New Sicilian-Inspired Restaurant Opens In New Hope-Solebury

SOLEBURY TOWNSHIP, PA — Cugini’s Italian Kitchen has opened its doors at the site of the former New Hope Star Diner, bringing with it authentic Italian cuisine and a full service bar.

Following extensive renovation work, cousins Frank Picone and Anthony Adragna - with decades of experience in the restaurant industry - rolled out their latest restaurant concept in late March at the former diner site located just to the west of the Logan Square Shopping Center on Route 202.

At Cugini’s, the cousins have created a first-generation Sicilian restaurant bringing authentic Italian cuisine and warm family hospitality to the New Hope-Solebury area.

Rooted in the Sicilian tradition, the restaurant is serving classic Italian-American favorites, including house-made pastas and artisanal pizzas, all made with fresh seasonal ingredients.

(Photo by Jeff Werner)

(Photo by Jeff Werner)

Fresh bread accompanies the pasta dishes. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

Crab ravioli with shrimp. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

Menu highlights include homemade lasagna with ricotta, mozzarella, calabrese sausage and tomato sauce baked in the restaurant’s wood oven and Cugini Pasta made with fettuccine, creamy tomato sauce, calabrese sausage and peppers, mushrooms, spinach, and green onions.

Other highlights include grilled New York Strip Steak, chicken parmesan, honey grilled salmon, Bronzino Mare Chiaro, Cugini burger, and an assortment of pizza, including Margherita, Sicilian, sausage, vegetarian, and patate.

“Opening a restaurant is both an exciting and humbling journey," the owners wrote on Facebook. "With each service, we are refining, elevating, and dedicating ourselves to delivering the exceptional experience you deserve.

“It is an honor to begin this chapter surrounded by such a wonderful community. We look forward to welcoming you and serving you with care and intention.”

Picone grew up in the restaurant business working for his dad, Salvatore, at V&S Pizza in Fairless Hills. He later transitioned to a successful career as a Certified Public Accountant.

His cousin Anthony opened and operated Cafe Antonio in Morrisville for years, building it from the ground up into a hugely successful restaurant that attracted high profile customers, including several New Jersey Governors, before selling it in 2019.

The cafe, within view of the New Jersey state capital, continues to be a staple in the riverfront community known for its homemade bread, fresh pastas and mouthwatering dishes.

During much of the past year, the cousins have made “a considerable investment” in the transformation of the former diner into an inviting atmosphere.

In its first few weeks of operation, the new restaurant has been receiving good reviews.

One patron wrote, “Great food, great atmosphere, and an awesome addition to the New Hope community. From the delicious pasta to the warm hospitality, everything was fantastic. If you’re in the area and love authentic Italian food, this place is definitely worth checking out.”

Another wrote, “Dinner was great! Especially loved the long hots appetizer but everything for our group of four hit the mark! Be back very soon!”

“We had a delicious dinner at the bar last night,” another customer wrote. “Great atmosphere and amazing meal. We are so happy you are here!”

This writer also stopped by to sample the menu, having enjoyed the food at Cafe Antonio for years.

I ordered the crab ravioli, which was nothing short of exceptional. The pasta, the shrimp, and the sauce were enjoyable. I cleaned every drop of sauce with the delicious homemade bread that came with the meal. I appreciated the bottle of water on the table and the attentiveness of the wait staff. I finished off my meal with a mouthwatering piece of tiramisu.

The last time I was there, it was still the Star Diner. It’s amazing the transformation that has occurred. The new space is cozy, warm and inviting, complementing the delicious Italian fare now being served.

The New Hope Star Diner closed in November 2023 and was put up for sale in early January 2024.