VV The Italian Experience expanded its operations to the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at approximately 4 p.m. The Mount Lookout-based café opened its second location in Concourse B near Gate B17 to provide travelers with authentic regional Italian cuisine.
The new eatery occupies the space formerly held by Regina’s Italian Kitchen. According to a CVG press release, the airport location is managed by SSP America and serves a variety of handhelds, pastries, and traditional pasta dishes from breakfast through dinner.
Owners Melissa De Giorgi and Andrea Stefano established the brand in Mount Lookout Square in 2023. The couple moved from the Puglia region of Italy to Cincinnati approximately 15 years ago after Stefano, a professional ballroom dancer, accepted a local teaching position.
The menu at the terminal location includes piadina, pasta Bolognese, and pasta alla Genovese. According to the Moodie Davitt Report, the concept aims to provide high-quality neighborhood recipes while maintaining the quick-service speed necessary for passengers with tight flight connections.
The expansion aligns with a broader strategy by CVG operators to integrate local food brands into the concourses. Airport data reported by The Cincinnati Enquirer shows CVG handled 9.2 million travelers in 2024, providing a significant customer base for regional businesses.
The restaurant’s culinary roots are tied to a family bakery located in Casamassella, Puglia. The owners intend for the airport outpost to serve as an introduction to their heritage for international and domestic travelers passing through the terminal.
“From our grandfather’s roots in Puglia to our kitchen in Cincinnati, every dish we serve is infused with authenticity, heritage and a love of bringing people together around the table,” said Andrea Stefano, Owner.
According to the restaurant’s website, the establishment focuses on preserving the traditions of Puglian cooking. The original Mount Lookout location continues to operate at 1026 Delta Ave. while the new airport site remains open all day to accommodate arriving and departing passengers.
“Quintessentially Italian” described the restaurant’s atmosphere in a report by AOL, highlighting the shift toward local dining options over national chains at the airport. The grand opening event on April 16 officially marked the start of full-service operations for the Concourse B site.
Dining and Cooking