“When Renata’s opened in 1994, there were a mere handful of restaurants in the Plaza, and now there are dozens,” says Ben Abadi, who took over Renata’s 15 years ago.  “Our longevity is a combination of staying true to many of Renata’s original recipes, while adding new ones, along with the addition of catering and take-out options.”

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Renata’s Café Italiano

For more than three decades, Renata’s Café Italiano has been a cornerstone of Old Towne Orange.  Since taking ownership in 2011, Ben Abadi has stewarded the restaurant’s legacy while bringing his own flavor of innovation.

“I came to the United States 30 years ago to pursue my postgraduate education in microbiology and genetic engineering,” says Abadi.  “But life had a different recipe for me.”

While living in Los Angeles, he found his calling in the restaurant industry—specifically Italian cuisine, inspired by his cousin, a master chef from Italy.

Abadi gained hands-on experience at Los Angeles Italian eateries Café Roberto and Pasta Primavera, before earning his green card as an Italian chef.  When the opportunity arose to take over Renata’s, he didn’t hesitate.

“The owner called and asked me to come,” says Abadi.  “I took over doing everything from cooking to managing—A to Z.”

Abadi introduced takeout and catering⎯services the restaurant had never offered before.

“In the restaurant business, you can’t depend on just lunch or dinner,” he explains.  “You must create opportunity to cover every part.  That’s why I’m still here after 15 years.”

Today, takeout accounts for 30 –40 percent of Renata’s business.  Catering, available seven days a week from Los Angeles to San Diego, continues to grow through word-of-mouth and partnerships with established networks.

While Abadi has expanded Renata’s offerings, he preserves what made it special.

“Renata’s sauces are what set us apart,” says Abadi.  “Pasta is pasta—but the sauces make all the difference.  We still use about 80 percent of Renata’s original recipes.”

To keep things fresh, Abadi posts daily off-menu specials outside the restaurant.  “People loved it so much that we added some of those specials to the menu,” he says.  Abadi’s own creations—like Osso Buco and lobster spinach ravioli—are examples.

Brian and Diane Sawyers have been regulars since moving to Old Towne in the early 1990s.

“It was back when Renata was still there and there were only a few restaurants in Old Towne,” says Brian.  “We would go every two to three months.  My favorite was Rigatoni Renata—one of Renata’s recipes that’s still on the menu.  Diane loved the Chicken Parmesan.  When Ben came along, we thought it would change, but he has stayed true and now we go every two weeks.”

An in-demand dish for the holidays is Lasagna.  “We sell lots of Lasagna for Christmas parties,” says Abadi.  “Ravioli is also popular during this time of year.”

Looking ahead, Abadi is focusing on lunch specials and expanded catering.  For him, Renata’s is more than a business —it’s home. “If I ever leave Renata’s, I’ll miss my customers,” he says.  “They’re family.”

Renata’s Café Italiano
227 East Chapman Ave.  Suite F, Old Towne Orange, CA 92866  /  714-771-4740