Nina's
Meet Chef Vito Parisi
The Heart of Nina’s
For Chef Vito Parisi, cooking is more than a profession—it’s a way of life, shaped by his childhood in Molfetta, Italy. He grew up in a home where food was love, watching his mother carefully prepare meals with simple, fresh ingredients. The air was always rich with the scent of slow-simmering sauces, freshly baked bread, and fragrant herbs, filling every meal with warmth and tradition. Those early memories became the foundation of his passion for authentic Italian cooking.
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After formal culinary training at the prestigious Scuola Alberghiera Hotel Parco degli Aranci in Foggia, Italy, Chef Parisi’s journey took him to Germany, where he earned the esteemed “Copper Pan Award” and was recognized as one of the country’s top Italian chefs. His path eventually led him to North Carolina, where he worked alongside some of the region’s finest chefs before finding his home at Ristorante Nina's in 2010.
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In 2015, Chef Parisi was honored to carry on the legacy of Nina’s when he purchased the restaurant from its beloved founders, Nina and Chris Psarros. With deep respect for the traditions they built, he remains dedicated to preserving the heart and soul of Nina’s while adding his own touch to the menu through inspired nightly specials. His approach is simple—honor the ingredients, respect the craft, and always cook from the heart.
The Story of Nina’s
Ristorante Nina's began as a labor of love. After opening the four-star Da Nina’s in New York in 1987, Nina and Chris Psarros brought their passion for Tuscan cuisine to Raleigh in 1999. Their vision was clear—to create a place where guests could experience the rich flavors and comforting hospitality of Italy. With an exclusive wine list showcasing Italy’s finest varietals, they sought to educate and delight their guests with every glass poured and every meal served.
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When Chef Parisi took the helm in 2015, he embraced their philosophy as his own. Today, Nina’s remains a place where tradition and innovation come together—where old-world recipes meet modern creativity, and where every guest is welcomed like family. From the very beginning, Nina’s has been guided by a simple yet heartfelt message printed on its opening night menu:
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"An invitation to sample our menu... An invitation to become part of our family."
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Chef Parisi and the entire team at Nina’s invite you to gather around the table, savor every bite, and experience the warmth of true Italian hospitality.
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