In summer 2016, Tom Tarantino, Antonia Buono and Vincenzo Bruno opened RoVino on a quiet stretch of Kettner Boulevard in San Diego's Little Italy. In August 2019, the team opened Rovino The Foodery Italian deli and market in the East Village, but closed the concept in 2023.
Tarantino is now branching off on his own to bring Buon Cibo Italian Specialties to the new Livia living complex in Scripps Ranch. Buon Cibo, which translates to "good food" in Italian, will offer an extensive range of authentic Italian products, freshly prepared dishes, and convenient take-home options. The store's motto, "Eat Like An Italian," encapsulates its commitment to providing an authentic Italian culinary experience that transports customers to the heart of Italy.
"We're thrilled to bring the flavors of Italy, particularly from our family's hometown of Porticello, Sicily, to the Scripps Ranch community," said Tom Tarantino, founder of Buon Cibo Italian Specialties. "Our store will be a celebration of Italian culinary artistry, offering everything from imported delicacies to house-made specialties."
Buon Cibo Italian Specialties is expected to open in early 2025 at 10380 Spring Canyon Road in San Diego's Scripps Ranch. For more information, visit buoncibosd.com.
Buon Cibo will feature authentic Italian sandwiches, house-made salads, ready-to-eat meals, artisan bread, desserts, specialty ravioli, a curated selection of imported salumi, cheeses, and high-end wines, premium ingredients for cooking Italian cuisine at home, and a private event space for hosting gatherings and celebrations. A standout offering is the "Gourmet Italian Meal Plan," which will include seven artisanal dishes for $85, perfect for busy professionals and families seeking quality dining options. These handcrafted meals will be ready to heat and savor, with menus rotating weekly to ensure variety and seasonal freshness.
Tarantino's culinary tradition in San Diego goes back 30 years. Tom's family hails from Porticello, Sicily, and his grandfathers settled in San Diego decades ago, both becoming fishermen during the height of the city's fishing industry.