New Elmhurst Italian Restaurant Planned

ELMHURST, IL — A new Italian restaurant is planned for Elmhurst in the space once occupied by Flight 112 restaurant.

Capri Ristorante, which has a location in Burr Ridge, is seeking to open at 110 W. Park Ave. It is requesting a liquor license from the Elmhurst city government.

The original Capri Ristorante opened in 1985 by "Mama Capri." Owners Filippo and Maria Rovito have since brought their children into the family business, with each child running their own Capri venues, according to a city memo.

The proposed Elmhurst restaurant will be run by son Andy Rovito and his business partner, Jason Lewinski.

According to the city, the owners believe Capri will play strongly with the demographics of Elmhurst and surrounding areas. The restaurant will feature "an elegant style dining room and full service bar," the memo said.

The plates are expected to include brasciole, osso buco, hand-made pasta, fresh fish, Chilean sea bass, steaks and tender veal.

In Burr Ridge, son Filippo Rovito, owner of Capri Ristorante, is planning to open a nightclub a few doors down called "Are We Live?" The proposal has drawn protests from neighbors.

Filippo Rovito's ties to Burr Ridge Mayor Gary Grasso have become the subject of a political debate during Village Board meetings.

One of the plates at Burr Ridge's Capri Ristorante is called "Linguini alla Mayor Grasso." There is no word on whether a plate at the Elmhurst restaurant will be named after the mayor or any other local politician.

The city memo did not indicate when Capri Ristorante plans to open in Elmhurst.