The latest from the Bardea Restaurant Group pays homage to Chef Antimo DiMeo’s traditional family recipes and some new takes on Italian classics
Since 2019, Bardea Restaurant Group partners Scott Stein, Chef Antimo DiMeo, and Pino DiMeo, have brought world class dining experiences to downtown Wilmington. To start the new year, in January 2025, the ambitious team behind the acclaimed restaurants Bardea Food & Drink and Bardea Steak took over full culinary operations of the DE.CO food hall, located in downtown Wilmington and offering a variety of culinary options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Their first move, in February, was to open Casa Nonna, a new full-service restaurant located in the DE.CO food hall.
“It’s been a lifelong dream of mine to open a restaurant in honor of my Nonnas,” says Chef DiMeo, adding “Casa Nonna is an ode to their incredible skills in the kitchen and unending influence that has shaped my culinary career.”
Chef DiMeo, who was just named a “Best Chef Mid-Atlantic” 2025 semi-finalist by the James Beard Award Foundation, has created a menu that stands as tribute to his two Nonnas, Maria and Italia.
“The dishes on our menu are directly inspired by recipes I grew up eating,” says DiMeo. “I hope everyone feels the love we’ve put into this restaurant to honor not only my Nonnas’ cooking, but “grandma cuisine” from every cozy kitchen from every corner of the world.”
With classic and reimagined Italian American antipasti, pastas, pizzas, entrees, accompaniments and desserts, Chef DiMeo brings his greatest inspiration and passion to life. Antipasti offerings include Porchetta Rotolini with broccoli rabe and provolone; Chicken Parm with vodka sauce ricotta and basil; and, of course, Nonna’s Meatballs. Delectable pastas include Our House Lasagna with Bolognese and bechamel; Pappardelle with truffle fontina cream and short rib; and Orecchiette with basil pesto, roasted tomato, and burrata. Artisan pizza choices, in addition to the classic Margherita, include Sausage topped with broccoli rabe, scamorza, and chili crisp; and Fig with burrata, truffle cream and prosciutto. Hearty entrees feature Nonna’s Rabbit with caramelized sweet onion and green olive; Pork Osso Bucco with piccata, garlic, and capers; and Whole Branzino with pistachio-herb gremolata. And be sure to save room for a treat from the rotating list of traditional desserts with a unique spin.
Dining at Casa Nonna evokes a casual sophistication, with wood and rattan accents, custom upholstered banquettes, and table lighting that enhances the natural lighting from windows facing Orange Street. Private dining space is also available, along with a comfortable gathering space for after dinner conversation with cocktails or a glass of wine from the bar. Casa Nonna serves dinner six days a week, and plans are in place to add lunch service.
Casa Nonna
DE.CO Food Hall, 111 West 10th Street, Wilmington
(302) 268-8941
casanonnade.com
Instagram: @CasaNonnaDE
Photos courtesy of Casa Nonna
