In Italy, dining is never just about eating. It’s about arriving to a warm welcome, lingering over conversation, savoring each course, and leaving the table feeling like part of something larger than the meal itself.

On Kirkland’s historic waterfront, Rimini Restaurant brings that philosophy to life – one glass of Prosecco, one shared song and one unforgettable evening at a time.

“We want guests to enjoy , talk, laugh, and savor every moment together.” Says Ferdinando

From the moment guests step inside Rimini, the pace shifts. Italian fills the air, music drifts through the dining room, and hospitality takes center stage. This isn’t accidental. Rimini was created to mirror the rhythm of Italian dining, where meals unfold in stages and no one is rushed out the door. A night here is designed to be experienced.

“In Italy, hospitality is just as important as the food,” Nardone explains. “From the first Prosecco to the final digestivo, every detail is about making people feel welcome.”

The structure of the meal tells the story. A welcoming Prosecco sets the tone. Midway through dinner, house-made cheese appears at the table, inviting guests to pause and savor. Quality and larger quantity of the meal is how we grew up. At the end, a digestivo is offered – not as an extra, but as tradition. In Italy, this final sip signals the close of the meal and the continuation of conversation, and at Rimini, that custom is proudly upheld.

“Our parents taught us that a meal is a celebration,” Nardone says. “When people leave Rimini, we want them to feel like family, not customers.”

The menu follows the same philosophy. Hearty, thoughtfully prepared dishes like short rib ravioli, wild boar bolognese, cioppino al Rimini, and Mama’s homemade meatballs reflect generations of Italian cooking, often with subtle twists that surprise without straying from tradition. Ingredients are treated simply and respectfully, allowing flavors to shine rather than overwhelm.

“At Rimini, music is part of the meal,” Nardone adds. “When everyone sings together, it breaks down walls and turns strangers into friends.”

But food alone doesn’t define the Rimini experience. Live Italian songs – sometimes operatic, sometimes familiar classics – fill the space, often prompting guests and servers alike to join in. It’s a reminder that in Italy, dining rooms are lively places where celebration happens organically, not quietly.

That celebratory spirit extends to special occasions. Birthdays and anniversaries are marked with importance with flair, music, and thoughtful touches that make guests feel seen and welcomed. “Nothing makes us happier than celebrating birthdays and anniversaries with our guests,” says Nardone. “Those moments of joy are what Italian dining is all about.”

All dinners take on a festive feel, especially when enjoyed alongside Kirkland’s picturesque waterfront. For those who prefer to wander, Rimini’s pasta cones offer a playful nod to Italian street food, allowing guests to take freshly prepared pasta along the shoreline – a modern twist on old-world flavors.

In addition to traditional Italian favourites – often presented with a delicious twist – diners delight in the musical accompaniment, sometimes by Mama Nardone, a trained opera singer and Uncle Tony La Stella a long time professional musician.

Of course, in Italy, you never sing alone, so expect servers and guests to join in as well!

“Papa Giovanni and Mama Michelina believe food should be generous, honest and full of heart,” Nardone shares. “That philosophy lives in every dish we serve.”

At its heart, Rimini isn’t trying to replicate Italy dish by dish. It’s recreating the feeling: the warmth, the generosity, the sense that everyone at the table belongs. “There’s a feeling you can’t recreate with recipes alone,” Nardone says. “It’s the warmth, the energy, and the connection people feel when they walk through our doors.”

In doing so, Rimini transforms dinner into something far richer than a meal – it becomes a memory, shared and savored long after the plates are cleared.

Reserve your table online or by phone at 425-242-0070, and experience Rimini Restaurant at 3 Lake St., perfectly situated along Kirkland’s historic waterfront.

Whether you’re planning a special evening or a casual night out, be sure to follow Rimini on Facebook and Instagram for seasonal features, special events and the latest news from the kitchen and beyond.