Many of us share fond memories from years past of Rumari’s Ristorante, when previous owners, Max, and Vince Crivello would welcome us like family and even share a toast to life at the three seat bar that faced the kitchen. Locals knew the brothers well and enjoyed visiting their establishment for authentic Italian dishes and warm vibes. A few years back, the bar was remodeled, and a good friend of mine, Jasmine, was the smiling sweet face who greeted you upon entry and poured the wine…I would often recommend this place to guest of the Surf & Sand Resort. Fast forward a few years and it turns out the Crivello’s sold the business to Chris Keller in 2019, who brought in his right hand man, Craig Connole, to reopen this charming restaurant and local’s favorite in Laguna Beach.
Craig is joined by his sister, Christi Bell, and her daughter, Keely Bell. Together, they have created a new menu that includes some favorites from the previous menu of Rumari’s as well as a some creative dishes by Craig. “He is so excited to be cooking Italian Cuisine once again” said Christi. They also have added a new Italian Market, Famiglia Alimentari that features grab and go items such as homemade pastas and sauces, salads as well as beer and wine. They also offer picnic baskets that can be customized with your favorite Chianti or Pinot Grigio.
It was great to see so many familiar faces during my recent dining experience such as the manager, Lucian Stefonik who has worked closely with Chef Craig in past years at K’ya and Big Fish as well as Sammy the infamous bartender of the original establishment. Aside from the reunion and warm welcome from the Rumari’s staff. The patio was popping all throughout this past holiday weekend. It seems the word is out about Rumari’s fresh new look and Ocean View Patio that tripled the amount of seating available. Not to mention a staff of friendly familiar faces and a Chef who’s amazing skills have been feeding this town over a decade.
My dining partner and and I shared the Octopus, and a Caprese Salad for appetizers. Both were outstanding but I particularly loved the Burrata cheese on the Caprese salad verses Mozzerella. She ordered a seafood Pasta and I opted for a popular Italian dish of Chicken Picatta. The portions were huge and the pasta was loaded with a variety of fresh seafood such as Prawns, Scallops, and Calamari combined with a Squid Ink pasta in a savory sauce. My Chicken Piccata was tender and flavorful and served with nicely cooked vegetables and a superb lemon caper sauce. We followed up our dinner with Cannolli and Tiramisu, two classic Italian desserts that did not disappoint.
We are lucky to still have Chef Craig in town and its great to see our local favorites like Rumari’s Ristorante, open again and buzzing with life, and good vibes. Be sure to stop by and try their new market items to go, or stick around and experience the new Wine Bar, Osteria, complete with it’s own special menu that feature Chef’s specialty items. In addition, if you are planning an event you need catered or have a private event that you would like to host from Rumari’s restaurant, don’t hesitate to call them, they want to help.
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