Da Gianni Cucina Italiana in Alabang: A Legacy of Family, Tradition, and Soul Food
At the heart of Da Gianni Cucina Italiana lies a philosophy that is both simple and profound: to live healthily and happily through good food and shared company. For the family behind the restaurant, dining has never been just about filling the stomach; it is about relationships, culture, and the joy of sharing a meal with those you love.
IMAGE from Philippine Primer
IMAGE from Da Gianni’s Facebook page
A Legacy Born from Family
The story of Da Gianni began long before its doors opened in 2018. In 1986, the Guidicelli family moved to Cebu, where their Nonno Gianni, fell in love with the Philippines but often missed the authentic flavors of home.
Gianni Guidicelli / IMAGE from Da Gianni’s Facebook page
Determined to enjoy true Italian food even in a new country, he began importing ingredients directly from Italy at a time when such products were scarce. For years, family and friends gathered around Gianni’s table, where Italian cooking and Filipino hospitality intertwined.
When Gianni passed away in 2015, his children, including the now Da Gianni Chef-Owner Gianluca Guidicelli, chose to honor his memory by establishing a restaurant in his name. The first venture, Trattoria Da Gianni in Cebu, was managed by two of Gianni’s long-time household helpers, who eventually became partners and chefs of the trattoria.
Chef Gianluca Guidicelli / IMAGE from Philippine Primer
In 2018, the family brought the concept to Westgate Center in Alabang, opening Da Gianni Cucina Italiana. For them, the restaurant has always been more than just a business. It is a passion project, nurtured with dedication and care.
IMAGE from Philippine Primer
IMAGE from Da Gianni’s Facebook page
Honest Food, Trusted Relationships
Central to Da Gianni’s philosophy is the commitment to quality. As an Italian restaurant, the team combines imported Italian staples with the freshest local produce.
IMAGE from Da Gianni’s Facebook page
Ingredients are sourced both from Italy, through direct imports or trusted friends, and from carefully cultivated relationships with local suppliers of vegetables and seafood. For the family, sourcing ingredients is not simply transactional, but is built on friendship, trust, and shared values.
The Spirit of Italian Dining
Da Gianni’s concept is rooted in the Italian tradition of family meals. It is a place where comfort food meets refinement without losing its family-centered soul. The dishes are not designed for showy perfection but for everyday enjoyment, honoring tradition while also welcoming innovation.
IMAGE from Da Gianni’s Facebook page
Best-sellers include the Osso Buco Di Gianni, a cherished recipe from Chef Gianluca’s mother that resonates with both Italian and Filipino palates. It is made of braised beef shanks with tomatoes and potatoes complementing this soul-enriching dish.
Osso Buco Di Gianni (Php 1,100) / IMAGE from Da Gianni
Another must-try is Da Gianni’s Spaghetti Shrimps and Scallops, crafted in a Mediterranean style that perfectly suits local tastes. The dish is enriched with black olives and capers simmered in a tomato sauce, creating a balance of fresh, savory flavors.
Spaghetti Shrimps and Scallops (Php 585) / IMAGE from Da Gianni
Another favorite is the Ragu de la Nonna, a tomato-based beef and pork dish that reflects the family’s love for simple, hearty food.
Meanwhile, seasonal specials are introduced quarterly to keep the menu fresh and evolving, though staples remain true to Italian tradition.
New Venture: Guidicelli Ristorante
Beyond its Alabang location, the family is set to open Guidicelli Ristorante, an elegant, upscale concept that will serve as the flagship of their culinary vision. This new venture will highlight world-class ingredients sourced globally, paired with Filipino warmth and hospitality, while retaining the Italian heart that defines Da Gianni.
From left to right: Matteo, Glena, and Gianluca Guidicelli / IMAGE from Philippine Primer
The new restaurant is set to open November 2025, so don’t miss it!
Da Gianni stands as an extension of the family home, reflecting Italian values of togetherness, where meals are sacred moments for bonding, respect for tradition, and the celebration of life. For the Guidicelli family, good food is inseparable from good living, echoing Gianluca’s timeless belief, “To work well, you must eat well.”
