The Secret To Light Gnocchi
Mama Frusone would come in early and make the pasta by hand, and soon invited Missoum to work the dining room. Nervous at first, he quickly fell in love with his customers and never looked back. Gnocchi has been a beloved Philadelphia institution since 1989 — a legacy built on tradition, dedication, and homemade cooking that keeps guests coming back for generations.
Our Roman Family Roots
Missoum Khemici taught music in his home country before coming to the United States. He landed his first job at the legendary Ristorante San Carlo under the watchful eye of Mama Frusone. "I cleaned the pots," Missoum says, "and the next day, people thought someone bought new ones! She was very impressed." Because of her, he learned Italian along with English.
The New Beginning
When Mr. Missou retired, he passed his life’s work to an engineer and a rising chef. Healing from a friend's tragedy, Maria bought the restaurant to create a sanctuary where everyone finds comfort and community. Beside her, Master Chef Ryan pours his soul into every recipe, bringing lifelong dreams to life one plate at a time. Together, this passionate duo redefines dining with pure love, creating a warm Italian home where every guest is cherished and fed like family.
Benvenuti a Casa! Welcome to Our Table.
From the moment you step inside, you are family. We built this lively Italian home so everyone feels wrapped in comfort. To us, food is the ultimate language of love and healing. Every handmade food, slow-cooked sauce, and loaf of bread is crafted with intention. Maria infuses our space with pure joy, while Chef Ryan pours his heart into every single plate. So, pull up a chair. Let us feed you super well. We can’t wait to share a meal and a smile with you. With love, Maria & Chef Ryan
Meet the Team that Makes it Possible
The people of Gnocchi's are the heart of everything we do. Their passion, creativity, and dedication transform every meal into an unforgettable experience. From crafting exceptional dishes to sharing new ideas that help us grow, every team member makes a difference. Their commitment to excellence is what defines Gnocchi's and creates the warm, welcoming atmosphere our guests love.
