A neighborhood-favorite Italian restaurant is trading one neighborhood for another. Pane Nostro, which opened in McKinney in late 2022, is scoping out just the right building for its move to the Bishop Arts District, anticipated to happen in early 2024.
"We have loved serving the McKinney area but are looking to move closer to Dallas," says owner Dion Gazzaruso. "Bishop Arts was our very first option when we moved here from Las Vegas, but that didn't work out at the time. This is finally our moment to be in Bishop Arts, which we think really fits our personality."
Pane Nostro is run by Gazzaruso, who concentrates on the kitchen, and his business partner Adalberto Lujan, a former art director for film and stage who handles all the interior design and runs the front of house operations.
Gazzaruso is hoping that in addition to gathering new loyal fans, their current customers will also make the trek south to keep dining on the same cozy, traditional Italian — no modern twist here — that they've grown to love.
What sets Pane Nostro apart is that many of its recipes were handed down from family and are steeped in history and tradition from Southern Italy — Calabria, specifically.
Some favorites include Bucatini All'Amatriciana, lasagne, classic spaghetti carbonara, and house-made meatballs ("everyone's favorite," says Gazzaruso).
Also on the menu is the return of a full bar and a healthy wine list featuring numerous Italian wines.
Sunday brunch is one of the new plans, as is a patio space for al fresco dining in nice weather.
Though the exact location and opening date have not been announced yet, Gazzaruso is enthusiastic about this major move.
Photo courtesy of Pane Nostro
The restaurant uses family recipes brought from Italy.
"We are sad to leave, but are excited to serve a new neighborhood," says Gazzaruso. "We got nothing but five-star reviews from the locals here in McKinney, who are always welcome at our table."
