Since 1959, four generations of the owner's family have called Astoria home. Antonio’s wife Cynthia spent her early years with her parents, grandparents, aunt, uncle and brother in a house just a few blocks away from where VIA VAI is today. Antonio and Cynthia met while she was working in Rome, and after starting their family in Italy they moved back into that same Astoria house with their own small children. Their love of Astoria made it the perfect choice for opening their first restaurant, VIA VAI.

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Antonio Morichini Owner/Chef

After completing culinary school in the Piedmont region of north Italy, Antonio started his career in the seaside town of Chiavari in Liguria, working with the freshest fish and the traditional food of that region. He returned to his native Rome as sous chef and Chef de Cuisine in renowned Michelin-starred restaurants (Il Convivio Troiani, Glass Hostaria, Acquolina).

Since his arrival in New York 7 years ago, he has served as Executive and Corporate chef in Manhattan (Bottega del Vino, 83 1/2), Westchester (Gavi), and Brooklyn (Provini, Bevacco).

Antonio is thrilled to set up his own shop right here in Astoria, his adopted town.

Read an exclusive interview with Antonio by Italia Living.