A native of Southern Italy and trained in fine art and culinary arts, Marisa Iocco brings a decade-long legacy of culinary innovation to Spiga.

In the early 1990s, Iocco opened Galleria Italiana in Downtown Boston, which grew to be a historic and celebrated culinary destination, ultimately winning the 1996 award for Best Italian Restaurant in Boston. Following Galleria Italiana’s success, Iocco opened La Bettola, South End Galleria, Bricco, Umbria, and Mare—the North End’s lauded seafood restaurant recognized by Esquire and Conde Nast Traveler, among others.

Iocco’s award-winning career built on menu mastery, ingredient reverence, and minimalism has led her to appear in The New York Times, Food & Wine, Bon Appétit, Esquire, Eating Well, Boston Magazine and The Boston Globe. She is the author of the book Every Menu is a Love Story: Ecco Perché Amore.

When Iocco started Spiga in 2017, she partnered with Francesco Iacovitti, an esteemed restaurateur and businessman. A graduate from the top school in Europe for economics, management, and law—Bocconi University in Milan—Iacovitti worked as an auditor for leading companies in Italy and Europe. He showcased his adaptability and drive upon moving to Boston, where he cultivated a love for spreading the uniqueness of Italian culture in his endeavors.

In May 2022, the pair opened the Italian market of their dreams: Markettiamo. As a specialty store, the market sells fine food products, select wines, and hand-crafted meals. Andiamo!