Roberto’s Italian Ristorante opens on Federal Street

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

A year ago, Robert Faraglia set out to find a location for his proposed restaurant.

He checked out locations in Boardman, Liberty and Austintown.

But his heart was always in one place: Youngstown.

“Our heart never wanted to leave Youngstown,” Faraglia said Friday, just hours before his restaurant, Roberto’s Italian Ristorante, at 103 W. Federal St., made its public debut.

“We just want it to be a small, quaint, Italian restaurant,” said Faraglia, who, along with business partner John Naples, leased the space last March.

The restaurant, which features many speciality pastas imported from Italy, will be open from 3 to 10 p.m. today.

The menu also features jumbo ravioli, imported water from Italy and lunch carry-outs.

“It’s all old-fashioned Italian food,” Faraglia said.

Roberto’s Friday opening coincided with the debut of 9ine Lounge and Nightclub at 36 W. Federal St., home of the former Downtown 36 nightclub.

As the Federal Street strip begins to fill out, Faraglia sees the potential of a downtown rejuvenation.

“It’s unbelievable,” he said. “We’ve just seen the city changing.

“We’re thrilled.”

Regular hours for Roberto’s are: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and 3 to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, at least until the business acquires its liquor license.

The restaurant is closed Sundays, with the exception of scheduled private parties.

For information, call 330-743-3000.