cured pork. But if you visit the new restaurant in Östermalms Saluhall, you’ll be smiling for entirely different reasons. Here, you’ll experience Italian food at its very best.

Elias Karroum and his partner Mamun run Gabagool, which has just opened in Östermalm’s Saluhall. Elias passionately explains the vision behind the restaurant.

“Mamun and I share a passion for Italian food, and we want to create a place where craftsmanship and authentic Italian flavours are front and centre. We saw an opportunity to complement the hall’s offerings with an oasis that truly breathes Italy.”

Mamun is a trained dough expert from Rome, and of course, fresh pasta is a key ingredient on the menu.

“We want more people to experience truly great Italian food,” Elias explains. “Carefully selected ingredients and traditional flavours for lunch, aperitivos, and dinner! We want to create an experience you can enjoy on site, but we also want to give you the chance to take a little piece of Italy home with you.”

The name itself is an appetizer

Elias hopes the name will help customers immediately understand the restaurant’s concept.

“Gabagool is our tribute to Italian food culture. The name comes from the Italian-American term for capicola, a classic cold cut. We’re inspired by Italy’s vibrant food and drink scene – from rustic trattorias to modern wine bars – and yes, of course by The Sopranos, where ‘gabagool’ became iconic.”

Their ambition is to serve classic Italian food. Elias describes the flavours guests can look forward to.

“Naturally, there will be lots of fresh pasta,” Elias says. “We’ll serve classical Italian dishes in the restaurant, with incredibly delicious pasta made from carefully selected ingredients. But above all, you must try the warm focaccia – the one Mamun makes is perfetto! We’ll also have charcuterie, cheeses, and other delicacies for customers to buy and take home.”

It’s clear that the two have a deep passion for Italy.

“We’re going to offer a truly authentic Italian experience. Our cooking is as passionate as our ingredients are well thought out. At Gabagool, there will always be an atmosphere that radiates Italy.”