Romano’s Restaurant in Woodbridge may be 24 years old, but it sure doesn’t look it.

Owners Lori and Romano Perciballi have renovated the strictly Italian eatery four times since opening in 1994, with the most recent within the last year.

Nuovo

“It was a complete revamp,” Lori says.

In addition to adding a new bar/lounge area with high top tables, bar seating and four HD flat-screen TVs, the entire restaurant got a new look via Toronto’s Drake + Khan Design. The metamorphosis is dramatic – from dark woods and a dated, cluttered rustic feel (carpet!), to a brighter, contemporary, streamlined dining room with wine wall, modern art, sleek chairs and tablecloths. Yes, tablecloths. But the result isn’t stuffy in the least. Instead, the room evokes casual fine dining that can accommodate everything from date night to large groups.

Famiglia

The couple – married just seven months before opening the expansive restaurant – is well known to regulars.

Lori can be found in the front of the restaurant, while Romano, as chef, takes care of the kitchen. They eat here often with the kids and both brought some of their siblings to work here – Lori’s sister Rina and Anna, and Romano’s sister. Almost all the staff has been here “in the double digits,” Lori says.

It’s no wonder people feel like extended family after only a visit or two.

Mangia

The food, too, feels like a family feast.

The extensive menu features traditional dishes such as classic Veal Parmigiana, and an array of pastas and wood-oven thin-crust pizzas, as well as more modern fare (Rack of Lamb, Seabass). Ask your server about specials.

Portions are on the large size. Dining in a group? Both appetizers and pastas are available in platters for four to six.

Dietary restrictions and allergies can be accommodated. Gluten-free pasta (spelt) is also available.

Vino

The wine list offers an array of choices for a good price, according to Lori. In addition to Italian selections, you’ll find an assemblage from California, Australia and France.

“There’s something for everyone,” she says.

Everything under one roof

Romano’s Restaurant offers the best of both worlds:

• Longtime establishment with a new look
• Finer dining room and more casual bar/lounge area
• Special occasion restaurant and usual weekly spot
• A place where everyone knows your name, with new items to look forward to

Romano’s Restaurant (830 Rowntree Dairy Rd.) is open for lunch Monday to Friday from 11:30 am to 3 pm, and for dinner Tuesday to Saturday from 5:30 to 10 pm. Sunday is for private events only.

Takeout and catering are also available. Coming soon: delivery.

Check out our Facebook page for more photos.

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