Candu Raisa

About

Raisa Candu, born on August 13, 1979 in the village of Horodca, Ialoveni district, Republic of Moldova, represents an example of success in the business world through perseverance and hard work. After leaving for Italy at the age of 19, she worked as a waitress for 16-18 years, gaining experience in the HoReCa sector. In 2017, she fulfilled her dream by opening Impronta Venezia, an Italian-style restaurant located in the heart of Venice, which quickly became one of the most appreciated in the city, ranking fourth on TripAdvisor out of a total of nearly 1,300 restaurants. Under her leadership, Impronta Venezia received outstanding international awards, including Travellers’ Choice 2021 and, in 2024, the 'Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best' distinction, awarded to only the top 1% of restaurants worldwide. Raisa transformed a purchased venue into a space of excellence, where food becomes art, the atmosphere is warm, and select drinks attract tourists from all over the world. She emphasizes the importance of customer feedback and high standards, working hard alongside her team to create a memorable experience that keeps people coming back not just for the gastronomy, but for the entire authentic story. On a personal level, Raisa Candu made major sacrifices, leaving her little boy Yuri in Moldova to ensure a better future for him, sometimes regretting the time lost away from him, but recognizing that her success owes much to the motivation provided by her family. She returns to her homeland whenever she feels homesick for her mother and roots, and her mother is a pillar of support. Honored as 'Person of the Year 2024' by VIP Magazin in the 'Successful Moldovans in the Diaspora' category, Raisa looks to the future with ambition, contemplating possible expansions while preserving the intimate and unique essence of her restaurant.