Chef Massimo Mannino – Marabella’s Italian Restaurant
This article is the third in a series spotlighting chefs in Washington.
It has been said that "If you want to understand Italy, study it’s food."
That could not be truer than when eating at Marabella’s in Washington. Chef Massimo Mannino has a passion for creating delicious Italian food and bringing it to the table at Marabella’s.
When you step into Marabella’s, it truly feels as though you are entering a true ristorante in the old country. The aroma of fresh pastas, herbs and spices fill your senses, and you know you are in for a truly genuine Italian culinary experience.
Massimo and his brothers opened Marabella’s Italian Restaurant in Washington fifteen years ago, and has been going strong ever since.
Having been in the restaurant industry since he was fourteen years old where he worked for his uncle in Sicily, Massimo moved to the U.S. at age eighteen, when he married his wife and worked in a restaurant with his brother in law.
Since he grew up in his family’s restaurants, it was a natural fit for him to pursue a culinary career.
"Everyone on my mother’s side of the family cooks and/or has restaurants, so I have always been inspired by chefs in the family."
"My brother Sal and I create the menus together. One of our popular specialties is Pasta Massimo, a dish of sautéed calamari and shrimp, tossed with cavatelli pasta in a creamy pink sauce. Also, Sal’s Saltimbocca di Polo is very popular."
He and his brothers have won numerous awards including Pizza International in Las Vegas and New Jersey, and the Pasta Showdown.
Chef Massimo’s goal is to bring a bit of Italy to Washington. His passion for Italian food is evident in hearing him talk about how he wants to bring Italy to those who may not be able to go there.
"I try to bring my culture to the table, to Washington. That is my goal, to bring what I know from Italy to the table, to people in Washington."
Authentic, flavorful food and family go together for Chef Massimo. "We source local ingredients because we believe fresh is the best for family, and our customers are family."
Marabella’s Italian Restaurant in Washington is open Mon-Thurs 11am-9pm; Fri 11am-9pm; and Sat 11am-9pm. It is located at 610 Carolina Avenue.
Call 252-946-0032.