Continuing over 50 years of Italian Tradition

1950…Livia and Simplicio Di Eugenio constructed a building just outside Phoenix city limits that became “Livia’s.” It had living quarters in back and two small businesses up front, Simplicio’s shoe repair shop and Livia’s pizza and pasta shop. “It was George Washington’s Birthday in 1950 when I opened my restaurant. With my husband we buy the lot and build the place. I started with $27 of groceries from the A. J. Bayless down the street. I didn’t have a car, so I carry the bags, then I cook.” Livia…February, 1976, The Phoenix Gazette.

1976…The Phoenix Gazette headline read “Owners change, but traditions stay at Livia’s.”
The new owners…Renee and Rocco Pepino. The new restaurant saw many changes. The shoe shop was opened up to create more seating and a small bar area. The living quarters became the office and new kitchen capable of producing all the creations Renee would add to the new menu.

“You’ll find the most delectable really true Italian cooking, with each dish individually prepared by Renee…with so much care, she even makes her own pasta.”
May 1978, Today/Sun Newspaper

1985…The place was wildly successful and parking was crazy with cars lined up and down
7th Avenue. Renee and Rocco decided to purchase to two homes directly behind the restaurant to create the current off-street parking.

1989 saw some notable celebrities dining at Livia’s. Paul Newman came in two nights in a row during the Iceberg Grand Prix. Robin Willams staged an impromptu show upon answering the restaurant telephone using a broken Italian accent and impersonating the Italian owner. Others that have dined at the restaurant include actor Robert Mitchum, boxer Jake LaMotta, radio personality Wolfman Jack and countless Phoenix area government officials and celebs.

June 1993…Renee and Rocco decided to retire and sold the restaurant to one of their employees. After a year of unsuccessful changes to the 17 year recipe for success, Renee and Rocco were forced to take back the business. They left the restaurant closed for three years while trying to sell it.

1997…Renee and Rocco decided to reopen the restaurant as “The Roman Table” and it didn’t take long for it to get noticed. “The Roman Table, a restaurant that could outlast another empire or two.”   December 1997 – Phoenix Magazine

1997…The Arizona Republic recommended the Roman Table for “Best Italian”

June 2005…Renee and Rocco try for retirement once again and sell the restaurant to Lynn and Mike McGarry.

July 1, 2005…After enlarging the bar and completely redecorating the restaurant, we opened for dinner as “Harley’s Italian Bistro.” The recipes we use have been prepared in this establishment for over 30 years and the restaurant itself is one of the oldest Italian restaurants in Phoenix. Tradition, quality and value are extremely important to us and it is our intention to continue on with the 50 plus years of serving exquisite, regional style Italian cuisine.

We hope that you enjoy your meal and overall dining experience.

Lynn, Mike and our entire staff.