Prince of Italian Food Julian Barsotti Has a New Restaurant in the Works

The city's reigning crown prince of Italian food has a third restaurant in the works. Julian Barsotti, chef-owner of Nonna and the more-casual Carbone's, will open a new concept at the upcoming "Maple Avenue Dining District," located on Maple Avenue east of the Tollway in Oak Lawn.

The as-yet-unnamed restaurant is described as a "Roman Tavern" and is a joint project with Chris and DJ Donohoe, AKA two-thirds of the team behind Henderson Avenue nightlife staple The Dram. It's slated to open this summer and will join the previously announced Kansas City-style barbecue place 18th & Vine, scheduled to open this spring.

A third restaurant concept for the development will be announced soon, but expect it to be a new concept from a "renowned restaurateur." Per a press release from developer Crow Holdings, the Maple Avenue Design District will occupy 1.3 acres and also include a courtyard and community green space, and parking (both self and valet). The plan for the site includes "early 20th century Craftsman and Folk Victorian style buildings, period-specific materials, native plants and design detail" intended to reflect the history of the Oak Lawn neighborhood.