Tavolino Ristorante opened with a soft launch Sept. 17 at 305 W. State St. in Geneva and already is getting the attention of diners throughout the Fox Valley. The restaurant serves authentic Italian cuisine and was pretty much booked solid at prime time Saturday.

The restaurant is a joint venture between Jon With and Executive Chef Kevin Provenzano.

The soft opening on Sept. 17 was designed to keep the business volume low while the staff gets into a rhythm and perfects all the details that go into the dining experience.

Provenzano said the response from patrons so far has been outstanding.

"There are so many different items on the menu, everybody says it's hard to pick and choose a favorite," he said.

When pressed, he said to try the Arancini antipasto—classic fried risotto balls stuffed with braised pork. There are eight pasta dishes, all of which sound terrific, but Provenzano says, if you're Sicilian, you'll probably be interested in the spaghetti with Sunday gravy.

The menu is on the Tavolino website, and you can call 630-232-6100 for reservations.

"Come experience Tavolino for yourself and finally understand the irresistible allure of Italy," the website says.

The restaurant is one of several pieces of good news for downtown Geneva of late. Signs in the Erday Building indicate Perlman Jewelry will be opening at the corner of State Street and Third Street after the first of the year, and several Geneva businesses are expanding into space on Third Street that used to be the home of Merra-Lee shops.