While a trip to Italy may not be in your plans for the near future, that doesn’t mean you can’t experience an amazing Italian restaurant experience.
Well-known local restaurateurs, the Nardone family, have brought an authentic Italian experience with a twist to the historic Kirkland waterfront.
Using only true Italian ingredients, longstanding family recipes, house-made wine and music are all lovingly served up in one delicious package: Rimini Ristorante.
Rimini is the long-awaited new culinary experience from the Nardones, renowned for their previous Montalcino restaurant and four-time recipients of top 100 restaurants in America designation – the only restaurateurs in Washington state to do so.
And just like your favorite Italian ristorante from the old country, family and friends are what make Rimini so special, says Fernando Nardone.
“People are loving our new restaurant – the food, the setting, the service – it’s all started with a bang and we couldn’t be more pleased,” Fernando says.
Take Rimini on the go as you explore Kirkland’s historic waterfront with a pasta cone. Rimini photos
Joining Fernando and Cindy Nardone in the restaurant is longtime family friend, partner and musician Tony La Stella, and the rest of 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.
And a full 90 percent of the staff – including the entire kitchen team – have worked with the family before, meaning the exceptional food and service the family is known for has returned, much to the delight of diners!
Rave reviews since last month’s opening, diner Gary Weiss perhaps sums it up best, as “Perfezione” (perfection): “Rimini is exceptional, from the owners, the Nardones, to the wait staff to the kitchen. Eating here isn’t just about food. It goes beyond that with an authentic and truly Italian EXPERIENCE! No place else like it unless of course you’re in Italy. Come to the shores of Kirkland and enjoy The Authentic Italian EXPERIENCE for yourself you won’t be disappointed.”
Commented another guest, “The place looks amazing even has a speakeasy table.”
From start to finish, Rimini embodies the Italian experience – a glass of Prosecco upon arrival, homemade cheese in the middle of your meal, and a digestif to finish. From Mama’s Homemade Meatball Plate to the succulent Short Rib Ravioli al Cognac, this is a menu to savor, often with a delicious twist on the traditional.
Papa Giovanni’s homemade wine will be poured among selections from Rimini’s expertly curated wine list, including Poggio Giovanni Nardone family wines. And music is, as always, an important ingredient, whether it’s Mama Michelina – also a trained opera singer – singing as she cooks or visits the dining room, or Tony delighting guests with Italian classics on guitar.
While every meal can easily be a celebration in Italy – and at Rimini! – they also know how to make those special days even more special. Birthdays, anniversaries and the like are honored with music and fanfare, whether in the main dining room or in the special back room overlooking the water.
And for those wanting to take their perfectly prepared pasta to enjoy on Kirkland’s picture-perfect waterfront, the Rimini team has added pasta cones in four flavors – pick up yours today from the take-away window.
Reserve your table online or by phone at
