Miami Living Magazine features the best Miami has to offer. Click on any magazine below and enjoy. You can download our free app on iTunes. Ideal for iPad and iPhone users.
Issue link: https://digital.miamilivingmagazine.com/i/1547432
Below, Angelin Kometa discusses the meaning behind putting his name on the restaurant, his daily service routine, and the community culture of Coconut Grove. Miami Living (ML): Da Angelino is named after you. What does that personal connection mean to you? Angelin Kometa: Having a restaurant that carries my name is something very special to me. It’s not just a business; it’s a reflection of who I am, my Italian roots, my passion for hospitality, and everything I’ve learned throughout my career. When guests walk into Da Angelino, I want them to feel that personal connection. My name is on the door, so every experience matters to me. I take great pride in making sure everyone leaves happy and feels like they’ve been welcomed into my home. I’m deeply grateful to my partner, Graziano Sbroggio, for trusting me, believing in me, and giving me the opportunity to lead a restaurant that bears my name. It’s a privilege I never take for granted, and one that makes me incredibly proud. ML: You’ve described Da Angelino as reflecting the way you grew up eating in Italy, “elegant but never stiff, where guests are welcomed like family.” What elements of that way of dining did you most want Da Angelino to capture? Kometa: Growing up in Italy, dining was never just about food. It was about family, conversation, sharing beautiful moments, and enjoying life around the table. That’s exactly the feeling I wanted to bring to Da Angelino. I believe a restaurant can be elegant without being intimidating. You can have beautiful food, exceptional wines, and professional service while still making people feel comfortable and relaxed. For me, true Italian hospitality means treating every guest like someone special, whether they’re visiting for the first time or coming back for the twentieth time. ML: The menu draws inspiration from different regions of Italy. What do you hope guests experience through that range of dishes? Kometa: Italy has such an incredible culinary heritage, and every region has its own identity, traditions, and flavors. I want our guests to experience a little journey through Italy without leaving Coconut Grove. For me, the most important thing is authenticity. I want people to taste dishes that remind them of Italy, whether it’s something they grew up eating or something they’re discovering for the first time. We want to respect traditional Italian cooking while presenting it with elegance and attention to detail. ML: Why Coconut Grove, and what made the neighborhood feel like the right home for Da Angelino? Kometa: Coconut Grove has always had something special. It has history, character, beautiful surroundings, and, most importantly, a real sense of community. What I love about the Grove is that it feels like a neighborhood where people know each other. That reminds me a lot of Italy. I didn’t want Da Angelino to be just another restaurant in Miami. I wanted it to become part of the neighborhood, a place where families, friends, and regular guests could come together. Coconut Grove was the perfect place to create that atmosphere. ML: When you’re on the floor during service, what do you pay closest attention to?