Marc Vetri

Marc Vetri is the chef and founder of the Philadelphia-based Vetri Family of Restaurants. In addition to his career in the culinary industry, Vetri is the driving force behind the Vetri Foundation for Children, a nonprofit organization focused on connecting healthy eating with healthy living for children.

Vetri initially pursued a career in music as a guitarist before discovering his passion for cooking. He spent his formative years in Bergamo, Italy, working alongside notable chefs in the region. Vetri is recognized for bringing a contemporary approach to classic Italian cuisine. He and business partner Jeff Benjamin opened the fine-dining restaurant Vetri, which received critical acclaim for its pasta dishes, innovative flavor combinations, and presentation. Vetri was named one of Food & Wine's "Best New Chefs" and received the Philadelphia Inquirer's highest restaurant rating. He was awarded the James Beard Award for Best Chef Mid-Atlantic.

Following the success of Vetri, Vetri launched Osteria, a larger and more casual restaurant featuring traditional Italian thin-crust pizzas, homemade pastas, and wood-grilled meats and fish. Osteria was nominated for Best New Restaurant by the James Beard Foundation and contributed to chef and partner Jeff Michaud receiving the James Beard Award for Best Chef Mid-Atlantic.

The Vetri Family’s third restaurant, Amis, was inspired by Rome’s neighborhood trattorias and specializes in small plates such as handcrafted pastas and house-cured meats. Bon Appetit named Amis one of the top "10 Places for Pasta" in the country. Chef Brad Spence joined as a partner and became a two-time finalist for the James Beard Foundation’s Best Chef Mid-Atlantic award.

Alla Spina, an Italian gastropub, has been recognized by GQ and Zagat as a top craft beer destination in the United States. The Vetri Family expanded with Pizzeria Vetri and a second Osteria location in Moorestown, New Jersey. Pizzeria Vetri was named to GQ’s list of "Top 25 Best New Restaurants" in the country.

Lo Spiedo joined the Vetri Family, serving a casual Italian-inspired menu with a focus on spit-roasted meats in Philadelphia’s Navy Yard district. The flagship Vetri expanded to include a test kitchen for culinary innovation and private events.

Vetri is the author of several cookbooks, including "Il Viaggio di Vetri," "Rustic Italian Food," and "Mastering Pasta." His writing has appeared in The Huffington Post and other outlets. He is a frequent speaker and culinary educator, presenting at major food conferences and events.

Vetri is committed to community engagement in Philadelphia. The Vetri Foundation for Children’s Eatiquette program has provided healthy school meals to hundreds of thousands of students. Vetri and Benjamin are also founders of the Great Chefs Event, which raises funds and awareness for pediatric cancer charities. Vetri has served as a guest lecturer and adjunct faculty member at Drexel University, sharing his expertise in Italian cuisine and culinary education.

Marc Vetri is recognized for his contributions to Italian cuisine, culinary education, and community health initiatives.