06/27/2026
Thank you Oxford Chamber of Commerce!
đź’ˇMember Spotlightđź’ˇ
Italia Gardens Oxford: A Tradition of Family, Food, and Community
For nearly a century, Italia Gardens has been built on family roots, old-world recipes, and a deep connection to the communities it serves.
The story began in 1931 in Flint, when Albert and Josephine Barone brought their Sicilian heritage to Michigan and opened the original Italia Gardens in Flint, MI. Over time, the restaurant changed locations but remained in the family, passing recipes and traditions from one generation to the next.
Owners Ed and Monica Klimek became part of that story in 1994. Ed joined the restaurant and quickly formed a close bond with the Barone family. “We've been like family ever since,” he says. At the time, Monica was running the dining room while Ed worked in the kitchen, and the two eventually built both a partnership and a life together through the business.
Over the years, Ed took on a larger role in the operation, eventually becoming a managing partner. As they helped grow the business, they began searching for another location where they could continue the Italia Gardens tradition while building something of their own. After years of searching, they found Oxford to be a perfect fit. “We really liked the area and the community,” Ed says. The couple purchased and renovated the current location in 2008, continuing a legacy that began more than 90 years ago.
One thing that has never changed is the heart of the menu. “The original tomato sauce recipe is still from 1931,” Ed says. That smooth, sweet sauce remains one of the restaurant's signature offerings, along with its meat sauce, lasagna, and meatballs.
Locally, the restaurant has repeatedly earned “Best of the Best” recognition, reflecting its long-standing popularity in Oakland County. Much of that loyalty comes from consistency, quality, and a commitment to doing things the old-fashioned way. Everything from the sauces and bread to the dressings and breadcrumbs is made from scratch in-house. “We do a lot from scratch here,” Monica says.
That hands-on approach extends to ownership as well. Ed, who also serves as fire chief for Atlas Township, starts many mornings at the restaurant baking bread before heading to the fire station. Monica then takes over for the day, and between them, one of the owners is almost always present. Their son, Kyler, serves as the restaurant's kitchen manager and is there every day the restaurant is open, helping oversee the kitchen and continue the family's commitment to quality. Their daughter, Kali, an occupational therapist, also pitches in after her shifts when the restaurant is short-handed. Monica says, “If those doors are unlocked, there's a good chance one of us is here.”
Over the years, Italia Gardens has become part of countless family traditions. “We've had lots of families grow up with us,” Monica says. “Baby showers, baptisms, communions, graduations, and weddings.”
In addition to dine-in service, customers can order takeout by calling (248) 628-4112 ahead of time, delivery through DoorDash and Grubhub, or arrange catering through ezCater. Family Pans To Go, serve five people and make it easy to bring favorite Italia Gardens dishes home. Simply place the pan in the oven and you are ready to serve your Italia Gardens favorites wherever you are.
Holiday seasons bring especially high demand for catering, with take-and-bake pans of lasagna and pasta dishes becoming a tradition of their own. “It's insane how many lasagnas we go through,” Ed says. “People order weeks ahead of time." Ed and Monica went on to say that advance notice for catering orders is greatly appreciated.
Nearly a century after its founding, Italia Gardens remains what it has always been: a family business built on homemade food, hard work, and relationships that span generations.
To learn more, visit https://www.italiagardensoxford.com/ or stop by 1076 South Lapeer Road in Oxford, MI. When planning your visit, note that Italia Gardens is open from Noon to 9 pm Wednesday through Sunday, and closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
