The newest Italian scratch-kitchen restaurant has opened its doors to customers in Wimberly, expanding the footprint of local restaurateur Gennaro DiMeo.
The gist
Gennaro’s Ristorante Italiano, owned and operated by the DiMeo and Taccogna families, offers diners made-from-scratch cuisine, including classic Italian dishes. The restaurant’s location was previously Hildee’s Dine-Inn.
“Every time people place an order, it’s made to order,” said co-owner Dino Taccogna. “There’s no prepared stuff or anything like that. That’s the beauty.”
DiMeo is not only a co-owner, but also the restaurant’s executive chef. He has crafted menu items with his own personal touch, adding a southern Italian flair inspired by his upbringing in Naples, Italy, Taccogna said.
The owners work to bring the Italian experience to the Wimberley community and patrons, Taccogna said. The restaurant is centered on an oak tree and features both indoor and outdoor seating.
“We try to treat our customers as if they were coming to our own home,” Taccogna said. “In the Italian family, food is the number one thing, and if you have food, that’s how you welcome people. Wimberly itself is such a beautiful town.”
Meet the owner
DiMeo has been in the restaurant business for almost five decades. He owns two Houston-area restaurants, in Deer Park and Baytown, and two additional restaurants in Canyon Lake, Gennaro’s Trattoria and Elio’s Pizzeria.
“Ever since [DiMeo] came to visit Wimberley, he was like ‘We have to open up a restaurant in Wimberley,’” Taccogna said. “We’re super excited about serving the community, not only Wimbley, but all of Hays County, all the way to Austin, Buda, Kyle and San Marcos.”
Prior to the official opening of Gennaro’s Ristorante Italiano, the restaurant hosted practice dinners for local community leaders, families and friends to ensure they were prepared to welcome diners.
“The community has been unbelievable,” Taccogna said. “They’ve been so unbelievably accepting of us. I just want to reciprocate that welcome back to the community.”