WHERE PASSION MEETS THE TABLE
The Heart of
Café Murano
Café Murano, located in Altamonte Springs, embodies a passion for authentic Italian cuisine, where a memorable meal goes beyond food, celebrating family, warmth, and shared stories.
WHAT MAKES US WHO WE ARE
Our Whole Story
Cafe Murano didn’t come from a concept or a business plan. It came from a group of people who had worked together, respected each other, and wanted to build something of their own.
Most of the founding team had worked together at Luigino’s Pasta & Steak House in the 1990s — a restaurant owned by the legendary Jeno Paulucci, who built a reputation for hiring the finest culinary talent in the world. It was there that the relationships, the standards, and the love of the craft were forged.
When the opportunity came to open an Italian restaurant in Altamonte Springs, the group turned to the people they trusted most. Cafe Murano opened on June 9, 2009 — and to this day, seven members of that original team are still here.
Hidden Italian Gem
Altamonte Springs’ Best Kept Secret
That’s how we describe ourselves to people who haven’t been. And once they come, they usually say the same thing: “Why hasn’t anyone told me about this place?” Now you know.
OUR PROMISE
What Makes Café
Murano Different
We make everything from scratch. Not as a tagline — as an actual commitment. Our kitchen runs on fresh ingredients and real technique, and you can taste the difference from the moment the bread arrives.
We have one of the best settings in Central Florida. A lakeside patio at Crane’s Roost Park that makes dinner feel like an escape, not just a meal.
We take the full experience seriously. The food, the wine, the cocktails, the energy in the room. This is fine dining that doesn’t take itself too seriously — and that combination is harder to find than it should be.
OUR PROMISE
What Makes Café
Murano Different
We make everything from scratch. Not as a tagline — as an actual commitment. Our kitchen runs on fresh ingredients and real technique, and you can taste the difference from the moment the bread arrives.
We have one of the best settings in Central Florida. A lakeside patio at Crane’s Roost Park that makes dinner feel like an escape, not just a meal.
We take the full experience seriously. The food, the wine, the cocktails, the energy in the room. This is fine dining that doesn’t take itself too seriously — and that combination is harder to find than it should be.
Chef Johnny A.
The restaurant was built around Executive Chef John Andrich — “Johnny A.” — one of the most talented and beloved figures in Central Florida’s restaurant community. His vision shaped the kitchen, the menu, and the culture of Cafe Murano from the very beginning.
Chef Johnny A. passed away from cancer on April 17, 2014. He is missed every day. The standards he set remain.
Chef Khai Nguyen
When Chef Johnny A. passed, the decision of who would lead the kitchen was an easy one. Chef Khai Nguyen had been part of the family since 1996 — working alongside the team at Luigino’s, absorbing the knowledge of every chef he worked under, and quietly becoming one of the most gifted culinary talents anyone on the team had ever seen.
Johnny A. used to say it himself: “I’m not sure how he does it, but I show him how to cook a dish once, and he turns around and makes it better than me.”
Chef Khai is from Vietnam and brings a breadth of culinary understanding — French technique, Asian precision, Italian soul — that gives Cafe Murano’s dishes a depth that’s hard to explain and impossible to replicate. He has been the executive chef since 2014. His daily employee meals alone are something the staff look forward to. The consistency and quality he brings to the kitchen, every single service, is the reason this restaurant is still here and still thriving.
Chef Khai Nguyen
When Chef Johnny A. passed, the decision of who would lead the kitchen was an easy one. Chef Khai Nguyen had been part of the family since 1996 — working alongside the team at Luigino’s, absorbing the knowledge of every chef he worked under, and quietly becoming one of the most gifted culinary talents anyone on the team had ever seen.
Johnny A. used to say it himself: “I’m not sure how he does it, but I show him how to cook a dish once, and he turns around and makes it better than me.”
