If you’ve travelled to Italy, you’ve likely savored the experience that is dining there. The food? Delicious, of course, from perfectly prepared pasta to fresh-caught seafood and of course, those tempting desserts, perhaps accompanied by a glass of wine or limoncello.
But beyond the food, it’s the people who make meals in Italy so memorable – the smiles, the music, the warm welcome as you’re invited to linger and enjoy with family and friends.
And that’s exactly what’s coming later this summer to historic downtown Kirkland.
Rimini Ristorante is the long-awaited new culinary experience from the Nardone family, four-time winners of top 100 restaurants in America – the only restaurateurs in Washington State to do so – and renowned for their previous restaurant, named Montalcino.
Having family and friends at the heart of Rimini is what makes it so special, says Fernando Nardone. “We always wanted to something a little more old school, a little more fun,” he reflects, noting the family had been looking for four years for the perfect location for their new venture.
“Everybody just loves this new location and I think it’s going to be something no one has seen here before – we’re going to bring Italy to Kirkland,” Fernando says, noting the restaurant is named for a seaside town in Italy that like Kirkland is known for being fun and inviting.
Joining Fernando and Cindy Nardones in the restaurant is longtime family friend, partner and musician Tony La Stella, and the rest the Nardone family. Hailing originally from Italy’s Campania region with Tuscany ties, Fernando’s parents, “Papa” Giovanni and “Mama” Michelina are both professionally trained chefs who love sharing their rich history of traditional Italian winemaking and cooking with guests.
From start to finish, Rimini will embody the Italian experience – a glass of Prosecco upon arrival, homemade cheese in the middle of your meal, and a digestif to finish. Papa Giovanni’s homemade wine will be poured among selections from Rimini’s expertly curated wine list, including Poggio Giovanni Nardone family wines.
As in Italy, only the highest-quality ingredients enter the Nardone kitchen and diners will indulge in amazing family recipes, sometimes boasting a delicious twist on the traditional. Expect savory signature dishes like wild boar pappardelle, filet mignon ravioli and of course, Italian classics like osso buco and meatballs with rich, flavorful marsala sauce.
And because good food and good music are the perfect pairing, Michelina is also a trained opera singer, known for singing as she cooks and at table side, while Tony will also sing and perform Italian classics on guitar.
Pouring the heart and soul of their Italian heritage into Rimini, it’s no wonder that fine food, good wine, great conversation, hospitality with family and friends is a way of life for the Nardone family, a tradition handed down for generations.
With such passion for hospitality, you know Rimini Ristorante – at 3 Lake St., along Kirkland’s historic waterfront – will be the region’s go-to destination for both everyday dining and special events, from birthdays and anniversaries to private events in the special back room overlooking the water.
For details, call
