Modi Team

Dario Nicotra arrived in the Bay Area in 2009 as CFO of the American branch of a prominent Italian company manufacturing trains. At the time, he never imagined he would open a restaurant. But years later, after struggling to find the Italian flavors and dining vibe he missed, he realized he could be the one to bring them to San Francisco. This led to the creation of Acquolina, an authentic Tuscan trattoria in the heart of North Beach, "the Italian neighborhood," which quickly won over locals and visitors alike. By 2016, Dario had left his corporate career to fully pursue his passion for food, community, and the creation of a new path within San Francisco's dining scene.

In 2017, while visiting his hometown of Livorno, Dario met Marco Avila, chef-owner of a beachside restaurant, and was deeply impressed by Marco's culinary talent. Recognizing Marco's potential, Dario invited him to San Francisco to lead the kitchen at Acquolina. Over the years, their collaboration flourished, and Dario's vision of creating something entirely new for the Financial District — an area he frequented and cherished during his corporate career — began to take shape. With Marco's Italian-Mexican heritage bringing together the best of both worlds, and Dario's love for Mexican flavors and culture developed over his travels to the Yucatán Peninsula, especially Tulum, the idea for MODI's Italian-Mexican fusion was born.

MODI, his newest venture, goes beyond the concept of a restaurant. Built from the ground up in the iconic Salesforce Transit Center, MODI is the culmination of years of planning — much more than a project or a dining destination. It is a vision carefully nurtured and crafted, with attention to every detail: from design and material choices to a unique concept and an extraordinary team. MODI is a space of cultural fusion where the vibrant flavors of Italy and Mexico come together, celebrating both Mediterranean and tropical influences in every dish and every detail, from the ambiance to the vibe.

Dario envisions MODI as a place that brings people together through atmosphere, taste, and vitality. With MODI, Dario has created a "world within a world" that reflects his deep belief in San Francisco's community and future. Yet the story doesn't end here, nor does Dario's talent for discovering remarkable people. Life is made of timing, opportunities, and encounters, and Dario's journey led him to Matteo Avallone and Davide Tringali, two young and talented restaurant managers driven by genuine passion and energy. MODI fell in love with them, and they with MODI. Their enthusiasm was the final touch in realizing a dream grounded in passion, energy, and love for the craft. Last but not least, with the exceptional Esteban Cheng curating the musical atmosphere and entertainment, the picture is complete: MODI is a welcoming space where the unique bond of two rich cultures is celebrated, spreading happiness through every detail. From design to décor, from food to drink, ambiance to musical notes, MODI celebrates life within San Francisco's vibrant Financial District, both during work and beyond.

Where Mexico Meets Italy 

Born in Livorno, Italy, and raised along the stunning beaches of Cancun, Quintana Roo, Marco Avila grew up immersed in two vibrant cultures, both rich in culinary traditions. His childhood in Mexico was a sun-soaked adventure of fishing trips with his tío Juan, catching the freshest fish in Puerto Morelos, and crafting ceviche from the day's catch. Sundays were spent gathering with his large family for barbacoa and braving the fiery salsas made by his tías in Mexico City. Marco explored the turquoise seas barefoot, spear-fishing in the lagoon, and indulging in iconic dishes like pescado alla tikinchik in Isla Mujeres and lobster pizza in Holbox.

At the age of 13, Marco's family moved back to Tuscany, where he found himself in Livorno, a picturesque fisherman's town. There, he lived with his grandmother, who taught him how to craft homemade pasta from scratch, perfecting lasagna and orecchiette, and making tomato sauce from fresh harvests. Marco spent afternoons with his grandfather in the garden, picking vegetables that would later be enjoyed at dinner. Livorno's port introduced him to the freshest Mediterranean seafood—sea urchins, branzino, and langoustines—delivered straight from the sea to the table.

By the age of 15, Marco had begun working in restaurants and pizzerias while continuing his studies. He eventually pursued his culinary degree at Scuola Tessieri, which led him to open a seafood restaurant on the beach in Tuscany. The restaurant was a resounding success, celebrated throughout the region. It was during this time that Marco met Dario Nicotra, who fell in love with the food and invited Marco to join him in San Francisco, where Dario was living at the time. Together, they opened Acquolina in North Beach, a restaurant that captured the essence of Tuscan food and wine, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere. Acquolina thrived, and after years of success, the duo opened a second location in the Financial District, achieving Dario's dream.

Dario's partnership inspired Marco to bring his own dream to life. Together, they created MOD'I, a restaurant that reflects Marco's unique culinary journey. "The Mediterranean Sea meets the Caribbean Sea, the forest meets the Tropical Jungle, and the intriguing flavors of Mexico meet the classic ones of Italy. The two most famous cuisines in the world collide in an explosion of colors and flavors". MOD'I is the culmination of Marco's experiences—a fusion of hearty Italian cuisine and the bold, exciting flavors of Mexican dishes. Every plate at MOD'I tells the story of Marco's upbringing in two diverse cultures, celebrating the best of both worlds.