We have always admired young entrepreneurs who dive in and take that “big risk” of investing all in their own business. So it is that we are impressed with Westerville resident Daniel Wade, the 26- year-old who started saving for his own business when he was 19, and who now is the chef and owner of Cardone’s Restaurant and Bar on West Main Street, just East of Schrock (across from the fire station).

For those of you who travel all the way across town to get first-class Italian food in an upscale atmosphere, you can now save on fuel. Wade, a 2006 graduate in finance from Ohio State, learned the secrets to old-world Italian cuisine from his grandmother, Mary “Noni” Cardone, who immigrated here from Avezzano, in the Abruzzo region of Italy.

It is “Noni’s” recipes, and tradition of made-from-scratch daily, that are used today to make the gnocchi, raviolis and pizza dough. Everything at Cardone’s is made from scratch and made-to-order, even the mozzarella and the dense, flavorful sausage. Cardone’s has a warm ambiance that encourages lingering over the ethereal bread, with just the right crunch of crust, yet impossibly soft on the inside. As many breads as we love, this one may be the very best in town.

If you pair the delights from the kitchen with wine, you will be thrilled to know the wine list is ultra-reasonably priced at about $5 to $6 over retail per bottle. The all-Italian list also offers several varieties by the glass, equal values all.

But it is the food itself that draws reservations-only crowds every Friday and Saturday. Not bad for a place that just opened in February. The menu is straight-forward Italian, created at the highest level of care and quality, and with the finest ingredients. The stuffed Portobello mushrooms (ricotta, parmesan, house-made mozzarella and herbs) are not de-gilled until ordered. The chicken carbonara served over cavatappi is as authentic as you can find this side of Milan. And, the herbs all come from the Westerville North High School hydroponic program – that’s our idea of local sourcing.

Lunch is a limited menu of sandwiches and appetizers for those on a tight schedule ($5-8). But if you have time to linger, the full dinner menu is available all day, and especially enjoyable on the outdoor patio. Dessert lovers will savor “Noni’s” tiramisu, and other delights such as fresh berry compote with seasonally selected gelato.

Cardone’s has a full bar, does catering, curbside carryout and is available for private parties on Sundays. There is also a kids’ menu (pastas, chicken fingers, fries) at $4.

Cardone’s Restaurant and Bar
Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
377 W. Main St., Westerville, OH 43081
614-392-2267
www.cardonesrestaurant.com