24-Year-Old Opens French Restaurant in Rumson, Grows Family’s Restaurant Legacy
Taking a big risk, Jake Rallo opened River Pointe Inn, introducing French food to Rumson, New Jersey. The new restaurant, supported by his family’s restaurant group, features Michelin-starred expertise running the kitchen. Teaming up with the Diaco family, the restaurant makes its mark with seafood dishes and French cooking methods. Joshua Laurano, who gained experience at Le Bernardin, now runs the kitchen, bringing city-level cooking to the suburbs.
The restaurant caught the eye of New Jersey Monthly, landing on their best-of list. Regular full houses show this partnership worked out well for both families. The interior mixes smooth marble with soft leather, making guests feel at home.
The space blends Paris cafe style with New York flair, while old-school mirrors spread light around, elevating the suburban restaurant. The menu changes with the seasons, highlighting local seafood, especially oysters from nearby waters. The bar serves up cocktails – some traditional, others with fresh spins.
Rallo’s time at Cornell’s hotel school set him up for success. His travels through France inspired ideas now coming to life in his restaurant.
“I called my dad and I said, ‘Okay, I miss people. I miss restaurants. You were right. I should have come work for you.’ And I moved back to New Jersey, and I started working for him,” says Jake to New Jersey Monthly.
River Pointe Inn follows the Rallos’ earlier success with Italian restaurants Undici Taverna Rustica and Birravino in 2013. Each restaurant adds to its growing impact on New Jersey dining. The partnership makes both families more successful.
They maintain close relationships with local farmers, ensuring their kitchens get the best ingredients. Even with industry struggles and COVID hitting restaurants hard, customers keep returning. Local support helped turn early potential into ongoing success.
As the Rallos continue growing, French cooking meets their Italian background. Through Jake’s leadership, their story keeps getting better.
