ALERT: Please note, our valet service has been temporarily relocated to the corner of Virginia and 4th Avenue. This is a short distance from our usual location directly in front of the hotel on 4th Avenue. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to welcoming you.
Meet the Icon Behind Seattle’s Favorite Italian Restaurant
At Hotel Ändra Seattle, making our guests feel at home is a top priority. That same spirit extends to our unforgettable dining experience. No one embodies hospitality better than Mauro Golmarvi, the chef-owner of our beloved Assaggio Ristorante. For over 30 years, Mauro’s dedication to Italian food and heartfelt service have made Assaggio a legend in Seattle’s dining scene. Here’s a closer look at the man behind the culinary magic.
From Italy with Love
Mauro’s culinary journey reads like a great adventure. Originally a medical student from Ancona, Italy, Mauro traded his scrubs for a chef’s apron to follow his true passion—cooking. After honing his skills at Rome’s oldest restaurant, he explored the culinary scene of Los Angeles and Napa Valley before settling in Seattle to open his first restaurant. By 1993, The Seattle Times was praising Assaggio. A year later, Hotel Ändra Seattle welcomed its first guests. That’s where Mauro’s story really took off!
The Unforgettable Face of Assaggio
Mauro isn’t just the chef at Assaggio; he’s the heart and soul of the restaurant. Diners rave about the lively, neighborhood vibe, all thanks to Mauro’s approach. He believes that eating out should be fun and unforgettable, and his warm personality makes sure everyone feels right at home. Dining at Assaggio isn’t just about the food—it’s a celebration! Hotel Ändra owner Craig Schafer calls it the “Cheers” of Seattle.
Crafting Culinary Excellence
Mauro’s love for cooking began in his family kitchen on the Italian coast, where he learned from his mother and grandmother. With deep roots in Central Italian cuisine, Mauro brings a rich blend of experience and passion to his kitchen. Every dish he crafts—from the perfectly balanced flavors of his signature white lasagna to his fresh grilled king salmon and award-winning wine pairings—reflects his commitment to authenticity.
Expanding the Family Legacy
These days, Mauro isn’t alone in the dining room. His daughter Francesca has joined the team, adding another layer of family warmth to the restaurant. Mauro beams with pride as he shares that working alongside Francesca doubles the fun. “She loves the business as much as I do,” he says.
Dreams from Seattle to Tuscany
Mauro Golmarvi has always been a dreamer with ambitious plans. “Seattle is my heart!” he exclaims, and it’s easy to see why—he met his wife Connie here and shops daily at Pike Place for fresh ingredients. Now, Mauro is set to share a taste of Assaggio with Italy. Next year, he will realize his dream with the opening of Assaggio in Chianti. The restaurant will be a cornerstone of his new venture: Villa Gran Sogno (“Villa of Big Dreams”), a luxurious boutique hotel in Tuscany that will also feature a cooking school. On top of that, Mauro is working on his third cookbook, filled with stories and recipes that highlight his remarkable culinary journey. Mauro’s dreams are truly coming full circle.
Book your stay and dining reservation with us today and discover why Mauro Golmarvi and Assaggio Ristorante are downtown Seattle treasures.
