View details of this raise on Seedstage

Pittsburgh, PA

Opening a modern Italian restaurant in Pittsburgh with renovations, startup inventory, and expanded catering and private events.

• Bloomfield space transformation: The funds support cosmetic updates, plumbing and electrical improvements, and opening inventory to prepare the former D’Amico’s and Station location for restaurant operations.
• Renovated dining atmosphere: The project renovates key interior areas, including layout, lighting, furniture, and design elements, to create a cohesive and warmer guest experience.
• Seasonal Italian menu: Giulia will serve Coastal Italian and Sicilian-inspired offerings focused on seasonal, regionally sourced ingredients and sustainable sourcing.
• Full bar and beverages: The restaurant will offer full-service dining alongside a full bar featuring craft cocktails, wine, and beer.
• Catering and private events: The buildout is intended to expand catering services and private event hosting for guests across Pittsburgh’s East End neighborhoods.

Giulia is using the raised funds to transform a Bloomfield location, previously D’Amico’s and later Station, into a refreshed modern Italian restaurant. The buildout will fund cosmetic updating, new plumbing and electrical work, and opening inventory required to start operations. Renovations will redecorate and renovate key areas, updating layout, lighting, furniture, and design elements to create a cohesive, warmer atmosphere. The improvements are intended to support expanded catering services and private event hosting for guests from surrounding neighborhoods.

Giulia will offer Coastal Italian cuisine and Sicilian-inspired menu offerings built around seasonal, regionally sourced ingredients and sustainable sourcing practices. The concept includes full-service dining plus a full bar with craft cocktails, wine, and beer, supported by relationships with local farmers and vendors. Hospitality-driven service and professional staff development are central to the operating model, led by co-owners Chef Jamilka Borges and Pastry Chef Dianne DeStefano. Borges brings extensive experience in restaurant operations and food and beverage program development, while DeStefano contributes pastry expertise and front-of-house management rooted in catering leadership. The restaurant will serve Pittsburgh’s East End as a gathering place for customers from Squirrel Hill, Highland Park, Shadyside, East Liberty, Lawrenceville, and Bloomfield, including young professionals and families seeking a welcoming dining experience.

Company Info

Giulia is a modern Italian restaurant in Pittsburgh serving seasonal coastal Italian cuisine with a full bar, plus catering and private events.

Giulia operates a full-service modern Italian restaurant in Pittsburgh, featuring a curated coastal Italian menu built around seasonal, regionally sourced ingredients and sustainable sourcing. The restaurant serves beer, wine, and creative cocktails alongside upscale dining designed around attentive, hospitality-driven service.

Located in the Bloomfield area of the city, Giulia attracts guests from nearby neighborhoods and serves as a gathering place for diverse groups. In addition to on-site dining, it offers catering and hosts private events and special gatherings, supported by a team led by Chef Jamilka Borges and Pastry Chef Dianne DeStefano. The menu draws on Sicilian-inspired influences while emphasizing consistent operations and a guest-focused experience.