about
Riva Cucina is a love story between food, culture, and people. Founded by husband-and-wife duo Massi and Jen Boldrini, it blends Massi’s Italian heritage and culinary talent with Jen’s Californian ethos and soul.
For 17 years, their Michelin-recommended Berkeley restaurant embodied the spirit of Emilia Romagna. Now in Napa Valley, Riva Cucina continues this legacy through bespoke private dining and immersive travel experiences at home and abroad.
-
Born into a family of chefs and raised in Ferrara—a city steeped in the culinary traditions of Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region—Massi’s love for cooking began at an early age. Some of his most cherished memories are of annual visits to his grandparents’ farm, where the family would gather around a long table to make salumi and sausage by hand. This ritual, a celebration of heritage and seasonality, remains a touchstone in his life, drawing him back to Italy every January to continue the tradition with his father.
At fifteen, Massi embarked on his culinary journey with a summer internship at his father’s Bologna restaurant. Determined to instill discipline and respect for the craft, his father, Giuliano, assigned him grueling twelve-hour shifts—a true immersion into the demands and artistry of professional kitchens. From chopping and grilling to the intricate skill of de-boning prosciutto, Massi’s passion flourished, leading him to formal training at the prestigious Vergani Culinary Institute in Ferrara.
Upon graduating, Massi honed his skills in renowned kitchens across Europe and the United States. He spent formative years working under the celebrated Chef Gino Angelini in both Italy and Los Angeles, where his deep-rooted Italian sensibility merged with Californian creativity. It was in Los Angeles that he met Jen—his future wife and partner.
In 2007, Massi’s dream took shape when he and Jen opened Riva Cucina in Berkeley. For seventeen years, their restaurant became a beloved gathering place, earning a devoted following, and recognition in the Michelin Guide. In 2024, they transitioned Riva Cucina from a restaurant to an intimate, experience-driven culinary venture in Napa Valley, where they now craft bespoke private dining and curated wine country experiences that honor the traditions of Italian hospitality.
Beyond the kitchen, Massi serves his community as a volunteer firefighter and as part of the Napa Firewise team, working to promote fire safety and prevention. He also lends his culinary talents to support local causes, raising funds through chef-driven events. In his free time, you’ll find him biking, cooking, or enjoying an evening passeggiata through Yountville with Jen and their two teenage children—savoring the beauty of the valley they call home.
-
A creative force behind Riva Cucina, Jen brings a lifelong passion for connection, storytelling, and the art of gathering to every meal and experience. Her love affair with Italy began as a student at the University of Notre Dame, when a semester in Florence transformed a foreign country into a second home. Immersed in its culture, she discovered a profound connection that would shape her life’s path. Returning to the U.S., she completed her studies in psycchology and cultural anthropology before earning a Master’s degree in Psychology and Eastern Philosophy in San Francisco.
Jen’s time abroad led her into the luxury travel industry at the height of the internet boom, where she thrived, uncovering and sharing some of the world’s most captivating destinations. This role brought her to Los Angeles, where a chance meeting with Massi set the course for their shared life together. Before stepping into the restaurant world, Jen built a successful career in branding, specializing in archetypal culture analysis—helping companies craft authentic narratives and aligned brand identities. This intuitive approach continues to shape her work at Riva Cucina, where she and Massi design meaningful culinary and travel experiences that evoke a true sense of place and connection.
When Massi found the perfect location in Berkeley, Jen joined him in bringing his culinary vision to life. Riva Cucina became more than a restaurant—it was a gathering place where food, hospitality, and heartfelt connection turned guests into lifelong friends. Over 17 years, she and Massi built Riva Cucina into a beloved institution, blending their Californian and Italian roots to create an experience where culture and cuisine seamlessly come together.
Now in Yountville, Jen has reimagined Riva into an intimate, experience-driven offering that blends bespoke private dining with immersive travel design. Whether curating vineyard gatherings or crafting tailor-made journeys through Italy, she brings her signature warmth and connection to every detail.
Beyond Riva Cucina, Jen continues to embrace her love for learning, often found immersed in books on psychology, neuroscience, and contemplative traditions. Together, she and Massi are honored to share the art of Italian hospitality, inviting others into a world where every gathering is a celebration of life’s richest moments.