A short story about us

In 2003, their son Angelo, along with his wife Jessica, took over the restaurant in Kortrijk and built on the family tradition of authentic Italian dishes.

In 2024, Angelo and Jessica moved to Deerlijk, where they continue to share their passion for Italian gastronomy in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

500+

25

Years of experience

Happy customers

A Family History Started in Bisceglie (Bari). In 1964, Gianni Bombini and his fiancée Giuseppina started a new chapter in Leuven, where they opened their first restaurant, Da Gianni.

It soon became a success, with new branches in Leuven, Ghent, Bruges and Kortrijk.

A Family History Started in Bisceglie

The story of our pizzeria begins with Gianni Bombini, born on 28 January 1945 in the port town of Bisceglie. From a young age, Gianni accompanied his father in the fields to grow olives, almonds and cherries. It was a time when everything was still done by horse and cart. Unlike his father's hopes, Gianni had other dreams for his future.

At the age of nine, he left Bisceglie to live with a relative in Milan, where he went to work as an errand boy in a grocery shop. After working hours, he did odd jobs in a nearby bar, delivering coffee and pastries to homes and businesses, a deeply rooted Italian tradition. It was in this environment that his passion for the hospitality industry began to grow, leading him to quit his job in the grocery shop and become a full-time bartender.

From Italy to Belgium

At the age of 14, Gianni often worked 18 hours a day. When his father heard this, he decided to bring him back home. But Gianni did not want to return to working in the fields; his father gave him permission to continue in the hospitality industry. Back in southern Italy, Gianni went to work as a bartender and ice cream maker. Yet at the time, southern Italy offered few economic opportunities for an ambitious young man like Gianni.

In 1963, at the age of 18, Gianni made the brave decision to leave his homeland and emigrate to Belgium with his fiancée Giuseppina and her parents. In Leuven, they started working in a cousin's business. Gianni worked there as a waiter, while Giuseppina was responsible for maintaining the restaurant.

Within a year, Gianni and Giuseppina took over the business, located on Mathieu de Layensplein. At the time, it had eight tables. In the summer of 1964, the name Da Gianni was born, literally meaning ‘At Gianni's’.

Da Gianni's Success

Less than a year after its official opening, Gianni rented the adjacent premises to expand his restaurant from eight to 30 tables. He lived above the restaurant and soon became a popular figure among students, not hesitating to serve them a plate of spaghetti after a night of partying.

In the following years, Gianni opened several restaurants across Belgium, including in Leuven, Ghent, Bruges and finally Kortrijk, where he opened his first restaurant on the Grote Markt in 1978. Three years later, he opened a pizzeria on Graanmarkt, next to De Kaashalle.

A New Beginning at the Grain Market

When the property next to The Kaashalle was sold, Gianni had to move his restaurant. Despite this setback, he was determined to carry on, to honour the memory of his eldest son Mario, who tragically died in a car accident during renovations.

In June 1990, the new and larger Da Gianni finally opened its doors, right opposite the old location. The experience and craftsmanship Gianni had accumulated over the years resulted in a masterpiece characterised by imposing fountains and Venetian chandeliers.

From Generation to Generation

In 1992, Villa Borghese (now l'Osteria) opened its doors on the Grand Place, a business that has been run by Gianni's son, Angelo, for more than 23 years. Raised in the world of hospitality, Angelo continues to carry on his father's passion. Together with his wife Jessica, who has stood by him for more than 10 years, they continue this family tradition with a warm welcome and attentive service.

Their shared commitment makes every visit to the restaurant a unique and memorable experience. Thanks to Jessica's warm welcome and the exceptional quality of the pizzas, Angelo Bombini was voted best pizzaiolo in West Flanders in 2015 and 2016.

A New Chapter

The opening of their new restaurant in Deerlijk marks an important turning point for Angelo and Jessica, who want to offer their customers an even more refined and traditional experience. Symbolising a new chapter in their family adventure, this new establishment offers a spacious and bright space, an inviting terrace and private parking.

Combining vintage modernity with elegant Italian touches, the décor reflects the family heritage while keeping up with the times. We hope to welcome you numerous times to our new restaurant-pizzeria, where you can enjoy our dishes on site or to take away.

Angelo and Jessica Bombini

Contact us

Stationsstraat 232,

8540 Deerlijk

Address

© 2024. All rights reserved.

Opening hours

Monday: closed

Tuesday: closed

Wednesday: 12 pm - 2 pm and 6:30 pm - 10 pm

Thursday: 12 pm - 2 pm and 6:30 pm - 10 pm

Friday: 12 pm - 2 pm and 6:30 pm - 10 pm

Saturday: 12 pm - 2 pm and 6:30 pm - 10 pm

Sunday: 12 pm - 2 pm

Phone number

+32 (0) 56 25 63 83