Italian restaurant in Batavia expanding to East Dundee

The owner of an Italian restaurant in Batavia is planning to expand to a second location in downtown East Dundee.

Aliano's Ristorante is expected to open Nov. 1 at 310 N. River St., which formerly housed Pasquale's Pizzeria & Delicatessen.

The new restaurant will be similar to the Batavia location, owner Mario Aliano said, with family-style cooking and dishes made using his mother's and grandmother's recipes.

A different Italian restaurant, LaTavola Ristorante & Pizzeria, was originally slated to move into the vacant storefront, but business broker Terry Donati said that deal fell through. The storefront has been vacant since June.

Aliano, whose Batavia restaurant has been open for five years, had been considering expansion when business brokers and developers approached him about opening an East Dundee location, he said. With village stakeholders hoping to make the downtown area a culinary district, they told Aliano he would make a great fit, he said.

The first time Aliano went to check out the village's downtown, he said, he knew it was the right place for his business.

"I immediately got goose bumps," he said, noting that village officials and staff approached him almost instantly. "They are excited. They know my food. They're amazing people - warm, welcoming. I want that feel in my restaurant."

Aliano said he also wanted a community where he could get involved and bring new ideas to the table. East Dundee seemed to be the perfect fit, he said.

In anticipation of the opening, the building is undergoing interior renovations, Aliano said, with the goal of giving it a rustic, Tuscany-style look and feel. Outdoor patio seating will be available as well.

"It's going to be like (our customers) are eating at home," Aliano said. "I want them to leave my restaurant always with a smile. That's very important to me."

Delivery, online ordering and carryout services may also be available, he added. The restaurant will be open for lunch and dinner and will have a full bar. The menu will include homemade pasta and sauces, steaks, chops and fresh seafood, as well as other unique Italian dishes such as stuffed artichokes, Aliano said.

"I'm bringing back the old-school Italian cooking, the way it should be done," he said. "We're all about customer service. We want to give them the best of the best Italian food. We don't do it any other way."