In this interview, we sit down with Massimo Fallica, an experienced Italian restaurateur who has spent over 20 years perfecting the art of authentic Italian cuisine in the UK and now brings his expertise to Winter Park at Grappolo Cucina Italiana. With a passion for blending time-honored recipes with exceptional service, he shares his journey of transforming London/Surrey’s La Meridiana into an award-winning establishment and also introduces Grappolo, the new family-oriented restaurant now open in Winter Park offering diners a unique taste of Italy.
Tell us about your background and experience in Italian Restaurants.
I am an Italian who lived in the UK for over three decades, blending my cultural heritage with a wealth of experience in the restaurant industry, where I have dedicated 20 years to honing my craft.
My approach centres on efficient operations, team motivation, budget control, and exceptional guest satisfaction—essential pillars in creating memorable dining experiences. Over the years, I’ve opened and managed several acclaimed Italian restaurants in London, including La Figa and Babylon, overseeing everything from staff recruitment and training to menu design.
My dedication to excellence has earned me four different awards in the United Kingdom, underscoring my passion for authentic Italian cuisine and service. Since taking ownership of La Meridiana in late 2017, I have worked tirelessly to transform it into an award-winning establishment renowned for its welcoming atmosphere and time-honoured recipes.
By carefully managing costs, elevating service quality, and consistently meeting the needs of a loyal, discerning clientele, I continue to bring the flavours and traditions of Italy to life.
Why Winter Park?
Winter Park boasts a vibrant dining scene that thrives on its lively cultural heritage and affluent, well-educated community.
With a picturesque downtown framed by boutiques, art galleries, and scenic lakes, the city invites both locals and tourists alike to explore a refined yet welcoming atmosphere. Its reputation for exceptional culinary experiences—spanning from upscale bistros to artisanal cafés—makes Winter Park a prime destination for food enthusiasts in search of diverse and high-quality dining options.
Adding an authentic Italian restaurant into this mix offers a perfect complement to the city’s cultural tapestry; diners who value traditional flavours and techniques will find plenty to love in dishes that celebrate Italy’s rich gastronomic history.
Moreover, Winter Park’s strong sense of community, bolstered by nearby Rollins College and a continual stream of visitors, ensures a steady clientele drawn to the warmth and familial ambiance that Italian cuisine naturally provides.
What are your upcoming plans at Grappolo?
Our primary goal is to continue strengthening La Meridiana’s reputation, aspiring Grappolo to become one of the best Italian restaurants in the Orlando area—widely recognized for both our authentic cuisine and exceptional customer service.
To achieve this, we plan to introduce special menus for key celebratory days such as Mother’s Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and other family-oriented events, as well as for weddings and private gatherings.
These themed offerings will showcase traditional Italian fare, infused with creative twists to delight our clientele. We also aim to expand our family-friendly appeal with fun and engaging dishes like a “Kids Pizza,” ensuring that guests of all ages can enjoy the warmth, tradition, and true Flavors of Italy.
What is the Grappolo Experience and what makes Grappolo stand out?
Grappolo will offer a truly family-oriented experience, putting exceptional customer service at the forefront to ensure that every guest feels as though they’ve stepped into a warm, inviting dining room in Italy.
Our culinary inspiration comes from time-honoured family recipes—dishes that have been treasured for generations.
We believe Winter Park diners will appreciate our commitment to authenticity and our passion for serving cuisine that you won’t find elsewhere in the area.
While we plan to stay true to classic Italian favourites, we’re also excited to explore inventive plates such as Sea Bass alla Mediterranea, Salmone al Mascarpone e Pistachio, and the savoury Agnello Toscana. Whether you’re joining us for a casual family dinner or a special celebration, Grappolo promises to deliver an unforgettable taste of Italy.
Unique dishes at Grappolo?
At Grappolo, we are committed to delivering an authentic Italian experience by relying on time-honoured cooking methods passed down through generations.
Our Traditional Sicilian Arancini offers a delightful taste of Southern Italy, prepared with creamy rice and flavourful fillings before being coated and crisped to perfection. The Lobster Ravioli showcases delicate, handmade pasta enveloping succulent lobster, demonstrating the art of crafting each component with care.
Our Authentic Fettuccine al Ragù incorporates a slow-simmered sauce that brings out robust flavours in every bite, while the Risotto al Tartufo highlights the art of gentle stirring to achieve its velvety consistency and earthy truffle aroma. Families can enjoy our playful Kids Bunny Pizza, and for those seeking a gourmet twist, the Pizza with Truffle, Burratina, and Pistachio layers creamy cheese, fragrant truffle, and the light crunch of pistachios.
Each dish reflects our devotion to traditional Italian techniques, ensuring every plate captures the essence of Italy.
Want to win a Chef’s Dinner for Two to Grappolo? One lucky winner will be randomly selected! ($100 value). To enter: https://www.instagram.com/p/DJXQUHdR_yg/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Grappolo Cucina Italiana
526 S Park Ave.
Winter Park, FL 32789
grappolocucina.com
