About Avanti Grille

Dominic was born in a small (tiny, actually!) village in the mountains of Reggio Calabria, Italy where meals were the heart of every gathering.  Long tables, simple ingredients, and recipes passed down through generations shaped his earliest memories and his lifelong belief that a restaurant should feel like home.

At seven years old, Dominic immigrated to the United States with his parents and five brothers, settling in Connecticut. Though they left their village behind, they carried their traditions with them, hard work, hospitality, and a deep respect for family. Those values would become the foundation of everything Dominic would later build.

By 15, he was working in Italian kitchens, learning the craft from the ground up. He washed dishes, prepped vegetables, and studied the rhythm of a busy service.  At just 20 years old, in 1983, Dominic opened his first restaurant with his older brothers Joe, Tony and Cosmo. Young and determined, they built their business the same way they were raised: together.

For over 40 years, the brothers have created restaurants that feel like extensions of their own family table. It’s common to see relatives working in the dining room, cooking in the kitchen, fixing something that needs attention, or sitting down to enjoy a meal together after a busy night. Guests often become regulars, and regulars become friends.

For Dominic, success has never been measured only in accolades or full reservations. It’s measured in returning guests who feel like friends. It’s measured in celebrations hosted year after year; anniversaries, birthdays, graduations; families choosing to mark life’s milestones under his roof. He believes that when people dine out, they’re trusting you with their time and their memories. That’s something he has never taken lightly.

Avanti Grille is Dominic’s newest chapter, a reflection of decades of experience and passion. The menu is rooted in the traditional Italian dishes guests have loved for years, alongside seasonal, eclectic additions that bring a modern flair. It’s a balance of old-world tradition and fresh creativity.

More than anything, Dominic is excited to welcome you. You’ll often find him in the dining room, greeting guests and making sure everyone feels at home. Be sure to say hello; at Avanti Grille, you’re not just a customer, you’re family.