It’s still Rumari – sort of.
Now, instead of just Italian, the new owner has added some Greek flair.
Local restaurant owner Ivan Spiers (Mozambique, Skyloft, Laguna Fish Company) recently added Rumari to his stable. It was previously owned by Chris Keller and Brittany Ryan, who bought it in 2019.
Spiers brought on veteran restaurant manager George Poulos, who has worked with Spiers at his other restaurants for several years.
“Spiers has a gift for making things work,” said Poulos. “He has breathed some life-giving ideas into this location.”
During a recent visit, the neighborhood restaurant was bustling with locals eager to taste the changes.
The menu is manageable, and the prices consistent with Laguna restaurants. Appetizers range from $8 (soup) to $24 (scampi). Pasta is generally in the mid $20, with some fancy dishes running up to $30 and $40. Entrees start at $28 and go up to more than $60 for big steaks or generous lobsters.
The wine list is ample, and the specialty cocktail list inventive. (How about a “West of Corfu”: Galliano liqueur, Campari, Ouzo, orange juice, lemon zest and mint.)
The Greek emphasis is not just in the drinks. Alongside traditional Italian dishes such as Capellini and Pollo Alla Parmigiana, there are Greek favorites like tzatziki, souvlakia, and Greek lamb chops.
“(We) will not only bring back great Italian food in warm, romantic surroundings, but we are introducing a Greek influence as well to harness the Mediterranean feeling,” Poulos said. “You will experience great Italian dishes by expert Chef Braulio Melo, and many Greek recipes.”
