Saying Goodbye To The Restaurateur That Changed The Face Of Sheffield
Published On Saturday 6 Jan 2024 by Sticky Beak
See Recent News Articles
Few people made a bigger impact on the city’s hospitality industry than Moreno Mori.
Moreno and Giovanni
Arriving from Italy in 1958, he enjoyed early roles at Sheffield’s Grand Hotel before working his way up to being restaurant and banqueting manager at the Grosvenor House Hotel.
But that was only the start of his career.
Following a chance meeting in 1973 with Giovanni Falsone, Moreno Mori realised they both shared the same dream – to open an authentic Italian restaurant in Sheffield. They opened Casina Bianca on London Road.
The eatery was a big success and they soon opened three more outlets on Ecclesall Road - Pizzeria Giovanni, Codice Sconto Wineowine and Victorian Wine bar, Sheffield’s first wine bar.A second wine bar, Vat One, soon followed on West Street.
Moreno Mori went on to operate the city’s hugely successful Dam House Restaurant from the mid ‘70s to the early ‘90s.
It was renowned for offering high end French cuisine with ‘gueridon service’ - dishes cooked at the table - and a dinner dance every Saturday night .
Moreno Mori’s success became an inspiration for the city’s Italian community with many more following in his footsteps and going on to launch their own successful restaurants in Sheffield.
His legacy was confirmed with the success of his son, Maurizio Mori, and his award-winning Nonnas outlet which has been successfully running on Ecclesall Road for over 25 years.
One of his proudest moments was when father and son entertained Hollywood legend Sylvester Stallone at Nonnas in 2015.
Maurizo Mori said: “Few people knew the importance of learning a trade inside out. My father started at the bottom and rose to the very top and he was always so proud to do it in Sheffield. He has always been an inspiration to me and has helped me with my career as a restauranteur. He will be very sadly missed.”
A memorial service was held for Moreno Mori at the Mother of God Church, Nether Edge.
| Culinary Favourite Announces New Name, Refurbishment and Relaunch Event Giorgio’s, a much-loved Chesterfield restaurant, is stepping into a new chapter with a refreshed look, rebrand, and relaunch celebration as il Forno. Read The Article | |
| The Countdown to a Culinary Extravaganza at Thoresby Park this September With less than four weeks to go before Thoresby Park opens its gates for another helping of the Festival of Food and Drink, it's time to grab your tickets Read The Article | |
| Pride Park restaurant named naan-stop busiest matchday spot for Rams fans A Pride Park restaurant has been crowned one of the busiest pre-match hotspots for Derby County fans, thanks to its prime location, outdoor space Read The Article | |
| Longbow Venues Will March 29km Across The Peak District To Raise Thousands For Children's Hospital On Tuesday 2 September, a dedicated team of 27 staff from Longbow Venues will set off on a 29-kilometre charity walk across Read The Article | |
| Farm-to-Fork Excellence Derbyshire's Walton Lodge Farm Achieves Red Tractor Certification Walton Lodge Farm Estate, the 360-acre working farm and historic 18th century family home of Casa Hotel and Peak Edge Hotel owner Read The Article | |
| Hart's Kitchen Welcomes a New Chapter in Dining with a Refreshed A La Carte Menu August 2025 - Hart's Hotel & Kitchen is delighted to introduce its new A la carte menu, crafted to celebrate the vibrant flavours of the season and the bounty Read The Article | |
| Popular fish and chip restaurant Darcy's opens on Sunday - and kids eat free! Derby's newest and largest fish and chip restaurant and takeaway is serving up great news - it's now open on Sundays when kids can eat for free. Read The Article | |
| Sunshine + Sweet Treats = Summer Surge At The Bakewell Tart Shop - Footfall Doubles Following its grand reopening in early July, The Bakewell Tart Shop has experienced a sharp spike in visitors - with warm, sunny weather Read The Article | |
| Double Shortlisting For Longbow Venues In 2025 Enterprising Women Awards Independent Peak District hospitality group Longbow Venues is celebrating a double shortlisting in the prestigious 2025 Enterprising Women Awards, with two Read The Article | |
| Peak Edge Hotel Unveils Immersive Wine Cellar Experience The Red Lion Restaurant at Peak Edge Hotel has unveiled a beautifully designed, temperature-controlled wine cellar - a bespoke feature by Sorrells, the luxury wine cellar Read The Article | |