About Us
A Dream Simmered to Perfection
Welcome to Amore Italian Kitchen, where every dish is a labor of love and every guest is welcomed like family. Our journey began in July 2019, not just as a business venture, but as an expansion of our culinary passion. We, Kevin and Cora LaBarr, envisioned a place where the warmth of Italian hospitality would meet the rich, comforting flavors of authentic, scratch-made cooking. Amore Italian Kitchen is the realization of that dream, a place where we pour our hearts into creating a memorable dining experience.
The name “Amore,” translating to “Love” in Italian and other languages, was chosen to reflect the core of our philosophy: love for food, family, and community. Paired with “Italian Kitchen,” it evokes a welcoming space filled with delightful aromas and the comforting sounds of a kitchen dedicated to time-honored techniques. From day one, Amore Italian Kitchen has proudly served our community from this single, cherished location, allowing us to build a legacy and a loyal following in the place we call home.
The inspiration to open Amore was deeply personal. After years in other ventures, we felt a calling to return to the joy of cooking and hospitality. We imagined a restaurant that was more than just a place to eat; it was a place to experience – where families gather, couples celebrate, and friends reconnect over food that tells a story. This vision guided every decision, from menu creation to ambiance design. The initial months were filled with recipe testing, sourcing the finest ingredients, and building a team that shared our commitment to excellence. We knew opening a restaurant was a significant undertaking, but fueled by our shared dream, we embarked on this journey with enthusiasm, determined to create something truly special. The community’s positive response since our opening has affirmed our belief that there is always room for a restaurant that operates from the heart.
The Heartbeat of Amore.
Amore Italian Kitchen is proudly owned and operated by us, Kevin and Cora LaBarr. As a husband-and-wife team, we are deeply involved in every aspect of the restaurant. This hands-on approach stems from our belief that a restaurant is an extension of our home. We are a locally owned establishment, deeply rooted in the community we serve. This connection is paramount, allowing us to foster genuine relationships with our patrons.
Our guiding philosophy is simple: treat our guests and staff the way we want to be treated – with trust, respect, and cooperation. This principle is the cornerstone of our operations. We believe a positive environment for our team translates directly into a warm experience for our guests. Trust is built through consistency, respect through valuing each individual’s contribution, and cooperation is key to a harmonious operation.
Our team is more than just employees; they are a tight-knit family. Many have been with us since the beginning, sharing our dedication. Their commitment to excellence is evident in every dish and interaction. We invest in our team, knowing their happiness and expertise are integral to the Amore experience. This camaraderie and mutual respect create an atmosphere where everyone is motivated to go the extra mile, ensuring each visit is exceptional. We believe that when our staff feels valued, that positivity naturally extends to our guests.
A Culinary Journey to Italy
At Amore Italian Kitchen, we specialize in scratch-made Italian cuisine, a tribute to Italy’s rich culinary heritage. Our menu celebrates authentic flavors, fresh ingredients, and traditional cooking. We believe the best food starts with the best ingredients, so we are committed to sourcing local and organic produce whenever possible. Our chefs transform these selections into homemade elements, from robust sauces simmered for hours to freshly baked bread.
Among our beloved offerings, Carmella’s Dip and our classic Chicken Piccata are signature dishes. Carmella’s Dip, a creamy, savory delight, is the perfect start to any meal. Our Chicken Piccata, with its tender chicken, bright lemon-butter sauce, and capers, showcases the simple elegance of Italian cooking. These favorites are just a glimpse into a menu designed to transport you to Italy. Many of our cherished recipes trace back to Kevin’s childhood in northwest Indiana, adding a deeply personal touch to our cuisine. These are the flavors of home, lovingly recreated and shared.
Our commitment to freshness means our base menu is tweaked once a year, while our specials menu changes every two weeks. This allows us to showcase seasonal bests and introduce exciting new dishes. Whether you crave comforting pasta, perfectly cooked fish, or a decadent dessert, you’ll find something to love at Amore.
Stepping into a Tuscan Village
Step into Amore Italian Kitchen, and find yourself transported to a charming Tuscan village. We’ve meticulously designed our space to be inviting and evocative. Warm lighting, rustic décor, and thoughtful accents create Old World charm and modern comfort. We aimed for an ambiance balancing casual upscale and family-friendly – a place for a sophisticated evening or a relaxed family meal.
Our goal is for customers to feel immediate joy upon entering and leave satisfied, eager to return. Whether in our cozy dining room or on our beautiful patio, we want you to feel at ease, enveloped in an atmosphere encouraging conversation and lasting memories. The murmur of happy diners, clinking glasses, and kitchen aromas contribute to this immersive experience. We believe the dining environment is as important as the food. To enhance this, we feature live music every Wednesday, providing a delightful soundtrack to your Italian feast. Our patio seating also offers a wonderful option for al fresco dining.
More Than Just a
Restaurant
Amore Italian Kitchen is an active community member. We believe in giving back and sponsor numerous school, charity, and civic events. A strong community is built on mutual support, and we are proud to play our part.
Our philosophy extends beyond our walls. We strive to be a restaurant that serves exceptional food and acts as a positive community force. What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to going the extra mile – consistently outstanding food, genuinely warm service, and an atmosphere where every guest feels valued. We aim to exceed expectations, every time.
This dedication was tested during the COVID-19 pandemic. We adapted, focusing on providing a top-notch carry-out product. This period made us stronger, and the community’s support was a testament to their loyalty and our team’s resilience. It reinforced our belief that caring for your product and people allows you to weather any storm.
The Reason You’ll Return
What keeps customers coming back? We believe it’s consistency, great food, and awesome service. Guests know they can expect the same high quality with every visit. Our scratch-made cuisine ensures fresh, vibrant food. Our dedicated team provides service that is not just efficient, but genuinely warm and attentive.
We’ve witnessed countless memorable moments – celebrations, reunions, special dinners. The collective joy of our guests motivates us daily. Being named a “Nextdoor Favorite,” an award from our local community, means the world to us. It validates our efforts to be a beloved local establishment.
We also cater to diverse needs, offering catering services for special events and hosting private parties within our restaurant, providing a beautiful setting for memorable occasions.
At Amore Italian Kitchen, we pour our love and passion into everything we do. We invite you to join us, become part of our story, and experience the warmth, flavor, and amore that define us. We look forward to welcoming you.