Mannino's Italian Bistro

The Father / Son Chef team of John Rosario & John Matthew Mannino (Father & Son Respectively) have partnered with Daris Gavin to open new “Olde World” Italian Bistros. The goal was to give patrons Great Italian food at a reasonable price point with wine choices to match. We are sure that the Mannino’s Italian Bistro Family will work with great passion & attention to detail to try and ensure that our guests develop a sense of home and comfort while enjoying their dining experience.

John R Mannino, known as “Pops” by the staff, was born in the famed New York borough, Brooklyn. He was raised and taught to cook by his mother who was born and reared in a small town just outside of Palermo, Italia. She taught him to prepare and cook in the style of the old country. Since learning these time honored culinary traditions. John R. has spent time perfecting them while simultaneously passing them along to his only son, John M., who still today absorbs all the lessons Pops shares with him. John R. spent time at many restaurants both locally (Nicholas’ at the Omni, La Bella Italia, Café Society {Executive Chef}, Bodegas & 4.5.6 Fish) and nationally (Lacey’s Restaurant/ Manhattan & East of Athens/ Long Island).

John M. started his culinary career at the Beach's very own Big Sam’s at the inlet. He also spent some time at La Belle Italia and the once-renowned Blue Hippo. John M. then went to Velvet 25 to become the Sous Chef. It was there that John M. & Daris Gavin met, developing a work relationship as well as a friendship that has culminated into these three forming a partnership. John M. then decided to go to The Culinary Institute of America (NY). He graduated with honors, also gaining valuable experience while cooking in New York City and Florida. He returned to become the Executive Chef of Bodega in Norfolk, and would eventually become the Executive Chef at 4.5.6 Fish at the same time.

Daris Gavin began bartending in 1988 in Portsmouth at the one time best kept secret in Tidewater, The Scale o' d’Whale. He has been in the restaurant business ever since. He worked and trained with the one of Hampton Roads premiere Sommeliers, Marc Sauter, twice; once at La Galleria in the mid 1990’s and at the renowned Todd Jurich’s Bistro in 2004-2005. He also obtained his level one Sommelier certification at that time. He went on to become the General Manager of Fusion 440 in Portsmouth and of The Vintage Tavern in Suffolk, VA.