let us present
our story
new energy from
old tradition
Piero Rossi Cairo, born in Venice and raised in Milan, is a dynamic Italian entrepreneur with a deep passion for his family’s heritage. After six years as a practicing attorney, Piero made a bold career shift in 2015 to follow a different path—one rooted in his family’s legacy of winemaking. Now at the helm of two prestigious wine estates, La Raia and Tenuta Cucco, Piero oversees the production of renowned Gavi and Barolo wines in the Piedmont region.
In addition to managing the family estates, Piero’s deep ties to Houston inspired him to open Dante Vini e Cucina Italiana, a restaurant that brings the rich flavors of Italy to the heart of the city. The Rossi Cairo family’s bond with Houston has grown over decades, built through enduring friendships and shared experiences. Piero’s commitment to quality and tradition is also reflected in Locanda La Raia, a boutique hotel in the Gavi region that has attracted a loyal international following, particularly among American visitors seeking an authentic Italian experience.
With a passion for both wine and hospitality, Piero continues to expand his family’s influence, bridging the gap between Italy and Houston.
“For us it is a real pleasure to show another corner of Italy, outside the usual routes of Venice and Florence and conquer our customers with an experience of true relaxation. Locanda La Raia is in fact located inside 180 hectares which include vineyards, pastures, woods, orchards, there are also two lakes. The restaurant’s cuisine is inspired by this nature and local products: Italian cuisine in its pure nature, simple and made with genuine ingredients. From here I took inspiration for Dante’s menu: one measured proposal, not a hundred-page menu as too often happens to see, with classic dishes, I would say iconic of Italian cuisine that our customers always find and dishes that instead, as it should be and as Italian cuisine teaches us, they follow seasonality. An offer that is really intriguing Dante’s customers who can count on the pillars of Angelo Cuppone, our executive chef.
So next to the classics such as fresh pasta, with meat sauce made in the old and original fashioned way (meat, vegetables, tomato and a touch of red wine obviously), we make space to more innovative dishes such as the spaghetti with black fermented garlic. Seasonality, on the other hand, is represented for example by the fact that with the start of the each new season we introduce a new menu.
My goal and that of my family is to bring a little more to Houston of what our American customers in Italy appreciate: which is precisely quality and simplicity. I really think that it is a privilege to serve people who are passionate about Italian culture on this and the other side of the ocean. Our food continues to be one of our best ambassadors in the world. Beyond, obviously, to art.”
— PIERO
meet our team
EXCECUTIVE CHEF
Angelo Cuppone
Originally from Marche, this is where he studied hospitality management. 9 years ago, fascinated by this country, he came to Houston. A few of his past experiences include Mascalzone and Roma, two authentic Italian restaurants of Houston.
GENERAL MANAGER
Elena Di Stefano
Elena di Stefano, the manager of Dante’s, was born and raised in Milan, Italy. With extensive knowledge of authentic Italian cuisine and wines, she has successfully managed multiple restaurants and cocktail bars throughout her career. Since moving to the United States in 2014, Elena has brought her expertise and passion for Italian culture to the Houston dining scene, creating memorable experiences for guests at Dante’s.
our menu
At the heart of our menu is the emphasis on fresh, high-quality ingredients. Dante offers homemade pasta which reigns supreme in our menu. Our selections of pasta shapes and sizes, each paired with specific sauces, showcases the creativity and attention to detail of Italian cooking