Meet Our Chefs
Guglielmo Ianni
Chef Owner
Marche, Italy
A Taste of Home
Born and raised in the Marche region of central Italy, Chef Guglielmo Ianni grew up surrounded by the rich culinary traditions of his family. His grandmother's kitchen was his first culinary school, where he learned the art of making fresh pasta by hand and the secret to slow-braised meats and hearty ragù.
After honing his skills in several Michelin-starred restaurants across Europe, Chef Guglielmo brought his passion and expertise to the United States. His vision for Ciao Italian was simple: to create a warm, welcoming space where guests could experience the authentic flavors of Italy without the pretense of fine dining.
Every dish on the menu is a reflection of Chef Guglielmo's dedication to quality. He works closely with local farmers and purveyors to source the freshest seasonal ingredients, while importing essential staples like olive oil, cheeses, and cured meats directly from Italy.
"Cooking is not just about following recipes; it's about sharing a piece of your soul. At Ciao Italian, we bring the authentic flavors of my childhood in Italy straight to your table."
Signature Dishes
- Pappardelle al Cinghiale — Slow-braised wild boar ragù
- Pizza Margherita Verace — The classic Italian style
- Tiramisu della Nonna — His grandmother's secret recipe
Giuseppe Foresta
Chef Owner
Sicily, Italy
The Spirit of Sicily
Born on the sun-drenched island of Sicily, Chef Giuseppe Foresta grew up in a family where food was the language of love. From the bustling fish markets of Palermo to the fragrant lemon groves of the Sicilian countryside, his earliest memories are inseparable from the bold, vibrant flavors of his homeland.
Chef Giuseppe trained under some of Italy's most celebrated chefs before making his way to the United States, where he found a kindred spirit in the coastal beauty of the Florida Panhandle. The fresh seafood of the Emerald Coast reminded him of home — and inspired him to bring the best of Sicilian cuisine to Destin.
His mastery of handmade pasta, fresh seafood, and wood-fired pizza reflects a deep respect for ingredients and tradition. Every plate he sends out is a tribute to the island that shaped him.
"In Sicily, we say that a meal without passion is just food. I cook with my heart — and I want every guest to feel that warmth from the very first bite."
Signature Dishes
- Linguine ai Frutti di Mare — Fresh seafood in white wine & garlic
- Arancini di Riso — Crispy Sicilian rice balls
- Cannoli Siciliani — Traditional ricotta-filled cannoli