Celebrity chef, restaurateur and Barrington-area resident Fabio Viviani is bringing his latest restaurant concept close to home with the upcoming opening of BOCADO Tapas Barrington.
Set to open in fall 2026 upstairs at 133 Park Avenue Barrington, IL in downtown Barrington, BOCADO will center on shareable plates, bold yet approachable flavors and a thoughtfully crafted beverage program, all within a warm, energetic atmosphere designed for everything from weeknight dinners to cocktails and late-night gatherings.
At the heart of BOCADO is a tapas-driven menu inspired by the flavors and social dining traditions of the Spanish Mediterranean. Spain provides the foundation, with influences extending across South America and the broader Mediterranean basin.
Guests can expect traditional and modern interpretations of Spanish-inspired small plates alongside Peruvian-style ceviches, tacos and other craveable small plates. The menu will also draw inspiration from Brazil and Argentina’s coastal cuisines incorporating dips, skewers, grilled proteins, fresh seafood and vegetable-forward dishes.
“I love the idea of taking the spirit of tapas, the variety, the bold flavors and the social experience of sharing food, and giving it our own interpretation,” said Viviani. “Spain is really the starting point, but the menu allows us to travel through South America and across the Mediterranean. The menu is meant to be fun and approachable, but there is a lot of thought behind every dish.”
The beverage program will complement the menu with classic and contemporary cocktails featuring tequila, mezcal and Spanish influences, balanced by familiar American favorites. A curated wine program will focus on Spanish and Mediterranean selections, along with seasonal sangrias and wine-forward cocktails.
BOCADO’s atmosphere will be central to the experience. The intimate space will blend modern farmhouse warmth with Spanish design influences, incorporating pottery, greenery and regional accents. A prominent bar will serve as a focal point, while lighting and music will evolve throughout the day, creating a more energetic evening atmosphere while maintaining a comfortable, conversation-friendly setting.
Designed as a neighborhood gathering place, BOCADO will welcome families for early dinners, professionals gathering after work, couples lingering over wine and shareable plates, and friends meeting for cocktails and a night out
BOCADO Is Only the Start: Phase Two Coming Soon
Looking ahead, BOCADO is only the first phase of Viviani’s plans for Barrington’s Main Street. Phase two will introduce a second concept, Retoro, located downstairs in the same building at 133 Park Avenue Barrington, IL.
Retoro will feature an intimate, chef-led Japanese dining experience centered on the tradition of omakase, a dining style in which guests entrust the chef with selecting and presenting the evening’s dishes.
Rather than ordering from a traditional menu, diners will be guided through a multicourse progression of sushi, sashimi and other Japanese-inspired dishes, with a curated menu that can change nightly. The chef will personally introduce each course and share the ingredients, preparation and flavors behind every dish, creating an immersive and highly personalized culinary experience.
Retoro is slated to open early 2027 with more details to come.
“There is something special about being able to create restaurants in the community where I live,” said Viviani. “We want BOCADO and Retoro to add to the energy happening on Main Street and help make Barrington an even stronger dining destination and social scene.”
