History

Treno Ristorante is an Italian restaurant located in the historic train depot overlooking the Cuyahoga River in Downtown Kent, Ohio featuring a chef inspired menu. Formerly the Pufferbelly Restaurant, the depot underwent a transformative renovation of its space, and is open for dinner.

This historic location is the perfect space to enjoy an intimate evening or a large gathering with friends and family. Built in 1875, the train depot served as a hub of commerce for the city of Kent until service was halted after 95 years. The building was then purchased by the newly formed Kent Historical Society in 1971 and subsequently saved from demolition. 1981 brought renovation to the depot and marked the opening of the Pufferbelly Restaurant which occupied the space until December 2016. After the Pufferbelly closed, a group of local investors began work on a modern Italian eatery. 

Renovation began in January 2017 and the historic building was completely updated including a new kitchen, dining room and bar area. Treno Ristorante opened its doors during the Fall of 2017 where its success demanded further renovation and expansion. During the summer of 2018, Treno Ristorante debuted the Treno Terrazza - a stamped concrete patio on the northern edge of the building featuring a rustic outdoor garden and charming seating area. Although these remodels have brought new life to the building, much of the rich history is on display including the double pane windows complete with over 100 years of weathering, original terrazzo flooring in the main dining room, exposed brick walls, and a train bell from the last steam engine to leave the station (we ask guests to please refrain from ringing the bell as it disturbs Charlie, our resident, friendly, albeit mischievous ghost). 

About the Chef

When you think of Italian fare, pasta and meatballs may first come to mind, but Executive Chef Andrea Enrico Barolo wants you to think again.

A native of Milan, Italy, Chef Barolo has served the authentic flavors and traditions of his home and brings culinary experience from Spain and Ireland, as well. He discovered his passion was in the kitchen as a young boy as he learned the art of cooking alongside his mother and grandmother. He is committed to using fresh, seasonal ingredients and takes pride in making dishes from scratch. Chef Barolo’s repertoire is a harmonic mix of creativity and tradition combined with a culinary passion with everything he creates.

We invite you to sit back, relax, and enjoy Treno Ristorante where fresh, local ingredients take precedent and personal, friendly service is not a welcome change, but always the standard. Saluti!