Chef Franco Barone grew up in the restaurant business. He immediately developed a passion for cooking at a young age taking over his family’s restaurant in Milan.In 1982, Franco and his family came to America to pursue his dream to become one of the greatest chef. Stints at several high profile Southern California restaurants followed. There he quickly gained recognition as one of Southern California’s most talented chefs.

His many honors include twice being recognized as Southern California Chef of the Year; once by the Southern California Restaurant Writers Association and once by the Orange County Business Journal. He has also been named one of the great chefs of Orange County by the orange county kidney foundation. In February of 2010 Chef Franco and his wife Donatella realized there long awaited dream with the opening of Il Barone Ristorante.Chef Franco continues to dazzle and impress Southern California diners with impeccable quality and unsurpassed dishes that highlight his unique approach to traditional Italian Cuisine.