Family at the heart

The Cocchiarella Family, have been serving up fine Italian food and wines for over 30 years. Giovanni, Julie, Gabriella, and Aaron along with a small team of colleagues now run 3 businesses.

Giovanni is from a small village in the town of Benevento, Italy. Since moving to England his passion for cooking and Italian wines has really shown in his dedication to hospitality.

Originally, Giovanni and Julie opened Donzella restaurant 30 years ago and after many successful years gaining a reputation for excellent authentic Italian cuisine and a wide selection of wines, the husband and wife team have passed the reins to Daughter, Gabriella. Along with Husband, Aaron, who before meeting Gabriella was a full-time bricklayer now assisting in the new relaunched restaurant, Locanda Gabriella.

Giovanni is still busy with cooking while passing his knowledge on to the staff and apprentice.

Before Gabriella took on the restaurant, she was making a name for herself in the bakery world. Gabriella’s Dolci & Cucina was open in July 2017 and only a few years later won the 2019 National Bakery award for Buckinghamshire.  After studying a variety of subjects at college and University ranging from catering to fine art and design, Gabriella found that her heart lay with making cakes and has created a range of cakes which are beautifully designed and equally delicious. With such an ambitious nature Gabriella took the step to open her own Deli at the age of 27, it has a prime location on the Market Square in Olney and serves delicious lunches and light bites.

Like all hospitality businesses, Covid had an impact on the Restaurant, however the Family took this as an opportunity to redesign the space and build a beautiful terrace area. During the lockdowns the Family also provided a takeaway service from homemade lasagna to brunch boxes which proved very popular.

Taking a step back from the Restaurant has also given Giovanni & Julie the opportunity to peruse another love, which is Italian wines. Donzella Wines is an online wine shop offering a fabulous selection of wines that can be delivered around the country.

From all of us we look forward to welcoming you to Olney very soon.