Mediterraneo renovates after 17 years

Lively chatter floats through Mediterraneo as couples and families enjoy an authentic Italian dinner. Owner Dan Baroni opened the restaurant in January 1996 after a lifetime of working in Italian restaurants. Baroni grew up in Lake Maggiore, Italy, where he helped his parents run their family restaurant. He moved in 1986 to New York where he managed Ciao Bella and Mezzaluna, both Italian restaurants.

The 4,000-square-foot restaurant is currently undergoing renovations that should be completed in four weeks.

“We are not changing because there is something wrong but to keep up with the times,” Baroni said.

Interior designer Renzo Rivolta is designing the restaurant in a rustic, contemporary style. The restaurant will be repainted a smooth cappuccino color, and the bar top will be replaced with white Italian marble. One wall will have a booth lining it, and new tiles will cover the floor. Mediterraneo seats 170 people.

Baroni says that after 17 years in business, it is time for a facelift. He has wanted to renovate the restaurant for the past few years and says now is the right time.

“Business is doing very good, and we want to keep it that way and keep it fresh,” he says.

In conjunction with the renovations, Baroni is working on a few new menu items with the restaurant’s chef, but says all of the original items will remain the same.