“Dove si mangia bene, si vive meglio.”
Where you eat well, you live better.
The story of Da Vinci
The story of Osteria Da Vinci begins in the small farming village of Ardauli, located in the heart of Sardinia. Tonino was born there, surrounded by olive trees, vineyards and the rich, traditional Sardinian cuisine. At a young age, he set out to explore the world, travelling through various countries and working in the hospitality industry for the first time in Switzerland. Through a friend, he eventually ended up in Groningen, where he met Henriette – and Groningen became his home.
Tonino learned the art of pizza making at a traditional pizzeria in Groningen, and when that business was sold, something started to stir. The idea of something of their own began to form. Henriette and Tonino worked together on the idea of their own restaurant – not just any Italian restaurant, but a place where Tonino could blend his Sardinian roots with what he had learned in the Netherlands. The craft of pizza baking on the one hand – the rich, deeply rooted Sardinian cuisine on the other.
When the premises on Turfsingel became available, it felt like it was meant to be. With determination and belief in their idea, they convinced everyone and in 1989 opened the doors of what has since become a well-known place in Groningen: Osteria Da Vinci.
This story lives on in our team – in the culinary inspiration of our chef Danilo, who was also born in Ardauli and has been part of Da Vinci almost since the beginning. In our restaurant manager Carlo, who makes every guest feel like part of the family. And in every team member who contributes with personality and warmth to the atmosphere that makes our restaurant so special.
