LA SPONDA AT
VITA AT GROVE ISLE
A GIOIA HOSPITALITY RESTAURANT
La Sponda is Gioia Hospitality’s love letter to Italy — a ristorante and grill shaped by travel, discovery, and a deep appreciation for the regional traditions that define Italian dining.
Set at Vita at Grove Isle, La Sponda brings the warmth of European hospitality to Miami through thoughtful service, expressive interiors, and a culinary point of view rooted in exceptional ingredients and genuine connection.
Led by the Gioia Hospitality team, the restaurant reflects the group’s next chapter: a destination designed not only for dinner, but for memorable evenings, and the feeling of being welcomed into something special.
A Dining Experience Shaped by Details
From the food and wine to the MBDS-designed interiors, thoughtful service, and waterfront setting, every element of La Sponda has been carefully considered. Inspired by Thomas and Kassidy’s travels throughout Italy, the restaurant reflects the precision, craftsmanship, and respect for tradition that define Italian hospitality. That attention extends to every detail—from thoughtfully sourced ingredients and wines to the steak knives handcrafted in Florence—each chosen with a sense of provenance and purpose.
Gioia Hospitality Group Is At The Forefront Of South Florida's Evolving Food Scene, Blending European Tradition With Modern Culinary Innovation.
Led by father-daughter duo, Thomas and Kassidy Angelo, and a team of passionate professionals, Gioia brings unmatched hospitality and world-class dining to the region. From exclusive wine and food events to reimagining how people experience fine dining, Gioia Hospitality Group is dedicated to creating unforgettable moments that celebrate the art of food, culture, and connection.
FROM THE FOUNDERS
La Sponda began with our love for Italy — the places, the people, the meals, and the moments that stayed with us long after we returned home.
With La Sponda, we wanted to create something deeply personal: a restaurant inspired by our travels throughout Italy, our passion for exceptional ingredients, and our belief in warm, intentional service.
We are proud to bring this next chapter of Gioia Hospitality to Vita at Grove Isle, and we are grateful to share it with the community as La Sponda comes to life.
— TOM & KASSIDY ANGELO
John Hart
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
John Hart is the Chief Operating Officer of Gioia Hospitality Group, bringing decades of experience in restaurant operations, leadership, and team development. He oversees operations across the group’s portfolio, with a focus on maintaining the highest standards of service, quality, and execution. His hands-on leadership and commitment to developing strong teams play an integral role in bringing Gioia Hospitality’s vision to life at La Sponda. With a deep understanding of the details that define a great restaurant, John works closely with the team to create an experience rooted in consistency, genuine hospitality, and a commitment to excellence at every level.
Daniel Ganem
Culinary Director
Chef Daniel Ganem serves as Culinary Director of Gioia Hospitality Group and Executive Chef of La Sponda Ristorante & Grill. In his role, Ganem leads the culinary vision for La Sponda, bringing a modern approach to regional Italian cooking with an emphasis on exceptional ingredients, thoughtful sourcing, and expert preparation. His menu celebrates the traditions of Italy while reflecting Gioia Hospitality’s commitment to quality, provenance, and genuine hospitality.
Daniel Bishop
WINE & BEVERAGE DIRECTOR
Daniel Bishop is the Wine & Beverage Director and a founding member of Gioia Hospitality Group, bringing extensive knowledge and experience in wine, beverage, and hospitality. He oversees the wine and beverage programs across the group’s portfolio, with a focus on thoughtful curation, acclaimed producers, and creating memorable experiences for guests. At La Sponda, Daniel has built a wine program that celebrates Italy’s regions, traditions, and producers, further enriched by exceptional wines from other parts of the world. His passion for wine and commitment to hospitality are integral to the experience at La Sponda.
