Gianni D’Amato's career, marked by an early love for cooking, MICHELIN stars, and prestigious restaurants, is a story of talent and resilience in the Italian culinary world.
Gianni D'Amato, originally from Aulla in the picturesque Lunigiana, discovered his culinary vocation as a teenager at the age of 14 and enrolled in the hotel school in Lerici. His passion for gastronomy was inspired by his great-grandparents, Giovanni and Domenica, who owned an inn in Gianni's hometown.
During his studies in Lerici, Gianni met Fulvia, his future wife, who was from Reggio Emilia. Together they began a life and culinary journey. In 1987, Gianni opened the restaurant "Il Rigoletto" in Aulla, which quickly became the best in the province of Massa Carrara, a true laboratory of learning and culinary experimentation. In 1998, Gianni and Fulvia decided to move "Il Rigoletto" to Reggiolo, into a magnificent 18th-century villa, once owned by the Manfredini family. Here, Gianni deepened his knowledge of local specialties, bringing with him the experience and creativity he had acquired. This new venture was soon rewarded: in 2002, "Il Rigoletto" received its first MICHELIN Star, followed by a second two years later. Other accolades include the "Sole" by Gino Veronelli in 2004, the Pastry of the Year Award from the Espresso Guide in 2005, entry into Relais & Chateaux (Grand Chef), the Guide of the Inns, and the nomination among the “Magnifici del Presidente” by the Italian Academy of Cuisine in 2007. Unfortunately, the 2012 earthquake forced the closure of "Il Rigoletto".
D'Amato did not give up and launched "Rigoletto Itinerante", taking his recipes beyond the restaurant's borders with the help of colleagues and Relais & Chateaux. Simultaneously, he opened "Rigolettino–Osteria-Moderna", a new landmark in Reggiolo. Meanwhile, Gianni also participated in international gastronomic events. In 2013, together with his son Federico, he opened "Caffè Arti e Mestieri" in Reggio Emilia.
Now, Gianni leads the restaurant "Gianni d’Amato" in Tellaro, Liguria, where he continues to demonstrate his passion and dedication to cuisine, spreading the love for culinary tradition in the re-opened historical restaurant “Locanda Miranda”.
