Romero’s Italian Restaurant is preparing to take over the longtime home of Cristina Ristorante Italiano in Wheaton, marking a new chapter for a space that has been part of the local dining scene for more than two decades.
Romero’s Italian Restaurant is scheduled to appear before Montgomery County’s Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services for a hearing on a new Class H Beer and Wine License, on-sale only, on Thursday, December 18 at 9:30 a.m. Beyond the license application, few details about the concept are publicly available at this time.
The change comes after the permanent closure of Cristina Ristorante Italiano, which shut its doors in August, ending an era for many Wheaton residents. The restaurant was located at 2666 University Boulevard West and first opened in May of 2002.
Cristina was founded by owner Nick Kontos, a well-known local restaurateur with a deep footprint in Montgomery County’s dining scene. Prior to opening Cristina, Kontos operated La Panetteria and the Athenian Plaka Bethesda. His vision for the Wheaton location was to introduce upscale, traditional Italian cuisine to a broader audience.
Kontos often spoke about how his background shaped the restaurant. The son of an Italian mother and a Greek father, he grew up immersed in both culinary traditions, something he once described as both a passion and a playful dilemma. In a previous interview with Patch, Kontos said, “I can say 50/50. I love both. I used to have a Greek restaurant, and I missed the Italian food. Now, I have an Italian restaurant, and I miss the Greek food.”
That blend of influence helped define Cristina Ristorante for more than 20 years. In more recent years, the restaurant operated under the ownership of Ismar Reyes-Cruz, continuing its reputation for classic red-sauce Italian dishes, generous portions, and a welcoming, neighborhood atmosphere. Cristina became a familiar destination for family celebrations, date nights, and regulars who returned week after week.
Dining and Cooking