Michele Casadei Massari

Michele Casadei Massari is an Italian chef, entrepreneur, and cultural ambassador whose career blends culinary expertise, scientific knowledge, and a commitment to Italian heritage. Massari initially pursued medical studies at Università di Bologna before shifting his focus to the culinary arts. His approach to cooking is defined by a rule of using no more than five ingredients per dish, a philosophy that has led to his recognition as the "five ingredients chef" in New York. After serving as general manager and executive chef at a holiday resort restaurant in Sardinia, Massari moved to Manhattan, where he and a partner began by selling coffee from a kiosk in Union Square before opening a café specializing in traditional Italian cuisine.

Together with Alberto Ghezzi, Massari founded Lucciola, an 18-seat restaurant designed to deliver a distinctive dining experience. Lucciola is known for its "Hi-Fi Cooking," a concept inspired by the precision and emotional resonance of high-fidelity sound, focusing on ingredient purity, seasonality, and minimal intervention. The restaurant operates with a "no menu" format, offering dishes based on the best available ingredients each day. Lucciola's wine list has received "Two Glasses" from Wine Spectator, and the New York Restaurant Association named it Best Restaurant in New York.

Massari's culinary philosophy emphasizes that food should communicate values through minimalist presentation, careful sourcing, and sensitivity to cultural and dietary needs. He serves as brand ambassador for the Parmigiano Reggiano Consortium in the U.S., culinary director for Accademia Felicetti, and executive event chef for Ferrari North America. Massari was selected as the chef for the United Nations 80th Anniversary Gala, becoming the first external chef to design and execute the dinner, highlighting his belief in cuisine as a means of fostering international connection.

Massari is also co-founder and board advisor of I Wonder Pictures, a leading film distribution company in Italy, known for bringing films such as "Everything Everywhere All At Once," "The Whale," and "The Zone of Interest" to cinemas. He serves as culinary director of Casa I Wonder, curating gastronomic experiences at major film festivals, including Venice and Sundance, and crafting menus for filmmakers, producers, and artists. Massari is a columnist for Il Sole 24 Ore, a frequent guest on RAI Italia, and a contributor to Italian radio programs such as Radio 2. Through his work at the intersection of food, culture, and media, Massari continues to shape the global conversation around Italian cuisine and culinary innovation.