More Than a Restaurant.
A Family That Kept Its Promise.
Five locations. One kitchen philosophy. A story that started in 1964 and is still being written.
A Family Tradition Since 1964
Every family has a story. Ours is rooted in tradition, built on hard work, and shared around the table.
After immigrating from Calabria, Italy, Antonio Francisco Rugiero came to America in 1960 with a dream of creating a better life for his family. Three years later, his wife, Enrica Santioni, joined him, bringing with her the traditions and recipes that would help shape the Rugiero family’s legacy. Together, they believed that great food, genuine hospitality, and treating every guest like family would always be the recipe for success.
In 1964, they put that vision into writing on the back of a restaurant placemat. That simple handwritten promise became the foundation of Roman Village, followed by three nAntonio’s Cucina Italiana locations and, most recently, Antonio’s Piccolo Ristorante. While our family of restaurants has grown, the values that inspired that first restaurant have never changed.
Antonio Rugiero Sr.’s pizza pie recipe put us on the map, and generations of family recipes continue to bring guests back to our tables. Mamma Rita Rugiero continues to carry those traditions forward, sharing the recipes and care that have become synonymous with our family. From her signature Rita Sauce to her house-made tiramisu, every dish reflects our commitment to quality, authenticity, and the joy of gathering around the table.
Today, our restaurants remain places where families celebrate milestones, friends reconnect, business is conducted over a great meal, and everyday dinners become lasting memories. Whether you’re joining us for Sunday dinner, a special occasion, or simply your favorite Italian meal, we invite you to pull up a chair, break bread with us, and become part of the Antonio’s family.
At The Table Since 1964
A New Beginning
Antonio Francisco Rugiero leaves San Giovanni Fiore, Calabria, and comes to America with a dream of building a better life for his family through hard work, respect, and hospitality.
Family Reunited
Enrica Santioni joins Antonio from Gubbio, Perugia, bringing with her the traditions, recipes, and warmth that would become the heart of the Rugiero family's kitchens.
A Promise Written on a Placemat
Antonio and Enrica put their vision for a great Italian restaurant into writing on the back of a restaurant placemat. That handwritten promise became the foundation of everything that followed and continues to guide our family of restaurants today.
Roman Village Opens
Roman Village opens its doors in Dearborn, introducing guests to authentic Italian recipes, genuine hospitality, and a place where family and friends could gather around the table.
The First Antonio's Cucina Italiana
The first Antonio's Cucina Italiana opens in Dearborn Heights, carrying the Rugiero family's recipes, traditions, and commitment to exceptional food and hospitality into a new community.
Serving Oakland County
Antonio's Cucina Italiana opens in Farmington Hills, bringing the same authentic Italian cuisine, family traditions, and warm hospitality to guests throughout Oakland County.
Welcoming Canton
Antonio's Cucina Italiana opens in Canton, continuing the Rugiero family's tradition of serving authentic Italian food and creating a welcoming place where people come together to share a meal.
A New Chapter
Antonio's Piccolo Ristorante opens in Livonia, expanding the Rugiero family's story with an intimate dining experience rooted in the same recipes, traditions, and genuine hospitality.
The Tradition Continues
The promise written on a restaurant placemat continues to guide every meal we prepare, every guest we welcome, and every table we set. While our family of restaurants has grown, our commitment to authentic Italian cuisine, genuine hospitality, and bringing people together has remained the same since 1964.
Antonio’s Today
What began as one family restaurant has grown into a Metro Detroit tradition carried forward by generations of the Rugiero family. While Antonio’s has grown over the years, the heart of the restaurant has remained the same: treasured family recipes, warm hospitality and food prepared with the same care that began it all.
Today, the family continues to honor Antonio and Enrica’s legacy by welcoming every guest as part of the family and preserving the traditions that have brought generations back to the table.