Italian restaurant 750 Cucina Rustica opens in downtown Cary

CARY – One of downtown Cary's newest restaurants has started serving Italian meals inspired by family recipes.

More than 50 people came out to 750 Cucina Rustica for its opening night Friday, co-owner Filippo LoBue said.

The restaurant, 7 Jandus Road, features a 750-degree brick oven that is used to cook dishes, including a variety of pizzas, pastas and meats.

“We are excited, and we know it’s going to be real good and people are going to love it,” LoBue said. “And every day we are going to improve a little more.”

The restaurant also is owned by LoBue’s son, Massimo LoBue, who was born in Sicily and came to the U.S. with his family when he was 4 years old.

Many of the recipes featured on 750 Cucina Rustica’s menu are inspired by Massimo LoBue’s mother, Antonia LoBue.

Pasta served at the restaurant is made fresh in house, or imported from Antonia LoBue’s cousin in southern Italy, Massimo LoBue said.

Some dishes are served right in the cast-iron bakeware they were cooked in, Massimo LoBue said.

The 3,300-square-foot space underwent an estimated $300,000 renovation, with some help from the village’s revolving loan fund program and facade grant program.

The main dining area seats about 96 people, and there is a video gaming space with five terminals and a bar with an entrance off Spring Street.

“It’s a very rustic feeling,” Massimo LoBue said, adding that the restaurant is decorated with old Italian advertisement posters and antiques, some from his mother.

The family members also are part-owners of Incontro A Tavola in South Barrington and ZaZa's Tavola Italiana in Lake Barrington.

“What’s special is that it’s family run, so by being family run, we’re going to care about the people, we are going to care about everything that’s going on,” Filippo LoBue said.

The restaurant is only open for dinner, and plans to add lunches in the summer, Massimo LoBue said.

For information, visit 750 Cucina Rustica on its Facebook page or call 847-829-4933.