Manny’s Express
Introduce yourself:
Chef Manny was born and raised in Italy, where his passion for food began at a young age. Inspired by the rich culinary traditions of his grandmother and mother, he developed a deep love for cooking early in life. He later graduated from the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu, further refining his skills.
After gaining experience in several European kitchens, Manny moved to Australia at the age of 21. Within just a few years, he was leading some of the top Italian kitchens in Melbourne’s renowned dining scene.
In 2015, Chef Manny relocated to the United States, where he worked as a head chef and executive chef in various restaurants across Brevard County, Florida. In 2020, he fulfilled a lifelong dream by opening Manny’s, and in 2024, he and his wife Tina launched The Market in Melbourne, Florida.
The rest is history.
What will you bring to the food hall:
At Chef Manny’s new spot in Destination Food Hall, we serve handcrafted traditional Italian sandwiches and fresh, vibrant salads—simple, honest food made with quality ingredients and generations of passion. Every item on the menu reflects my roots in Italy, where I was raised surrounded by the aromas and flavors of my grandmother’s and mother’s kitchens.
After graduating from Le Cordon Bleu and working in top kitchens across Europe and Australia, I’ve come to believe that great food doesn’t need to be complicated—it just needs heart. That’s why my favorite thing to make is a perfectly balanced Italian sandwich: crusty bread, bold cured meats, creamy cheeses, and crisp vegetables. It’s comfort food, but elevated.
My menu is inspired by the meals I grew up with and the flavors I fell in love with as I traveled the world—from rustic Tuscan panini to light, refreshing Mediterranean salads. It’s a tribute to tradition with a modern twist, crafted for the fast-paced, flavor-loving foodies of Melbourne, Florida.
What are you most excited for in partnering with Downtown Food Hall?
We’re incredibly excited about our partnership with Downtown Food Hall because it places us right at the heart of a vibrant, food-loving community. The Food Hall brings together an amazing mix of culinary talent, and we’re proud to be part of that energy and creativity. It’s the perfect place to introduce our brand to new customers, collaborate with other local vendors, and create memorable food experiences. This partnership gives us the opportunity to grow with a supportive network while doing what we love serving fresh, flavorful food to people who truly appreciate it.