Chef Khai is from Vietnam and brings a breadth of culinary understanding — French technique, Asian precision, Italian soul — that gives Cafe Murano’s dishes a depth that’s hard to explain and impossible to replicate. He has been the executive chef since 2014. His daily employee meals alone are something the staff look forward to. The consistency and quality he brings to the kitchen, every single service, is the reason this restaurant is still here and still thriving.
Chef Khai Nguyen
When Chef Johnny A. passed, the decision of who would lead the kitchen was an easy one. Chef Khai Nguyen had been part of the family since 1996 — working alongside the team at Luigino’s, absorbing the knowledge of every chef he worked under, and quietly becoming one of the most gifted culinary talents anyone on the team had ever seen.
Johnny A. used to say it himself: “I’m not sure how he does it, but I show him how to cook a dish once, and he turns around and makes it better than me.”
Chef Khai is from Vietnam and brings a breadth of culinary understanding — French technique, Asian precision, Italian soul — that gives Cafe Murano’s dishes a depth that’s hard to explain and impossible to replicate. He has been the executive chef since 2014. His daily employee meals alone are something the staff look forward to. The consistency and quality he brings to the kitchen, every single service, is the reason this restaurant is still here and still thriving.
The Patio & The Lake
You’ll spot the pizza oven before you walk in — right up front, setting the tone. Inside seats 80. The lakeside patio seats nearly 100, with a semi-private space for groups up to 50.
But the patio is where everyone wants to be. Crane’s Roost Lake is right there — sunsets on the water, friends laughing, couples lingering over a second bottle, families losing track of time.
Dog-friendly. Lakefront views. Ceiling fans. Free parking everywhere. Wheelchair accessible. Weekend patio reservations recommended — the secret’s been out for a while.
The Patio & The Lake
You’ll spot the pizza oven before you walk in — right up front, setting the tone. Inside seats 80. The lakeside patio seats nearly 100, with a semi-private space for groups up to 50.
But the patio is where everyone wants to be. Crane’s Roost Lake is right there — sunsets on the water, friends laughing, couples lingering over a second bottle, families losing track of time.
Dog-friendly. Lakefront views. Ceiling fans. Free parking everywhere. Wheelchair accessible. Weekend patio reservations recommended — the secret’s been out for a while.
The Kitchen
Everything is made from scratch: house-made fettuccini, pappardelle, ravioli. Fresh desserts. Bread baked in-house. Our table bread comes from Tribeca Oven in New York — the finest we’ve ever found — finished fresh in our kitchen before it reaches you. The freezer here is the smallest cooler in the building. That’s intentional.
Ask who’s cooking tonight and order what they’re excited about. That’s the best way to experience this kitchen.
Live Entertainment
Live music has been part of Café Murano since day one.
Join us for vibrant live music every Sunday, our delightful brunch features live music from 11:30am to 2:30pm, typically showcasing a talented duo or solo artist, creating the perfect soundtrack for a leisurely afternoon spent on our inviting patio. Make sure to view our calendar for occasional Friday & Saturday night entertainment!
Check the current schedule below — there’s almost always something worth showing up for.
JOIN US
Your Table Awaits
Dining at Café Murano
Whether you’re craving a leisurely lunch of freshly made pasta, an enchanting dinner filled with rich flavors and fresh ingredients, or a delightful evening of cocktails, our culinary offerings are crafted with passion and precision. Dive into our menus and discover the perfect meal to complement your day.
Make a Reservation
Elevate your Café Murano experience by securing your reservation today, ensuring that a table awaits you amidst the vibrant flavors and warm ambiance that define our Italian culinary journey. Let us take you on a delightful adventure where every meal is a celebration of fresh ingredients and heartfelt hospitality.
Events & Catering
At Café Murano, we invite you to join us for unforgettable events and tailor-made catering experiences that celebrate the essence of Italian cuisine. Whether you are hosting a private gathering, a corporate function, or a festive celebration, our dedicated team curates menus that highlight local and seasonal ingredients.