Frank Bonanno Opened Japanese-Italian Eatery Rōmyō

The new Larimer Square restaurant features itameshi cuisine inspired by the family's recent travels to Tokyo.

Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Japanese Food

Frank Bonanno Opened Japanese-Italian Eatery Rōmyō

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Frank Bonanno has launched Rōmyō, a Japanese-Italian fusion restaurant located at 1401 Larimer Street in Denver. The menu centers on itameshi traditions and was developed following a culinary research trip to Tokyo.

Why it matters

This opening represents a new direction for the Bonanno family, who previously operated an Italian eatery in Governors Park and the restaurant Dumplin'. The venture highlights the growing interest in fusion dining that bridges distinct culinary heritages.

Located at 1401 Larimer Street in Denver, the restaurant serves unique dishes including cacio e pepe ramen and chawanmushi with Parmigiano Reggiano foam. The tableware features handmade pottery with a mottled turquoise glaze designed by Luca Bonanno.

The players

Frank Bonanno

He is a prominent Denver restaurateur who has managed multiple dining concepts over several decades.

Luca Bonanno

He is a designer who created the custom handmade tableware used at the new restaurant.

Jacqueline Bonanno

She is a partner who co-operated previous culinary ventures with her husband Frank.

The details

The culinary menu blends Japanese and Italian flavors, a combination known as itameshi. Diners are served on custom-designed, handmade pottery that matches the restaurant's aesthetic.

Frank and Jacqueline Bonanno opened a Governors Park eatery in 2003.
Rōmyō opened in Larimer Square in October 2026.

Culture Shift

The opening of Rōmyō marks Denver's latest addition to the rise of itameshi cuisine, a trend that blends Japanese and Italian culinary traditions. This move reflects a broader shift toward globalized fusion dining that experiments with cross-cultural ingredient combinations.

Residents and visitors to Larimer Square can now experience this new fusion menu as part of the local dining scene. Customers can expect a unique aesthetic experience due to the specific handmade pottery used throughout the restaurant.

The takeaway

Diners interested in itameshi should note the fusion of Italian pasta techniques with Japanese ingredients like ramen noodles. The restaurant demonstrates how travel-inspired research can lead to highly specialized culinary concepts in a local market.