Ridgeland aldermen OK Italian restaurant design

RIDGELAND — Taste Italian Kitchen is coming to the Renaissance next year.

The restaurant is going in the building on the south end of the Renaissance where Robert St. John’s Enzo Osteria was located. This will be the Starkville-based brand’s second location.

The restaurant will undergo renovations and open in early 2025, said John Ryckert, Taste’s director of operations.

Taste received site plan approval from the Mayor and Board of Aldermen earlier this month in a unanimous vote on the consent agenda.

Mayor Gene F. McGee said the building “looks nice” and represented a “great investment” at the Renaissance.

Plans showed a new black-and-white paint scheme. Construction will include a new enclosed foyer at the front.

St. John announced in early September that his restaurant would close. 

Enzo had been open for about two years, replacing Biaggi’s, a national chain of Italian restaurants.

Renaissance officials said they welcome the new brand.

“Renaissance at Colony Park is excited to welcome Taste and to introduce this proven concept to this market,” a statement from the Renaissance said. “The restaurant and ownership are a perfect fit within our Renaissance restaurant lineup.”

According to Ryckert, Taste celebrates the art of Italian cooking. With a focus on high-quality ingredients, traditional recipes, and impeccable service, Taste has quickly become a favorite in the Starkville area and is now expanding to bring its exceptional dining experience to Ridgeland.