Marisa May

Born and raised in New York City, restaurateur Marisa May spent her summers on the coast of Naples, Amalfi, the island of Capri and throughout Italy, learning firsthand about the hospitality and cuisine of Italy. Upon graduating from New York University (NYU), Marisa took on a full-time role at her father Tony May’s San Domenico NY restaurant, where she worked for fifteen years and learned the restaurant business from the ground up. While she spent time in the kitchen helping to make the bread and pasta, she loved directing the front of the house, where she felt she truly belonged. Her warm, welcoming personality and charm were known as the secret behind the service and ambiance in San Domenico NY’s dining room. In 2009, Marisa, together with Tony May, opened SD26 Restaurant & Wine Bar on Madison Square Park to usher in a new generation of Italian fine dining in New York City. In 2017, Marisa joined Tony May in his crusade to promote a better understanding of Italian cuisine and products through culinary education for the next generation of cooking professionals. She also runs and hosts food-focused cooking programs for amateurs and professionals. At San Domenico NY Events, Marisa continues high-end catering. Marisa participates in Les Dames d’Escoffier New York, Women’s Chefs & Restaurateurs, C-CAP, Food Bank for New York City, Citymeals-on-Wheels, The Madison Square Park Conservancy and The Central Park Conservancy.