Italian Cuisine Near The Hannah Robinson Tower

It’s not often that a restaurant property changes hands completely peaceably, but with 300 North replacing Liliana’s near the tower in South Kingstown, we have just that. Chris Willett, and brothers Greg and Tim Pelleccione, assumed control of Liliana’s in May. After feeling things out, they reopened on October 14 as 300 North. Their intention: to refresh a restaurant in need of some renewed passion and attention.

Chris explained he was good friends with Dino Passaretta, the former owner, and that Liliana’s was a favored restaurant and hang of his. Liliana’s had gained some regulars over the last several years, as well as getting some steady trade from the adjoining Holiday Inn, but it had run its course. With Dino not having as much time to devote to the restaurant, and Chris eager to get into the restaurant business, the solution seemed to present itself.

300 North has affinities with its descendant, and the general idea is much the same: an upscale but casual Italian eatery. That said, the new ownership wanted a new trajectory, so along with the new name, they’ve a new menu, new staff and a new Chef, in Geof Williams. He goes by Chef Geof, and he says the restaurant wants to have the “quality of a buttoned up approach to dining, but with a laid back South Coast attitude.” He’s got that attitude in spades.

Geof’s new menu has something for everyone with sandwiches and pizza for hotel guests, and the classics of American Italian dining like chicken parmigiana, marsala and veal saltim-bocca. He’s proud to make all of that well, but he’s most excited by putting his own twist on things, and offering some signature menu items that are a little different. His vegetarian lasagna for instance, is pasta free, with strips of fried eggplant as a substitute. In addition to accommodating different dietary restrictions, there’s also a definite effort to source locally. Among others, they are using Narragansett Creamery for their smoked mozzarella, and Sun-set Farms for seasonal vegetables.

Geof has worked in kitchens for years, most recently at the now-closed Pelly’s 19th Hole, but he also has had considerable experience as a sommelier in New York. He’s putting that experience to work over-hauling the wine list, providing far more Italian-focused offerings, and a well-curated selection of wines by the glass. Down the road, Geof’s ultimate vision is to explore Italian regional cuisine. The idea is to offer specials on a weekly or monthly basis that explore the cuisine from one of the 20 regions of Italy, paired with accompanying wine from that same region.

300 North is open for breakfast and dinner, and are looking toward both late night service, as well as a Sunday brunch in future. In addition to their dining service, 300 North has a banquet room capable of hosting parties both small and large, all the way up to 135 people, for corporate events, holiday parties, weddings etc.

300 North | 3009 Tower Hill Rd, South Kingstown | 788-8300