Our Story

About Davanni's

Nearly five decades of passion, family recipes, and an unwavering commitment to authentic Italian flavor — this is who we are.

Interior of Davanni's restaurant — warm lighting, rustic wooden tables

49 Years of Excellence

Our Heritage

A Family Recipe,
A Lasting Legacy

It started in 1975 with a wood-fired oven, a grandmother's secret dough recipe, and a dream to bring the soul of southern Italy to the heart of Minnesota.

Founder Marco Davanni arrived in Plymouth with little more than his family's cherished recipes and an extraordinary will to share them. He believed that great food had the power to create community, spark conversation, and make every table feel like home.

Today, Davanni's is a beloved institution — spanning two generations of family ownership, thousands of loyal guests, and a menu that has grown while staying true to its roots. Every pizza, every pasta, every carefully chosen ingredient carries forward that original spirit.

Marco Davanni Founder, Davanni's Restaurant & Pizzeria

1975

Year Founded

85+

Menu Items

50K+

Happy Guests

4.9

Average Rating

Why We Exist

Our Mission & Values

We exist to nourish people — body, spirit, and community — through the timeless art of Italian cooking.

Fresh Ingredients

We source locally where possible and import signature Italian staples directly from our trusted partners in Italy. No shortcuts.

Made With Love

Every dish is crafted by hand by cooks who genuinely care. Recipes are passed down, refined, and prepared fresh daily.

Community First

Davanni's is more than a restaurant. We sponsor local events, partner with schools, and give back to the Plymouth community.

Uncompromised Quality

From the first slice to the last bite, quality is non-negotiable. We hold ourselves to the highest culinary standards every day.

Our Journey

Milestones Through the Years

1975

The First Oven Fires Up

Marco Davanni opens the original location on Harbor Ln with a 12-item menu, a wood-fired oven, and his grandmother's handwritten recipe book.

1983

Expanding the Family Table

Growing demand leads to a full renovation, doubling seating capacity and adding the first dedicated pasta station. The legendary hoagie is introduced.

1995

Catering & Events Launch

Davanni's begins offering full-service catering for weddings, corporate events, and private parties — bringing authentic Italian hospitality beyond the restaurant walls.

2005

Second Generation Takes the Helm

Marco's daughter Sofia joins leadership, introducing new seasonal specialties while safeguarding the family's original recipes and culture.

2015

Digital & Delivery Era

Davanni's launches online ordering and local delivery — making those beloved pizzas and pasta dishes accessible to the entire Plymouth metro area.

2024

Nearly 50 Years & Still Growing

Celebrating close to five decades, Davanni's unveils a refreshed dining space, an expanded menu, and renewed commitment to the Plymouth community it proudly calls home.

What Drives Us

The Principles
We Live By

Authenticity Above All

We never take shortcuts. Every sauce, dough, and filling is made from scratch using time-honored Italian techniques passed through generations.

Hospitality as a Way of Life

Italian culture celebrates the table. We train every team member to treat guests as family — warm, genuine, and attentive.

Continuous Improvement

Tradition grounds us, but curiosity drives us forward. We constantly taste, refine, and evolve — always asking how we can do better.

Sustainable Responsibility

We partner with local farms, minimize food waste, and choose eco-conscious packaging because we believe great food and good stewardship go hand in hand.

Elegant dining interior at Davanni's with warm ambient lighting

Meet the People

The Hearts Behind the Kitchen

Our team is a family — dedicated, passionate individuals who show up every day ready to deliver an exceptional experience.

Sofia Davanni

Executive Chef & Owner

Trained in Naples and Bologna, Sofia brings twenty years of culinary expertise and a fierce devotion to her father's original vision.

James Kowalski

Head Pizzaiolo

With 15 years at the stone oven, James has perfected the art of Neapolitan crust — charred, chewy, and absolutely unforgettable.

Maria Chen

Pastry Chef

Maria's tiramisu and cannoli have their own fan following. She blends classical Italian pastry with a modern, delicate touch that guests adore.

Daniel Torres

General Manager

Daniel ensures every guest leaves happy. His hospitality philosophy is simple: treat every visitor like they're the most important person in the room.

Ready to Experience It?

Come Taste the Davanni's Difference

Whether you're ordering for one or planning a catered event for hundreds, we'd love to bring our passion for Italian cuisine to your table.

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