Il Barone Ristorante Expands with New Brunch Menu

News Summary

Il Barone Ristorante in Newport Beach is launching a new brunch menu to attract a broader clientele and enhance its reputation in Orange County. Co-owned by chef Franco Barone, the restaurant aims to provide a refined Italian dining experience with signature dishes and classic cocktails, marking a significant evolution from its traditional dinner services. This initiative comes after a series of relocations and challenges faced since its opening, including the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. With brunch available Thursday to Sunday, Il Barone is ready to cater to both loyal customers and new guests.

Newport Beach, CA – Il Barone Ristorante, a well-regarded Italian dining destination, is expanding its service offerings with the launch of a new brunch menu. This move comes as the restaurant, co-owned by chef Franco Barone and his wife, Donatella, navigates a series of changes and relocations since its inception in 2009. Originally favored for business lunches and client dinners, the new brunch initiative aims to attract a wider clientele and solidify its reputation as a premier dining location in Orange County.

Located near John Wayne Airport, Il Barone has gained respect and popularity among the Orange County business elite. Franco Barone previously served as executive chef at Antonello Ristorante for two decades, where he garnered a reputation for hosting VIP dinners and attracting celebrity visitors. His culinary expertise continues to shape the offerings at Il Barone, which moved to its current location on Coast Highway in 2022 after several transitions due to space constraints and external pressures.

Il Barone began encountering challenges in 2017 when the restaurant had to relocate from its original site as a result of the landlord selling the property to developers. The Barones subsequently moved into a former Coco’s Bakery on Bristol Street. Their growth did not stop there; they also opened Il Barone Sicilian Street Food in Huntington Beach, managed by their eldest son, Jon Barone, and acquired the Ti Amo restaurant in Laguna Beach.

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the restaurant industry in March 2020, with Il Barone temporarily closing and experiencing financial difficulties. Recovery efforts continued until 2022, when another business takeover forced another relocation. Fortunately, the Barones managed to secure a temporary space in a former Bosscat Kitchen & Libations restaurant, although they recognized this was a short-term arrangement.

A significant milestone occurred when Il Barone successfully transitioned to a prime location at Alessa by Chef Pirozzi, marking its fourth home. With this move, the restaurant has redefined its dining experience, previously known for dinner services. The newly introduced brunch menu is available from Thursday to Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., offering a refined Italian experience that includes elegant flavors, house specialties, and classic morning cocktails.

Highlighted on the new brunch menu are signature dishes such as the Facci Ri Veccia, which features crescenza cheese, Parma prosciutto, and truffle oil atop a pizza. Diners can also savor Sicilian meatloaf burgers, Frittata Campagnola, squid ink pasta, and pappardelle with wild boar ragu. To end meals on a sweet note, traditional tiramisu is offered as a dessert option.

Jon Barone, actively involved in the kitchen, also provides private chef services for special events, adding another layer of personal touch within the culinary offerings. As Il Barone settles into its new location, it has been met with enthusiasm from its loyal clientele. Many longtime customers have followed the Barones through their transitions, helping to build a bridge between past and present operations.

The restaurant’s recent changes have not only maintained its high standard of Italian cuisine but have also attracted a new local following. With the brunch menu contributing to the evolving culinary landscape of Newport Beach, Il Barone Ristorante is poised to continue thriving amidst its challenges and expansions. As it embarks on this new chapter, the Barones remain committed to delivering quality dining experiences to both new guests and loyal patrons alike.

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Additional Resources

• Orange County Business Journal: Fourth Time’s the Charm for Il Barone
• Newport Beach Independent: Favorite Dining Experiences of 2023
• OC Register: Newport Beach Power Lunch Restaurant Il Barone Relocating
• Google Search: Il Barone Newport Beach
• Orange County Business Journal: Il Barone’s Next Act in Newport Beach
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Italian Cuisine