FRESH • NATURAL • DELICIOUS
Our
FAMILY
"The inspiration for Zina’s Cucina is my mother; Vincenza Providence LaBruna, affectionately known as Zina, was born in Hartford, CT on February 13, 1921. At 2 years old her mother brought her back to Italy, to a small farm in Floridia, Sicily. With the impending war approaching, my grandmother sent Zina back to Hartford at the age of 18, where she was introduced to her only love and was wed to a young sailor, Anthony Mangiafico, Tony.
While her husband served, Zina served our country as well, in a way that many women did, as “Rosie the Riveter” in a factory, making aircraft parts. She worked until the first of five children was born. Mom loved to dance, sing and cook, many times all at once! She was happiest when she would come to the table with a big platter of spaghetti and meatballs, and with a big smile she’d say to her family “Mangia, Mangia”. Her specialty was Lasagna cooked in a big roasting pan.
- Tony Mangiafico Jr.
Our Staff
Executive Chef
Eric O'Brien
Ruth Shea
Owner
Ruth is an award winning mixologist with over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry. She is published in Bartender and Cheers magazines. She joined the Zina’s family during the planning stages and brings excitement to your table with her unique cocktails inspired by fresh, local ingredients and seasonal flavors. Ruth welcomes every guest to Zina’s as if they are a guest in her own home. She loves seeing guests smile when they take that first sip of one of her cocktails. Not sure what you’re in the mood for? Step up to the bar and ask Ruth to “make me something special”. You won’t be disappointed!
Dessert Chef
Margaret is a self taught pastry chef. All of her desserts are made from scratch. From gelatos, cream pies, cheesecakes, to tiramisu, she makes them with love. Customers will come to the restaurant just for her desserts. Her Christmas cookies are better than most bakeries and highly sought after by customers. When you visit, make sure you save some room for dessert or ask to take dessert home.
Margaret Mangiafico
Tony Mangiafico
Founder
This is Tony's 5th career change. Air Traffic Control, Lawn Service, IT programmer/project manager, Grocery Broker and now a restaurant owner. He's often asked why did he open a restaurant and he tells them "it's my really bad retirement plan". Needless to say, opening in the middle of a pandemic was challenging, but the people of Marlborough have been incredibly supportive. If not for them, we would have never opened or continued to stay open. Thank You ALL