CRANSTON, R.I. — Located in the vibrant Knightsville section of Cranston, well known as a restaurant hub for excellent Italian food, Iannuccilli and Iannuccilli II have become two of the city’s most cherished dining spots. Owned and operated by husband-and-wife team Nick and Betty Iannuccilli, the restaurants sit side by side on Cranston Street and serve up classic Italian fare with warmth, tradition, and personal flair.
Chef Nick Iannuccilli’s journey to culinary success began decades ago. Born in Bologna, Italy, and raised in Rhode Island, Nick first worked at Georges of Galilee in the early ’80s before opening his own restaurants across the state. He gained popularity in the ’90s as the host of “The Florentine Grille Presents Cooking with Nick,” a local TV show that showcased both his cooking talent and magnetic personality. His past includes cooking for major names like Frank Sinatra and Neil Diamond when they performed at the Providence Civic Center.
At Iannuccilli, guests enjoy a more traditional sit-down dining experience, featuring house-made pastas, veal parmigiana, and other Italian staples. Betty adds her own magic to the menu with her famous desserts, including bread pudding and flan, favorites among regulars.
Next door, Iannuccilli II offers a more casual setting with a modern Italian menu. Favorites include pizzettas and the popular Penne Olerio, made with lemon, white wine, butter, roasted red peppers, olives, and artichokes. Nick is often seen moving between the two kitchens, making sure every dish lives up to his high standards.
We highly recommend visiting either location, or both. The food is outstanding, the hospitality is heartfelt, and trust us, you’ll definitely have leftovers because the portions are that generous.
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