ABOUT US
Our Story
1990
Gianni and Franca Guidicelli migrated to Cebu, Philippines as their first grandchild, Gianmatteo was born. Since then, they have not looked back. Native Italians, English was foreign to them. However, with the help of television, they were able to learn a few words to get by. Adjusting to Filipino food was a challenge to them, so the couple decided to frequently fly in their own supply of Italian products. This made them feel more at home, despite being thousands of miles away from Italy. To them, family and food were everything.
1995
During their first year in the Philippines, the couple were lucky enough to hire Jean and Antonia, two young ladies seeking for a job as a house helper. The couple, treated both Jean and Antonia like family. They were taught basic Italian and most importantly, how to cook Italian food, of the Guidicelli standard. Gianni would always brag that the best place to eat in the Philippines was in his house. This also transpired to his grandchildren as they would refuse to eat at any Italian restaurant growing up, as they knew that the only real Italian food is in their Nonna (grandmother) and Nonnoās (grandfather) house.
2016
Although Gianni and Franca passed away in 2015 and 2009, respectively Jean and Antonia remained with the Guidicelliās. As a way to honor their Italian grandparents, Gianmatteo, Giorgia, and Gianpaolo thought it would be a good idea to open their first Italian restaurant and call it Trattoria da Gianni, located in Cebu. In this first venture, they partnered up with Jean and Antonia as a sign of appreciation for how they took great care of their grandparents. Trattoria da Gianni was established in 2016 and has then been awarded the Best Italian Restaurant in Cebu over the years.
2018
The Da Gianni brand has then expanded to Manila in 2018, with their branch in Alabang called Da Gianni Cucina Italiana. In 2022, Il Fornaio da Gianni opened in BGC as well. Consistent with its standards, the Manila restaurants are constantly awarded as well. The Da Gianni brand started with a simple vision of serving quality Italian food, combining original Italian ingredients with local fresh produce. The brand continues to grow over the years, as it aims to share the Guidicelli family recipes to the table.
MEET THE OWNER
Gianluca Guidicelli
Opening a restaurant was the idea of Gianni Guidicelli. After his passing, this dream was carried on and actualized by the family under the leadership of Gianluca.
A husband, father, grandfather, entrepreneur, triathlete and a restaurateur. How does one do it all? That is Gianluca Guidicelli- the heart and soul of Da Gianni Cucina Italiana. A man who seems to do it all.
Gianluca has a clear understanding of what he wants and stops at nothing until each goal and objective is achieved. In anything he does, he gives his all. Sudden twists and turns donāt seem to stop him. In the face of challenge and adversity, Gianluca emerges even better than before.
He is all about family. Everything he does is for them. From securing a bright future to equipping each one with skills necessary to succeed in their chosen field.
Gianluca walks along the fine line where tradition marries innovation and this is reflected in the dishes served at Da Gianni. This allows him the flexibility to respond to customerās demands as well as staying true to recipes he grew up with. He spends the wee hours of the morning thinking of combinations of flavors, plating ideas, new dishes etc. Unafraid of trying new things, Gianluca manages to come up with delicious and heart warming dishes that we all love.
āWith loveā a daily reminder he shares with the team. Be it in greeting guests, doing food preparations, cooking or serving the food, do it with love. Find purpose behind the task and focus on that. Weāre not simply in the food business. We bring friends and family together. Letās make sure they have a good time. Letās serve them a meal they will not forget.
With passion, talent, discipline and purpose, itās easy to see that thereās just no stopping Gianluca.
DIRECTIONS
Our Branches
Da Gianni Cucina Italiana
