From its unassuming exterior to its vast selection of wine and cigars, there’s nothing typical about Dino Sisto’s La ZaZa Trattoria, a new Italian restaurant in Sycamore.

Cuisine from Northern and Central Italy highlights the menu, with dishes such as homemade rotollo, roasted white fish in a lemon butter sauce, and homemade Italian sausage served with red peppers, garlic and provolone cheese.

Many of the recipes featured on the menu are from Sisto’s mother.

“She had a passion for food, for cooking, that was passed on to me and my brother,” he said.

Sisto believes in the quality of the dining experience, expressing that food should not only nourish the body, but the mind and the soul as well.

“I don’t keep anything over two days, and import fresh fish and bread each day,” said the restaurateur of his kitchen.

The menu is updated to keep the meals fresh with the season. But food isn’t the only thing that will lure people to restaurants.

“I love coming here,” said DeKalb resident Jennifer McDonnell. “The food is great … and the atmosphere makes you feel like you’re in downtown Chicago.”

The dining room at ZaZa’s features rustic Italian wine barrels huddled in the corners. Framed black and white photographs line the Venetian plastered walls, complimenting the fresh flowers and candles that grace each table.

“I wanted the place to have a casual atmosphere with an upscale flair,” Sisto said.

Black granite tops the mahogany bar, which is secluded in the back of the restaurant adjacent to a grand piano. The piano is used for playing live music every Friday and Saturday night.

“This was a vision of mine,” says Sisto. “The three things you need to succeed are consistency, quality and service. If you have that, then your patrons will be happy.”

Manager Sue Lauritzen said, starting today patrons will be able to take advantage of both inside and outside dining.

“We have a nice area on the street side that will seat about 12 tables,” said Lauritzen. “I’m really looking forward to that. I know a lot of people are looking forward to sitting outside this time of year.”

For reservations or information, call 754-5100.