About us

At Aventino’s, we take pride in providing exceptional service and delicious Italian cuisine to all of our guests. To ensure that we are always prepared to serve everyone, we strongly encourage making reservations in advance. By doing so, we can guarantee that your table will be ready and that we can provide you with the best possible dining experience.

In 1982, a family dream took shape—an  Italian kitchen filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable dishes like Tortellini Aventino’s and classic Lasagna. For decades, those flavors brought people together. When the restaurant closed in 2010, a piece of the community’s heart went quiet. But not for long.

.

In 2012, son‑in‑law Chris Hight reignited that spark. Determined to restore the flavors so many locals missed, he opened Aventino’s Italian Restaurant, breathing new life into a cherished legacy. Within months, his wife Erica Paez Hight joined him. Side by side, the couple poured their energy into every lunch and dinner service. Their son Zander worked nights with Chris, learning the rhythm of the kitchen, the heartbeat of the family craft. 

.

 Then came a new blessing—baby Eva, born in 2013. Suddenly, the restaurant wasn’t just reborn… it was growing. Aventino’s had a new little light, a new reason to keep pushing  forward. As the years passed, Zander graduated high school and stepped fully into the kitchen. By the end of 2018, he earned the title of Chef, proudly carrying the family torch while Chris embarked on a bold new adventure. 

.

 That same year, Chris began building a brand‑new Italian concept in Plano. Using his construction skills and vision, he created a fast‑paced, beautiful restaurant for a new community to enjoy. In 2019, the doors opened—another proud family milestone. But only months later, the world changed. Covid forced the new restaurant to close. 

.

Heartbroken but not defeated, Chris returned to Aventino’s. He transformed the space to meet new safety rules, fighting to keep the family business alive even as the world slowed down. Business dropped dramatically, and the struggle was real. To protect his family’s legacy, Chris made the painful decision to take a job far from home.

.

For three long years, Erica and Zander kept Aventino’s running, holding the fort with grit, love, and determination. Then came 2023—the year everything shifted again. Chris returned home, and with him came a fresh burst of energy. New cocktails, mixed drinks, and monthly events like Wine Dinners and Whiskey Dinners brought excitement back to the dining room. 

.

Today, Erica, Zander, and Chris stand shoulder to shoulder, working every day to give their community a restaurant they can be proud of—a place built on family, resilience, and  the joy of sharing good food with good people.

Aventino’s isn’t just a restaurant.  It’s a story of love, perseverance, and generations rising together.

Although we do accept walk-in business, please be aware that there may be a small wait for a table. We prioritize honoring our reservations and will not sacrifice our high standards of service just to fill a seat.

At Aventino's, we believe that our service is an essential part of the dining experience. Our owners are involved in every aspect of the business, from cooking the food to scheduling reservations, and even editing this website. We are dedicated to providing a unique and unforgettable dining experience.

So, whether you make a reservation or decide to walk in, we appreciate your business and would love for everyone to experience our amazing restaurant.

We can't wait to serve you!