Authentic Italian Rotisserie & Wine Bar Readies in Little Italy

Kettner Boulevard's ever-expanding restaurant options grow with a new concept that truly has roots in the neighborhood. Business partners Tom Tarantino, Antonia Buono and Vincenzo Bruno are first and second generation Italians who grew up in Little Italy; they'll be drawing on their Sicilian and Tuscan heritage for RoVino, which will bring elements of a classic Italian rosticceria into a traditional restaurant setting.

The partners are giving a rustic redesign to the modern space that was formerly Cookbook Tavola Calda, with plans to open by June or July. The new 40-seat restaurant, which includes an outdoor patio, will be shored up with brick and hardwood and decorated with potted plants and handpainted Italian tile.

In the kitchen, a rotisserie will cook chickens and crisp-skinned porchetta over a bed of roasted potatoes. The chickens will be available in quarter, half or whole bird portions, while the sliced porchetta will be tucked into sandwiches or served on a carving board with the potatoes. The rotisserie will also be used to roast seasonal specials, from whole turkeys to prime rib.

Open for lunch and dinner, RoVino will also serve a full menu of antipasti, handmade pasta and seafood and meat entrees — even homemade cannoli — along with a wine program that focuses on Italian varietals.