Valenza opened its doors in 2007 with the vision of bringing the heart and soul of a Northern Italian village café to Brookhaven: a place where food, wine, and community come together in a warm, upscale setting. Named after the Italian town of Valenza, the restaurant is also a deeply personal tribute: the name reflects our owner, Michel Arnette’s, love for Italy, but also honors his son, Valen. The sun incorporated into the logo symbolizes that connection with a subtle nod to Valen’s name and the light he brings, woven into the fabric of the restaurant’s identity.

Culinary Executive and Partner, Matt Swickerath, has shaped Valenza’s menu from the beginning, blending timeless Italian traditions with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients and modern technique. Swickerath has worked for some of the most acclaimed and award-winning restaurants in Atlanta before taking the Executive Chef position for Word of Mouth’s Valenza and Vero restaurants. His hard work and dedication have been instrumental in Word of Mouth’s success and he was named Partner in 2014. Swickerath’s passion and drive for cooking is defined by his attention to detail and his use of primarily locally-grown and organic foods that come with each new season.

Over nearly two decades, Valenza has become a neighborhood treasure not by chasing trends, but by offering consistent quality, heartfelt hospitality, and a true sense of place.  At its core, Valenza is about family — the one that created it and the community it serves.