Bistro Romano: A culinary gem with a legacy of excellence

Paolo at Bistro Romano

In the heart of the village of Cleadon in the north east of England, lies Bistro Romano.

This family-owned restaurant has been delighting customers for decades with its dedication to authentic Italian flavours, warm hospitality, and an unwavering commitment to quality.

Since its beginnings in the 1980s, Bistro Romano has evolved into a culinary landmark. Central to this success is their long-standing partnership with Pioneer, ensuring that only the freshest and finest ingredients find their way onto the plates of their customers.

The bistro’s story

The story of Bistro Romano begins over 40 years ago when the family first opened their doors in Whitburn. With a passion for Italian cuisine, Romano and his brother, Paolo, set out to create a dining experience that would transport diners to Italy! Following their incredible success, they expanded the empire by opening a restaurant in the Metrocentre, before finding a permanent home in the village of Cleadon.

Through every move and every milestone, one thing has remained constant: the restaurant’s dedication to using only the finest ingredients, a principle that has defined their success for over four decades.

The Pioneer partnership: A decade of quality

For the past 10 years, Bistro Romano has been a proud customer of ours. The reason behind this partnership is simple: the need for fresh, high-quality, and consistent produce.

For a restaurant where food is the cornerstone of their reputation, having a reliable source of premium ingredients is essential.

In the fast-paced world of hospitality, where demand can fluctuate and timing is everything, having a trusted supplier that delivers promptly and reliably is invaluable. For Bistro Romano, this means that their kitchen is always well-stocked with the best quality meat, allowing them to focus on what they do best: serving unforgettable dining experiences for their customers.

Looking to the future

As Bistro Romano continues to thrive in Cleadon, they remain committed to the values that have sustained them for over 40 years: family and an uncompromising dedication to quality.

Romano passed away two years ago, however his influence on the restaurant is still very much present.

Paolo says: “My brother, Romano, inspired many of our restaurant’s favourite dishes and menus and his philosophy was to source the highest quality ingredients, hence our long-standing relationship with Pioneer.

We are both family-run businesses which seek to maintain the highest standards and therefore, keep the legacy of Romano alive.”

So, whether you’re a regular patron or a first-time visitor, one thing is certain: a meal at Bistro Romano is not just about the food – it’s about savouring the rich history, passion, and commitment that goes into every dish.

Head Chef, Jonny Phinn has worked at Bistro Romano for over 16 years now; working his way up to the position he holds today. He kindly cooked a beautiful meal for our sales manager, Tim Crow. Tim has a fantastic working relationship with the bistro team.