Our Story

Crafted with Heart & Soul Since 1984

For over four decades, Davanni's has been the cornerstone of authentic Italian dining in the heart of Brooklyn Center, Minnesota — where every dish tells a story of tradition, family, and passion.

40+

Years Serving

50K+

Happy Guests

Davanni's restaurant interior with warm lighting

1984 Est.

Our Beginning

A Family Legacy Born from Passion

It all began in the summer of 1984, when the Davanni family — fresh from a culinary journey through Naples, Rome, and Sicily — decided to bring those authentic flavors to the people of Minnesota. With little more than cherished family recipes, a modest kitchen, and an unwavering commitment to quality, they opened the doors of Davanni's on Summit Drive.

What started as a neighborhood pizzeria quickly grew into a beloved institution. Word spread about the hand-tossed dough, slow-simmered sauces made from imported San Marzano tomatoes, and a warmth of hospitality that made every guest feel like family. Decades later, that spirit endures in every dish we serve.

Today, Davanni's continues to honor those founding principles while embracing the best of modern culinary techniques — always staying true to the soul of Italian cooking.

40+ Years of Heritage

50K+ Guests Served

80+ Menu Items

4.8 Average Rating

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What Drives Us

Our Mission & Vision

Everything we do is guided by a simple belief: that great food, made with integrity and served with genuine care, has the power to bring people together.

Our Mission

To nourish our community with authentic Italian flavors, crafted with the finest ingredients, served with the warmth of family hospitality every single day.

Our Vision

To be the premier destination for authentic Italian dining in the Twin Cities — a place where memories are made, traditions are honored, and communities thrive.

Our Promise

We promise to source responsibly, cook honestly, and serve graciously. Every ingredient is selected with care, every recipe perfected with love and dedication.

Our Community

We are more than a restaurant — we are a gathering place. A cornerstone of Brooklyn Center where neighbors become friends over shared meals and lasting memories.

What We Stand For

Our Core Values

Uncompromising Quality

From the flour in our dough to the basil on our plates, we refuse to compromise on quality. We use only the finest ingredients, sourced locally when possible and imported from Italy when necessary.

Genuine Hospitality

We treat every guest the way we would treat family — with warmth, attentiveness, and a sincere desire to make their experience exceptional from start to finish.

Sustainable Practices

We are committed to reducing our environmental footprint through responsible sourcing, minimizing food waste, and supporting local farmers and producers in our region.

Continuous Innovation

While deeply rooted in tradition, we embrace creativity and evolution — constantly exploring new ways to delight our guests while honoring the essence of Italian cuisine.

Chef preparing authentic Italian dishes in Davanni's kitchen

"Food is not just nutrition. It is memory, culture, love, and identity — and we pour all of that into every dish we create." — Marco Davanni, Founder

Our Journey

Four Decades of History

From a humble family kitchen to a beloved community landmark — the story of Davanni's is a testament to passion, perseverance, and the timeless power of good food.

1984

The Grand Opening

Marco and Lucia Davanni open the first location on Summit Drive with a menu of 12 items and a dream to share authentic Neapolitan flavors with Minnesota.

1991

First Expansion

Growing demand led to a complete kitchen renovation and dining room expansion — doubling seating capacity and adding a full catering service for the Twin Cities area.

1999

Award-Winning Recognition

Davanni's earns its first "Best Italian Restaurant" award from the Twin Cities Dining Guide, cementing its reputation as a culinary destination in the region.

2008

Second Generation Takes the Helm

Sofia Davanni, Marco's daughter, joins the leadership team — bringing fresh ideas, modern culinary training, and a renewed commitment to the family's founding vision.

2015

Complete Renovation & New Menu

A full interior redesign breathes new life into the restaurant while an expanded menu of 80+ items honors classics and introduces exciting seasonal offerings crafted by the team.

2020

Digital Transformation

Launching online ordering, delivery partnerships, and a loyalty rewards program to better serve the community through challenging times — emerging stronger than ever.

2024

Celebrating 40 Years

Davanni's marks four decades of excellence with a grand anniversary celebration, a heritage menu revival, and a renewed commitment to the next 40 years of authentic Italian dining.

The People Behind the Plates

Meet Our Team

Our team is a family — a diverse group of passionate individuals united by a love for Italian cuisine and a dedication to making every guest feel welcome and valued.

Sofia Davanni

Executive Chef & Owner

With a culinary degree from Le Cordon Bleu and years spent training in Florence and Bologna, Sofia brings visionary leadership and impeccable technique to every dish that leaves our kitchen.

Antonio Ricci

Head Pizzaiolo

A third-generation pizza maker from Naples, Antonio's hand-tossed technique and legendary sourdough starter have been the heart of Davanni's pizza since 2002. His dedication is unmatched.

Elena Marchetti

Pastry Chef

Elena trained at the prestigious Pasticceria Bar San Marco in Venice before bringing her extraordinary talent for dessert to Davanni's. Her tiramisu alone has won three regional awards.

James Kowalski

Front of House Manager

With 15 years in hospitality management, James ensures that every guest receives a seamless, memorable dining experience. His warmth and professionalism set the standard for our entire service team.

Interested in joining the Davanni's family? We're always looking for passionate people.

Get in Touch

Taste Our Story

Experience Four Decades of Flavor

Every meal at Davanni's is a celebration of heritage, craftsmanship, and the simple joy of extraordinary Italian food shared with the people you love.

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