At age the of 20, Chef Rafael moved with his wife to Cleveland, Ohio. His goal was to continue his Italian culinary skills which he acquired in the region of Verona, Italy.

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Chef Rafael was introduced to the restaurant industry at a very young age. His grandmother was very well known for her home-cooked dishes. She loved having her grandson with her as she cooked meals as soon as he was able to walk. He was six years old when he first learned how to make homemade pasta and, by age 14, he was ready to embark on his own culinary journey. His first stop was Verona, Italy, which was the setting for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. The romantic and rich architectural heritage of Verona was matched by the great culinary venues of that city and Chef Rafael's experience and skills grew exponentially. Three years later, Chef Rafael traveled to Belgium and France where he then experienced cooking French cuisine as well.

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Next stop - Cleveland Ohio with his lovely wife Aurora. While he was learning the language and adapting to new culture, Chef Rafael began working at Heck’s Cafe- the place of the best burgers around town - first as sue chef and a few years later became the head chef. But he dream was simple - to own his own restaurant and focus on the European Cuisine which he so preferred to present. He next partnered in The Beachcliff Tavern in Rocky-River, Ohio, until its sale in 2017.

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After more than a year of searching for the right location, he found the "new" home of The Palazzo Ristorante. It reminded him of those venues he worked at in Verona, Italy. The location was previously the "Palomina Restaurant", a very well-known restaurant located on the site for decades and which was ultimately renamed "The Palazzo". Remodeling of the restaurant began in 2018 and has now resulted in a warm and welcoming atmosphere reminiscent of the Palomina and Palazzo restaurants which so many past customers remember. It is worth mentioning that, as visitors entered the building while under construction, Chef Rafael would take them on a tour, point out the multiple improvements that he and his father, Papa, spent so many hours on and he would joyfully demonstrate how he would soon be wielding pots and pans, seasoning food and creating the cuisine he had so long dreamed would be his hallmark. And now it is your turn to experience the passionate commitment to an extraordinary dining experience that Chef Rafael will soon place in front of you as you dine at The Palazzo.

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Bon Apetite!

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