Bistro Italia set to open this month

Jon Wilkinson has been working in the restaurant industry his entire life, and this month he’ll be opening his own restaurant, Bistro Italia.

“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do,” Wilkinson says. “Working in the restaurant business is in my blood, and I want to put my mark on the food scene.”

The New Jersey transplant moved to Baton Rouge when he was 11 years old. He says he’s excited to bring his take on classic Italian fare such as calzones, stone-oven New York-style baked pizzas, pastas and salads to the city.

He’s hoping to open next Tuesday, Feb. 11, with a casual dining atmosphere at 11903 Coursey Blvd. The restaurant will fit about 70 patrons and will be open Mondays 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Tuesdays-Thursdays 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.-9 p.m., Fridays 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.-10 p.m., Saturdays 11 a.m.-10 p.m. and Sundays 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Wilkinson says he’s going to bring a few originals like Italian eggrolls and Italian quesadillas to the menu in the future. Lunch specials will also be available. The idea to open an Italian restaurant was inspired by his family background.

“I’m Italian through and through,” he says. “My mom’s side of the family is full-blooded Italian. That style of cooking is something that has been handed down throughout the family.”

For more information on Bistro Italia, check out the restaurant’s Facebook page or call 227-2695.