An Authentic Italian Experience
About Roma Ristorante Italiano
At Roma Ristorante Italiano, you can indulge in award-winning Italian cuisine that has captured the hearts of Northeastern South Dakota! Proudly recognized as a five-time consecutive winner of the Best Italian Food award, our restaurant is a true local favorite. With 25 years of experience in the restaurant industry, owner Raffi Ismaili believes that exceptional service and exquisite food go hand in hand.
Our menu offers a delightful fusion of northern and southern Italian dishes, freshly prepared full menu from appetizers to desserts. Enjoy a diverse selection of entrées, including pasta, chicken, veal, seafood, pizza, and more, including gluten-free and vegetarian. We have options to cater to all preferences and our extensive wine list perfectly complements every meal. While we provide convenient carryout and catering services, dining in-house promises an authentic Italian experience in an inviting atmosphere that will make you want to book your next private party with us!
About The Home of Roma
The railroad played a crucial role in Aberdeen's early development, attracting Eastern businessmen like Alonzo Ward, who arrived in 1883. He established a luncheonette, a small restaurant. It then developed into the first Alonzo Ward Hotel at the corner of First and Main.
After the original hotel tragically burned down in 1926, Ward rebuilt and reopened the new hotel in 1928, which featured 120 rooms and hosted numerous celebrities over the years. Following Ward's death in 1929, the hotel changed hands several times, leading to its closure, while ground-level shops and restaurants continued to operate.
In 2004, Blackstone Developers breathed new life into the property by converting 90 original hotel rooms into 15 upscale condos, as well as restoring The Crystal Ballroom. Most recently, in the summer of 2022, the Alonzo Ward Hotel & Plaza underwent a complete remodel that pays homage to its rich heritage while embracing modernity. Today it features a boutique hotel with 18 exquisitely designed guest rooms and suites adorned with contemporary finishes.
This impressive transformation reflects the vision of pioneers like Alonzo Ward and the ongoing development efforts in Downtown Aberdeen, reflecting the city’s growth and potential.
Meet the Owner
Meet Raffi Ismaili, proud owner of Roma Ristorante Italiano. Raffi has over 35 years of experience in the industry. Raffi believes food and service go hand-in-hand, and hospitality is rule number one. In fact, he instructs his team to treat others the way they would like to be treated. He does not like to see people waiting. He strives to give his patrons an authentic Italian experience.
Growing up in Italy, Raffi had 2 passions--soccer and gourmet food. When knee injuries sidelined his budding semi-pro soccer career, he followed his other life's passion to become a successful restaurant entrepeneur. In the U.S., he began working his way up in the restaurant industry. After quickly learning every facet of food service, he opened his first restaurant in Grapevine, TX, and now shares an authentic Italian gourmet experience with the Hub City, and hopes his fine establishment will become a hub for anyone who desires authentic cuisine in one of the most beautiful venues in the area.