Arrabiata's Owners Revamp Menu at DiCillo's Tavern

The people behind the food at are now running another kitchen just down Mayfield Road at DiCillo's Tavern.

Paul and Joe Rini, who joined with Nick and John D'Angelo to buy Arrabiata's Italian Restaurant 13 years ago, are now managing the kitchen at DiCillo's. Lunch hours are 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and dinner is from 4-9 p.m.

Joe Rini said he's a regular customer at the bar, owned by Pete DiCillo and his daughter Annette, and was excited about the opportunity.

"I was up here one night and heard they were looking for someone to run the kitchen," he said.

Rini said they're not looking to take Arrabiata's menu to DiCillo's, which will still focus on bar staples like burgers, sandwiches and soups.

"It's a different concept than Arrabiata's," he said.

They also aren't changing the cod fish fries on Fridays. The main thing they did was simplify what was an extensive menu that filled several pages down to the basics. They're working on adding specials, but wanted to start small.

Rini said what makes DiCillo's food different than typical bars is the care they put in to ensuring quality.

"The food quality is better. We don't cut any corners. We're feeding our friends and family," he said. "Everything's homemade - all the sauces and soups."

The recipes were developed by his brother, Paul, who also created the recipes at Arrabiata's.

"These are all pretty much his recipes. I'm the front of the house. He's the chef," Rini said.

Rini said he enjoys the history of DiCillo's, the longest-running business in Mayfield Heights. It also has stayed at the same location since it opened.

"It's been here since 1933. I like meeting the people who come in here. There's a real family atmosphere," Rini said.