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Passero opens new location in downtown Arlington Heights

Passero, the popular Italian-American restaurant that's been a fixture in the downtown Arlington Heights dining scene since 2017, opened Thursday at a new location that doubles the capacity of its dining room.

The move shifts the eatery from its original 50-seat location at 5 W. Campbell St. to the former California Pizza Kitchen space at 3 S. Evergreen Ave., which features a 100-seat dining room with an adjacent chef's table.

"Myself and my wife Rikki are elated to open our new, larger Passero which we have poured our hearts and creativity into for months," owner/chef Matt Peota said in an announcement of Thursday's opening. "Passero translates to 'sparrow' in Italian, and like the sparrow, this neighborhood eatery symbolizes joy, innovation and hard work."

The new space comes with an enclosed patio that's expected to open next spring and a larger bar. The restaurant's modern rustic atmosphere features work from nearby artists, including Julie Helland of St. Charles, who's created 500 hand-painted sparrows.

The restaurant also plans to host pizza and cocktail classes and wine and beer dinners, with the first pizza-making class set for Jan. 26.

Hours are 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday; 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday; noon until 10 p.m. Saturday; and 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. For more information, visit eatpassero.com.

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Downtown Arlington Heights Passero's menu features Italian-American cuisine and handmade pizzas. Courtesy of Passero
Passero, a staple of the downtown Arlington Heights dining scene since 2017, opened its new, larger location Thursday in the former California Pizza Kitchen Space at 3 S. Evergreen Ave. Courtesy of Passero
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