about
2007 | RESTAURANT IN BERKELEY OPENED
2012 | NAPA VALLEY CATERING BEGAN
2016 | INAUGURAL CULINARY TRIP TO ITALY
2024 | RESTAURANT SOLD
EXPANDED CATERING & TRAVEL OFFERINGS
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Born into a family of chefs and raised in Ferrara—a city deeply rooted 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 come from annual visits to his grandparents' farm, where he would gather with family around a large table to make traditional salumi and sausages by hand. This ritual, steeped in heritage, continues to this day, with Massi returning to Italy each January, when the weather signals that the time is right.
At age fifteen, Massi began his culinary journey with a summer internship at his father’s Bologna restaurant. His father, Giuliano, wanted Massi to experience the full reality of a culinary career, assigning him twelve-hour shifts every weekend—a true immersion in the world of professional kitchens. From chopping and grilling to mastering the intricate art of de-boning prosciutto, Massi’s passion for cooking flourished during this time, leading him to pursue formal training at the prestigious Vergani Culinary Institute in Ferrara.
After completing five years of culinary education, Massi honed his skills across acclaimed restaurants in Europe and the United States, including invaluable years spent learning from esteemed chef Gino Angelini in both Italy and Los Angeles. It was during his time in Los Angeles that he met Jen, his future wife and partner.
In 2007, Massi’s dream came to life when he and Jen opened Riva Cucina in Berkeley. For seventeen cherished years, they welcomed guests into their restaurant, building a loyal community and earning a Michelin Guide recommendation. In 2024, Massi and Jen closed Riva Cucina, excited to bring their culinary vision closer to home in Napa Valley, where they now create intimate gatherings and curated wine country experiences that celebrate authentic Italian traditions.
When he’s not in the kitchen, Massi serves his Napa community as a volunteer firefighter and as part of the Napa Firewise team, dedicated to fire safety and prevention. He also raises funds for local causes by volunteering his chef services. In his free time, Massi enjoys biking, cooking, or taking an evening passeggiata through Yountville with Jen and their two teenage children, savoring the beauty of the valley they call home.
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A creative force behind Riva Cucina, Jen brings a lifelong passion for connection, storytelling, and the art of gathering to every meal and experience. Jen’s journey with Italy began during her time as a student at the University of Notre Dame, when a semester in Florence transformed a foreign country into a cherished second home. Immersed in Italian culture, she discovered a profound connection that shaped her life’s path. Upon returning to the U.S., she completed her studies in cultural anthropology and psychology, later pursuing a Master’s degree in Psychology and Eastern Philosophy in San Francisco.
Her experience abroad led Jen into the luxury travel industry at the height of the internet boom, where she thrived, uncovering, exploring, and sharing some of the world’s most captivating destinations. This role brought her to Los Angeles, where a chance meeting with Massi marked the beginning of a shared life together.
Before stepping into the restaurant world, Jen enjoyed a successful branding career, helping clients bring their visions to life through strategy, design, and cultural insights. Specializing in archetypal culture analysis, Jen guided companies in uncovering authentic narratives and deeper brand identities that reflect outward that which is most inwardly aligned. This unique expertise continues to influence her work at Riva Cucina, where she and Massi craft meaningful culinary and travel experiences that evoke a sense of place and connection.
When Massi found the perfect location in Berkeley, Jen joined him to turn his culinary dream into a reality. Riva Cucina became more than a restaurant; it was a place where the couple could share their passion for Italian cuisine, hospitality, and warmth with guests turned friends. Together, Jen and Massi delight in curating gatherings that explore the flavors and traditions of both their Californian and Italian roots. Over 17 years, she and Massi have built Riva Cucina into a celebrated space for heartfelt Italian dining, blending their unique perspectives to create an experience where food, culture, and community come together effortlessly.
Beyond Riva Cucina, Jen continues to embrace her love for learning, often found gathered with family and friends or immersed in books on psychology, spirituality, and hidden gems across Italy. Together, she and Massi are honored to share the art of Italian hospitality through their Napa Valley gatherings and Italian getaways.