Riccobono Restaurants
While family dinners are a strong tradition for many New Orleanians, the
only our family, but our guests.”
For almost 50 years, three generations of the Riccobono family have
Café in 1998. Panola Street Café in the heart of Uptown serves classic breakfast
Riccobono family takes it a step further—family restaurants.
established superb restaurants throughout Metairie and New Orleans. Many area residents know Riccobono’s Peppermill as a staple in the lineup. Joe and Josie
Riccobono opened Peppermill in 1976 as their first venture in the then-growing Metairie area. The two had already become successful restaurateurs, owning the Buck 49 chain of steakhouses, including locations on Bourbon Street and the Riverbend on Carrollton Avenue, and Rick’s Pancake Cottage on Canal Street.
Riccobono’s Peppermill was their first foray into the more upscale style of
dining they enjoyed at many of New Orleans’ famous restaurants. The concept
of classic New Orleans dishes and Riccobono family Italian recipes is still thriving over 40 years later under third-generation management. Cousins Joseph
Vincent Riccobono, Joseph’s father, opened Riccobono’s Panola Street
specialties and lunch specials every weekday. In keeping with family tradition, in 2007, Joseph’s sister Heather Riccobono created Café Navarre a casual neighborhood go-to in Mid City for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner.
Joseph and Heather recently added a new venture into the lineup of family
establishments, Sala Restaurant + Bar. Sala is a modern, comfortable space for all to gather around brunch and dinner. The menu focuses on delicious cocktails and wines paired with delectable small plates. “Our family has owned and operated
Peppermill for over 40 years, Panola St. Cafe for 20, and Cafe Navarre for 10,” says Joseph. “And each has its own unique identity. We are excited to add Sala to the
family legacy.” As the newest family endeavor, Heather and Joseph are enjoying
Riccobono, Cami Chiarella, and Lizzie Randol, who all grew up in the restaurants,
welcoming new guests into their restaurant and hoping they stay a while.
and dinner.
moment with friends and family.”
carry on their grandparents’ tradition of timeless cuisine, serving breakfast, lunch
Heather says, “We want you to make yourself at home and enjoy the
After all, family is the tradition.
“The essence of New Orleans cuisine has changed little over the years. Trends
come and go, but what has remained constant for our family is hospitality and a
reverence for timeless cuisine,” says Joseph. “We pride ourselves in knowing that you are as important a guest as the first person who walked through the doors nearly a half century ago.”
The Peppermill’s warm and family-focused atmosphere underwent
renovations last year to brighten and modernize the restaurant. “While the space may look a little different, everyone’s fond memories of family celebrations and dinners will remain,” Cami says. “It’s a privilege to carry on this tradition for not
Riccobono’s Peppermill, 504-455-2266; Panola Street Café, 504-314-1810; Café Navarre, 504-483-8828; Sala Restaurant + Bar, 504-513-2670. riccobonos.com. August-September 2017 75