About Us

In early 1965, Giovanni and Enza Aprea immigrated from Naples, Italy to America. They settled in Brooklyn, New York where Giovanni started his new life working in kitchens. Just a few months after their arrival, Giovanni and Enza welcomed their baby boy, Rino, born as an American citizen.

It was 1970 and Giovanni was working as a line cook at the iconic Angelo’s of Mulberry Street and he was offered an opportunity to buy the restaurant! The “American Dream” was really happening for the Aprea family!

Rino grew up at Angelo’s of Mulberry Street. It is where he took his first steps and often accompanied his father to work. When Rino was 14 years old, he began working in the kitchen of the restaurant and the seeds of his future were planted! In 1980, President Ronald Reagan came to Angelo’s for lunch and Rino had the honor to be part of the cook staff that served the President.  Rino remained at the very popular Angelo’s of Mulberry Street until 1988.

In 1988, Rino opened his first restaurant and became the second-generation restauranteur in his family. His restaurant, Areo, in Brooklyn was open until 2010. 

Rino’s next endeavor was the famous Ponte Vecchio’s in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. Ponte Vecchio had been in business since 1976 and in 2010, Rino and his partner revamped the entire restaurant and it is now one of the finest Italian eateries in Brooklyn.

Rino became a member of Due Process Golf Club, owned by John Ferolito, the founder of Arizona Ice Tea. John shared with Rino that when he was starting out in the beverage business, he had delivered beer and soda to his father Giovanni at Angelo’s of Mulberry Street and at Ponte Vecchio! Life is full of surprises!

John along with his friend and business partner, Ron Cohen, decided to open a restaurant in Boca Raton and Rino has brought his culinary and restaurant heritage with him to make Rino’s the finest Italian restaurant experience in Boca Raton.

From Italy, to Brooklyn, to Boca Raton and years of family run fine restaurants we hope to bring the flavor of Italy, the fun of Brooklyn and the sophisticated style of Boca Raton to your dining experience! 

Alla Bella Vita!