Assaggio Ristorante was opened in 1993 by a self-taught chef, Mauro Golmarvi. In Italian, Assaggio means “taste” and the menu has been designed to give guests a taste of Mauro’s culinary passion, Italian style. Our menu is not about fancy spices or complicated dishes; it’s about simplicity, honesty, and the freshest ingredients you can find. The 100 seat restaurant is in the heart of downtown, perfect for any occasion. In 2009 we finished the addition of our bar, which completed Mauro's vision of his dream restaurant. Come and experience Mauro's passion for yourself. We like to think what sets us apart is consistency of our product and above all, service.

Mauro Golmarvi
Growing up in Ancona, Italy, Mauro Golmarvi received a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Political Science. Originally inspired by his mother, Mauro began his cooking career as a prep cook in Rome, Italy. When people ask him, “How did you learn to cook,” he tells them “My stove and my oven are my masters: they teach me everything; they are like my gods. They are not fancy, but they are mine, and they allow me to express the passion of cooking.”

In 1984, Mauro joined La Fontana and Il Florentine in San Francisco, California as a chef and also had the opportunity to work at Valeriano in Napa Valley, before calling Seattle his home. Prior to opening Assaggio, Mauro served as Execuitve Chef at at Saluté in Citta in downtown Seattle and Calabria in Kirkland, Washington.

Today, Mauro considers cooking the center-point of his life, including when he is at home with his daughter, Francesca, whom his cookbook is dedicated.