Missy Robbins

Missy Robbins is a chef, restaurateur, and cookbook author recognized for her expertise in Italian cuisine and her influence on New York City's culinary scene. After graduating from Georgetown University with a degree in art history, Robbins discovered her passion for cooking following a formative dining experience at Charlie Trotter's in Chicago. She pursued formal culinary training at Peter Kump's New York School of Cooking, now known as the Institute of Culinary Education, and refined her skills under chefs Anne Rosenzweig and Wayne Nish in New York City. A significant period spent working in Northern Italy, from family-run trattorias to Michelin-rated restaurants, shaped her approach to Italian cooking, emphasizing simplicity, regional inspiration, and high-quality ingredients.

Robbins gained national attention through executive chef roles at Spiaggia and Café Spiaggia in Chicago, where she received the William R. Rice Most Promising Chef Award and two James Beard Foundation Award nominations. Returning to New York, she served as executive chef at A Voce, leading both locations to earn Michelin stars and a place on Food & Wine's Best New Chefs list. These experiences in Italian restaurants across the United States provided the foundation for her entrepreneurial ventures.

In partnership with Sean Feeney, Robbins co-founded Grovehouse Hospitality Group and opened Lilia in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Lilia received three stars from The New York Times, four James Beard Foundation Award nominations, the James Beard Award for Best Chef: New York City, and the Esquire Chef of the Year honor. Robbins later opened Misi, a restaurant focused on pasta and vegetables, which also earned three stars from The New York Times. The Grovehouse portfolio has expanded to include Misipasta, MP Grocery, and Fini Pizza, contributing to Brooklyn's dynamic restaurant industry.

Robbins is also active in food media and publishing. Her cookbook, "Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner…Life! Recipes and Adventures from My Home Kitchen," explores her culinary philosophy, while "PASTA: The Spirit and Craft of Italy's Greatest Food" received a James Beard Award nomination. Robbins has appeared on television, including as a contestant on "Top Chef Masters." Named one of the Institute of Culinary Education's 50 Distinguished Alumni and selected as a commencement keynote speaker, Robbins is recognized for her contributions to culinary education and Italian gastronomy.