About Us
Our Story
We're a family-run independent restaurant with over 40 years of experience, built on a love of great food, hard work, and bringing people together around the table.
Our story began in 1983 when brothers Romano and Paolo opened their first restaurant in Whitburn. But their passion for Italian cooking started long before that, growing up watching and learning from their mother in the kitchen, where recipes, traditions, and a love of hospitality were passed down through the family.
Before opening restaurants, the brothers worked in the family ice cream business, Toney Minchella Ice Cream, Romano, being the eldest of the brothers, went into business with father Toney, where he mastered the art of making ice cream. His dedication and craftsmanship helped earn a Gold Medal for Best Ice Cream in Europe at the 1971 competition in Paris—an achievement that reflected the pride and passion he brought to everything he did.
Romano & Paolo went on to open several well-loved local restaurants, including Romano's at the Mediterranean Village in the Metrocentre with Romano's wife Anne, and Romano's at the Customs House, run by his brother Gino. In 1999, Romano and Paolo came together once again to fulfil a shared dream, opening the doors of Bistro Romano in Cleadon.
When Romano sadly passed away in 2022, his legacy didn't end. Today, Paolo continues to lead the bistro, still welcoming many of the familiar faces who have become friends over the years and ensuring the restaurant remains true to the values he and his brother built it on. More recently, he has been joined by his niece Luisa, Romano's daughter, who is proud to help carry on the family tradition and preserve the warmth, passion, and memories that make Bistro Romano so special.
For us, Bistro Romano has always been more than just a restaurant. It's a place where families celebrate milestones, friends gather over good food and wine, and generations return time and time again. We're incredibly proud of our family's story and grateful to everyone who has been part of it.
Whether you're visiting us for the first time or have been dining with us for years, we look forward to welcoming you like part of the family.
Our Kitchen
We use the best seasonal ingredients, sourced from local producers and trusted Italian suppliers. Our menu changes with the seasons, but you'll always find our signature dishes that our customers know and love.