About

Chef Franco Barone literally grew up in the restaurant business. He received his introduction into restaurant and food culture at a young age helping in his families' restaurant near Milan. There he discovered his love of food and his passion for presenting regional Italian dishes to diners. By1982, the year he emigrated to Southern California Franco had already developed into a highly discerning and eager Italian chef. Stints at several high profile restaurants followed where he quickly gained recognition as one of Southern California's most talented chefs. His many honors include twice being recognized as Southern California's Chef of the Year; by the Southern California Restaurant Writers Association as well as the Orange County Business Journal. He has also been named one of the great chefs of Orange County by the Orange County Kidney Foundation. The opening of IlBarone ristorante in February of 2010 was the realization of a long held dream by Franco and his wife Donatella and at Il Barone ristorante Chef Franco dazzled and impressed Southern California diners.