Local Eats: Curated Italian menu shines at family-owned eatery near Grand Rapids

BYRON CENTER, MI — Dine and sip wine at Russo Ristorante-Mercato for an experience almost 120 years in the making.

The restaurant and market, located at 350 84th St. SW Suite 510 in Byron Center, is a more than century-old family business operated by its fourth, fifth and sixth generations. It offers comfortable cuisine, American and European produced wines, and curated Italian and Mediterranean specialties.

The restaurant dates back to a small kiosk established in 1902 near Grand Rapids furniture factories. It quickly became a food haven for young immigrant artisans who missed homestyle cooking.

Part-owner John Russo, of the family’s fourth generation, remembers sweeping and wiping tables at family businesses on the corner of Division and Franklin Street. Russo said a move to Tanger Outlets one year ago was necessary to keep the market closer to its customer base.

Though the space is newly adopted, the restaurant still reflects family heritage and authentic taste after almost 120 years.

“The sauces we make use the same tomatoes my dad was buying before I was born,” Russo said. “The vines were brought to California from Italy and propagated. From the spices and cheeses — customers can expect authentic product.”

Three recommended menu items include Giovanni Delux pizza, Chicken Marsala and Cannoli Siciliana.

The Giovanni Delux pizza, which costs $21, is topped with house tomato sauce, pepperoni, house-made sausage, salami, mushroom, red onion and green pepper with a parmesan-dusted crust.

The Chicken Marsala, which costs $24, is pan-seared chicken, cremini mushrooms and garlic sautéed in a homemade marsala demi-glace sauce served with a side of pasta and fresh vegetables.

The Cannoli Siciliana, which costs $10, is two homemade sweet ricotta cream-filled cannoli shells, dipped in chocolate flakes or pistachios.

The Margherita pizza, which cost $16, is another go-to option. The kitchen also serves a variety of pasta dishes including Alfredo, lasagna, gnocchi and spaghetti.

The wine menu includes a list of whites, reds, rosés, sweets and sparkling wines.

Russo said most items ordered on the menu — pasta, sauce, meats and wine — can be purchased next door at the attached Italian and Mediterranean market.

For more information or to check out the menu, visit the restaurant’s website here or call 616-345-8200.

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Do you have a favorite local restaurant that should be featured in Michigan’s Best Local Eats? Send the details, including business name, address and best menu item, to Isaac Ritchey at iritchey@mlive.com.