Inside the Kitchen: Seven Questions with Pizzaiolo Francesco Martucci

If I had to choose one meal to eat over and over again, it would be my grandfather’s meatballs. They weren’t made the traditional way, there was very little meat and much more bread because my grandfather was diabetic. But they were full of love and resourcefulness, and they remind me of family, care, and simplicity. For me, that dish represents nourishment in the truest sense.

My most important food memory goes back to when I was very young, working in a pizzeria to support my family. I was assigned to the tomato station, peeling and preparing tomatoes all day. I embraced that responsibility completely. I even remember hugging the bucket of tomatoes. That was the moment I realized this work could give me purpose, stability, and pride. It is when I knew the kitchen was where I belonged.

Fine dining has nothing to do with formality or luxury. It is not about white tablecloths or tasting menus. For me, fine dining is about quality, intention, and the people you are sharing the table with. Even a small bistro can be fine dining if the food is made with care and you are enjoying it with people you love.

I do not think in terms of a final goal or destination. Opening in Miami represents a new dimension for me. It is a chance to step outside my comfort zone, share what I have learned, and continue evolving. Success is not one moment, but it is a continuous process of growth.

I have been fortunate to eat at many of the world’s great restaurants, but I do not keep a bucket list. What drives me is discovery, finding food that challenges me, inspires me, and makes me curious about what is next.

My philosophy is to always have limitless curiosity. I believe in never becoming comfortable or complacent. Cooking is both science and intuition, but curiosity is what pushes me forward to keep learning, experimenting, and evolving every day.

I am drawn to food that feels comforting and familiar. I love dumplings, tortellini, cannelloni, and meatballs. These are dishes that feel soft, warm, and emotional. They do not need to be complicated to be meaningful.