A true Italian experience has arrived in Issaquah Highlands. Three generations of the Nardone family opened Amarone Restaurant & Bar at the end of 2022.
This new dining experience took over the space previously occupied by Sip Restaurant & Wine Bar. Sip officially closed on Nov. 29.
Restaurant conductors Fernando and Cindy Nardone run the show at Amarone with help from their family (including their two kids). The Nardone’s are nationally acclaimed restaurateurs and founders of some of the top restaurants in America.
Fernando’s parents, “Papa” Giovanni and “Mama” Michelina, are both professionally trained chefs. They both maintain a presence at Amarone in an effort to share their rich history of traditional Italian winemaking and cooking with customers.
Giovanni was born on the family vineyard in Italy. From a young age, he pursued a passion for winemaking, which eventually transpired into an award-winning selection under the Nardone Wine label. He plans to stop by the restaurant to pour some wine and socialize with guests.
Fernando’s brother, Big Ernesto, is the featured guest host.
Ernesto said Amarone features at least 200 different wines from the United States and Italy. He estimates about 75% of the wine comes from Italy, compared to roughly 25% from the U.S. and other parts of the world.
“It’s not a wine bar,” Ernesto emphasized. “It’s a restaurant and bar.”
Michelina is the heart and soul of the kitchen. She oversees the cooks at Amarone, using family recipes that have been passed through generations. Ernesto said dishes consist of homemade pasta, “pure Italian ingredients” and larger portions.
You’ll often hear Michelina singing Opera, either from the kitchen or tableside. Longtime family-friend and world-renowned entertainer Tony La Stella also performs Italian classics on his guitar for customers.
“There’s no place else to get this type of Italian restaurant,” Ernesto noted. “It’s a destination place…We treat customers like family.”
Prior to Amarone, the Nardone family operated an award-winning restaurant in downtown Issaquah and elsewhere for roughly 25 years, which earned many awards and recognitions.
The Nardone family wanted to stay in Issaquah for their next venture, and they settled on Issaquah Highlands for its convenience, clientele, parking and family-based community. As homeowners here since 2006, they think the location is underrated and hope to encourage more visitors to experience all that our community has to offer.
