The idea of master chef Filippo Russo is to bring the Italian culture of gastronomy to Somerville, New Jersey. Through his philosophy, Da Filippo's Ristorante is recognized by European patrons spanning as far east as Japan and Singapore. With his profound knowledge in the culinary field Filippo Russo is able to present a level of authenticity through his dishes, replicating his mother's recipes as well as the environment Filippo was exposed to in Sicily.

   Filippo Russo's culinary expertise began when he would observe his mother, Giovanna, cooking traditional Sicilian dishes in his hometown of Carini, Sicily. At the young age of fourteen Filippo would go to work with his father, Rosario, as a fisherman in the Mediterranean shores. Having the opportunity to being exposed to a vast array of seafood, Filippo integrated his knowledge with his mother's culinary skill.

    Filippo Russo's professional carreer began in 1982 when he immigrated to the United States. Throughout this time Filippo always held a higher standard; thus he continuously impressed his patrons by presenting assortments of specialty dishes. With the encouragement of his patrons he was persuaded to open Da Filippo's Ristorante focusing on delicacies that clients would appreciate. In 1988 along with his wife Berti, he decided to venture out on this new journey and created Da Filippo Autentica Cucina Italiana. Since Filippo enjoys traveling to his native homeland, the emphasise of specialty items represent the different regions in Italy. Filippo Russo's culinary expertise ranges from, Piemonte, Veneto, Lazio, Umbria, Liguria, Lombardia, Toscana, Sardegna and Marche.