Chef Giuseppe

Giuseppe Zappala and his wife Assunta are initially from the Lake Cuomo region of Italy. Giuseppe traveled to restaurants around the world, demonstrating pasta machines. One of his trips brought him to the El Dorado here in Reno, where the machine was purchased for La Strada Italian restaurant. It wasn’t long after that Giuseppe was called back to work as a chef at La Strada and moved to Reno in 1984. 

During his time at the El Dorado, the Mushroom Ravioli recipe was conceived and became one of the area’s famous dishes. The dish is still served at La Strada, but Giuseppe now serves it at his own restaurant, Bella Italia, known in Reno for traditional Italian pasta dishes.

Chef Giuseppe has now been in the restaurant business for over 37 years. He prides himself in serving award-winning dishes made with fresh pasta and ingredients straight from Italy.