From Italy to Boston to Knoxville
The Original Cafe Amalfi
In 1936 Horace Consolmagno, an Italian immigrant from a small village near Salerno, opened his restaurant in Boston’s historic and stylish Back Bay, quickly becoming the place to be and be seen, attracting world-class musicians, maestros and leaders from the business community.
In 1965, Mario Izzo, the longtime manager, bought the restaurant and expanded the menu with additions from his childhood in Campania and other parts of Italy that he encountered in his extensive Italian travel.
A Boston Institution & Family Legacy
“Amalfi” as it came to be known, on symphony nights would have a dozen Nobel laureates, Julia Child, Leonard Bernstein, Arthur Fielder of the Pops and many other noted celebrities and was a unique fixture in the Boston community.
Though Mario sold the restaurant in 1981, the family tradition now continues as Paul, Mario’s grandson, brings Amalfi to Knoxville.
Richard Izzo
Cafe Amalfi, Boston
The Next Chapter
“My love of food was born at my grandfather’s restaurant – The Café Amalfi, where I have my fondest and earliest memories. As an Italian American who was raised in downtown Boston, I grew up with some of the world’s most famous and enjoyable Italian food, whether it was my grandmother’s unbeatable weekly ‘Sunday Sauce’ or walking the streets of the North End munching on fried calamari and zeppole at Saint Anthony’s Feast.
My wife, Meredith, and I have been obsessed with food culture worldwide, in particular, regional Italian food. We want to share this love and our family history with Knoxville. Welcome to Amalfi!
Owner & Chef Paul Martin