Marsilio’s Kitchen: A Legacy of Love, Flavor, and Family

by Denise Meinster

When you walk through the doors of Marsilio’s Kitchen, you feel it immediately — warmth, care, and a true sense of belonging. This isn’t just a restaurant. It’s our family’s story, four decades in the making, built on tradition, a love of Italian food, and the people who make it all possible.

In 1986, my parents purchased the restaurant and, together with my husband Alan, poured their hearts into it. They didn’t simply create a place to dine — they built a gathering place, a home where everyone feels welcome. I remember those early years vividly: my mother and Alan working side by side for over twenty years, and my mom saying she could never get a word in because Alan was always moving — walking and talking. That’s because there is always something to do in this business. But laughter always echoed through the dining room, along with the varied aromas of a restaurant — from simmering sauces to baking bread, the tang of garlic, and the clean scent of bleach from the dishwashing area.

Alan has been the heart of the kitchen from the very beginning. He has built the brand, guided the team, and been the steady force behind it all. He believes in doing things the right way — because you can’t fake great food or genuine hospitality. He’s still in the kitchen every week, tasting, mentoring, and ensuring each dish reflects the care that defines Marsilio’s. Alan has been the glue that holds it all together, ensuring that every aspect of the restaurant runs smoothly, from the kitchen to the dining room.

Now, our daughter Grace is taking the helm at just 29 years old. A graduate of The Chapin School of Hospitality at FIU in Miami, she grew up in the restaurant, learning firsthand what true hospitality means — tasting every dish and watching generations of families celebrate life’s milestones here. Stepping into this role is both a joy and a responsibility. Grace brings fresh energy while honoring our roots, introducing craft cocktails, curated events, and wine tastings that connect food, culture, and community.

Our menu remains true to our Southern Italian heritage — veal Parmigiana, tender chicken cacciatore, fresh seafood, and homemade pastas — while our approach continues to evolve. Guests come for the food, but they return for the feeling. That feeling comes not only from our family but from our incredible staff. Many team members have been with us for decades, and in some cases, multiple generations of their families have worked alongside ours. Seeing those connections flourish is what makes Marsilio’s more than a restaurant — it’s a community.

Looking ahead, our focus is simple: deepen what we do best. More intimate dinners. More community gatherings. More meaningful moments that bring people together. Marsilio’s has always evolved naturally, and as long as we preserve the integrity — quality, hospitality, and consistency — everything else falls into place.

For me, Marsilio’s has always been about love — a passion for food, a dedication to people, and a commitment to family. From generation to generation, one truth remains: a great meal brings people closer, creates lasting memories, and nourishes not just the body, but the soul. That is what we hope every guest feels when they walk through our doors.

We truly are grateful for each and every one of our customers, and we look forward to welcoming you to Marsilio’s Kitchen to experience the love, flavor, and family for yourself.