Prima Cucina Italiana will become the newest entry in the downtown dining scene when it opens Monday, June 29, after months of renovation and preparation. According to chef-operator Josh Santangelo, the restaurant at 103 W. Federal St. will feature regional cooking from all over Italy with an emphasis on the cooking of Rome. “It will be Italy Italian food as opposed to American Italian,” he said.

Prima is in the rectangular space formerly occupied by Roberto’s Ristorante, an old-school Italian establishment. While it retains the charm of its former identity, Prima has a simpler and more elegant décor. Paintings line the walls and white-tableclothed tables run the length of the room.