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.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.
Our award winning Jola Eat Global Restaurant Group opened a third location in 2021. Since then, it has become a downtown hotspot with a trendy approach to the modern fine dining experience. Offering a unique combination of modern and classic coastal aesthetic in a sleek and rustic warehouse setting. Located in Cleveland's Historic Warehouse District in the heart of Downtown, Acqua Di Luca has an innovative Italian menu with remarkably fresh seafood, unique pasta dishes, extraordinary steaks and much more.We are excited to announce some significant changes within our restaurant family.Acqua di Luca located at 500 W. St. Clair Avenue will be renamed Acqua di Dea.These changes reflect our commitment to offering fresh and elevated dining. Acqua Di Dea will continue operations and ownership by Lola Jacaj.For private events contact a.george@jolaeatglobal.com
Venetian Born Chef Alberto Leandri prepares flavors from home for Clevelanders at this upscale, modern Italian restaurant. The menu will feature handmade pastas, fresh fish and seafood, fine meats, and artisan pastries and gelato.
Offering a curated selection of wines, classic cocktails, local beers, as well as delicious non-alcoholic options. Dishes are thoughtfully chosen, and a small selection of desserts will also be available nightly.“We built Gather to be a place where we wanted to hang out. We wanted it to feel upscale and comfortable simultaneously” - Matt and Julie Barnes
