Ronaldo’s Ristorante
A beloved fixture in the community for 25 years, Ronaldo’s Ristorante (69 Lafayette Road, North Hampton, 964-5064, ronaldos-ristorante.com) has earned a reputation for its unique take on authentic Italian dining in a cozy, family-friendly setting. In April 2023, Paula Stanca and her brother-in-law, Ciprian Jackson, took over ownership of the original location, drawn to the restaurant’s rich legacy and timeless charm. Inspired by its roots, the duo set out to preserve its heritage while infusing it with their own fresh vision. Their commitment to authenticity and quality led to the opening of a second location (3 D St., Hampton Beach, 910-5096), which debuted on the beach earlier this year, just in time for summer. At both restaurants, the focus remains on delivering truly authentic Italian cuisine, prepared entirely from fresh ingredients and always made to order. Complementing the menu is a carefully curated wine list that features both indigenous Italian grape varietals and familiar classics, offering ideal pairings for every dish. The culinary experience is further enhanced by a selection of handcrafted cocktails — such as the Amalfi Bubbles, Aperol Spritz, Godfather Manhattan and Lemon Drop Martini — all prepared with premium ingredients and inspired by the flavors of Italy. The Scene recently connected with Stanca and Jackson to learn more about their passion for Italian cuisine, the inspiration behind their menu, and how they’ve carried on the legacy of Ronaldo’s while bringing their own vision to the table.
What makes Ronaldo’s Ristorante unique?
Ciprian: What truly sets Ronaldo’s Ristorante apart is our unwavering commitment to quality and authenticity. We use only fresh, high-quality ingredients, and every dish is made to order — no shortcuts. That dedication is at the heart of everything we do, and it’s something our guests can taste with every bite.
Paula: One of our most unique offerings is the tableside Parmesan Cheese Wheel Experience, featuring our signature cacio e pepe. This experience takes place every Monday and Wednesday and has quickly become a local favorite — and even a destination for those traveling from far beyond the Seacoast.
Ciprian: The technique of twirling hot pasta inside a hollowed-out wheel of Parmigiano Reggiano originated in Italy and delivers a rich, creamy finish that’s both dramatic and delicious. We’re proud to say that we are currently the only restaurant on the Seacoast offering this experience, and it’s created quite a buzz.
What is your favorite thing on your own menu?
Ciprian: Some of my personal favorite items on the menu are our hearty lasagna made with a delicious combination of beef and pork; the rich and creamy seafood fettuccine alfredo; our signature meatballs, and of course, our award-winning tiramisu cup, which took home the prize at last year’s [Hampton Beach] Seafood Festival. These dishes really reflect the heart and soul of what we do at Ronaldo’s.
What is something that everyone should try?
Paula: The one dish I believe everyone should try is our seafood fettuccine alfredo — it’s rich, indulgent and packed with fresh seafood. It really captures the essence of coastal Italian comfort food.
Name a celebrity you would like to see eating at Ronaldo’s Ristorante.
Ciprian: If I could invite any celebrity to come try our food, it would be Chef Marco Pierre White. He’s a true culinary icon whose passion, precision and no-compromise approach to cooking have been a huge inspiration to me. It would be an honor to serve him a meal and share the experience we’ve created.
What’s one essential skill needed to successfully run a restaurant?
Paula: I believe the key attributes to running a successful restaurant are excellence in customer service, adaptability and flexibility to evolving trends, and, of course, [a] strong business acumen.
What is your favorite thing about being on the Seacoast?
Paula: We’re thrilled to be back on the Seacoast—it feels like a homecoming. The original Ronaldo’s actually started right where Ocean Wok was, before Ocean Wok, so Hampton Beach holds a lot of history and meaning for us. When the opportunity to own a second location on the beach came along, we knew we had to seize it.
— Matt Ingersoll
Featured Photo: Courtesy of Ronaldo’s Ristorante.
