The local restaurateur behind Rusticucina, a popular farm-to-neighborhood Sicilian-inspired eatery in Hillcrest, is now paying homage to the city of Rome in San Diego’s Little Italy. The new establishment — called Roman Wolves — is more than a bar and restaurant, according to its creator, Nino Cusimano.

“We’ve created our own take on Rome’s legacy and its significant historical, cultural, and culinary impact on the Italian food and nightlife scene,” he said while detailing the cocktail-forward concept. The native Sicilian has spent months reimagining a 4,000 square foot space at the corner of Fir and Kettner in the Broadstone building, and a grand opening date is slated for February.