Frankie & Ava's Italian Eatery

Our Story...

FRANK DIGIACOMO, a long time resident of Hoboken was born and raised in Verona, New Jersey. Frank a standout football player earned All-State Honors at Verona High School. Upon graduation he went to school at Northeastern University in Boston where he met his wife, Jill Tavano. Although he majored in film production it was his lifelong love affair with food that would ultimately become his chosen path.

While Frank is not a formally trained chef he learned the art of cooking by attending some of finest culinary schools in the country…the kitchen’s of both his grandmother’s, Marie and Mary, as well as his mother Suzanne. He uses the old traditional recipes he grew up with, and made it his own. He became passionate about cooking homemade, fresh quality food.


In 2004, Frank would open a hugely successful restaurant in his hometown of Verona that still carries his name, Frank Anthony's Gourmet Italian.

As active residents of the Hoboken community since 1996, Frank's unwavering determination was to spread his appetite of cooking to his hometown of Hoboken. The couple have two children, Frankie, Jr. and daughter Ava…thus the inspiration for the name of the restaurant…FRANKIE & AVA's.

Both of the children attend public school in Hoboken, and are very active in such sports as soccer, football, baseball and softball. In fact, if not in the restaurant you can find Frank Sr. at the children’s practices or games.

And now, finally, Frank’s passion for cooking can be savored in a place he is also very passionate about…his hometown of Hoboken.

Welcome to FRANKIE & AVA’S.