About the Chef
Chef Alex Ricci
25 years of craft.
From Chicago kitchens to the Las Vegas strip — and now to your family's table in Raleigh. A culinary career defined by precision, passion, and the pursuit of excellence.
Raleigh Magazine
Best New Restaurant 2022
The Story
Rooted in hospitality.
Refined by experience.
With more than 25 years of culinary experience, Chef Alex Ricci has built a reputation as one of the most dynamic and creative chefs in the modern American dining landscape. Raised in Chicago, Chef Ricci grew up immersed in the hospitality industry, inspired by his mother and father who owned and operated restaurants and bars throughout the city.
From an early age, kitchens, dining rooms, and the culture of hospitality became second nature — shaping the foundation of his culinary philosophy and an unwavering work ethic that has defined his career.
His culinary journey led him to Las Vegas, where he sharpened his craft at renowned destinations including ELiA and the iconic Bellagio Hotel & Casino. These experiences exposed him to high-level fine dining operations, elevated service standards, and innovative techniques that continue to influence his cooking today.
In 2022, Chef Ricci was honored with “Best New Restaurant” in Raleigh by Raleigh Magazine, solidifying his place as one of the leading culinary talents in North Carolina. His work has also attracted recognition from both the Michelin Guide system and the James Beard Foundation as an emerging and influential talent within the food industry.
Experience
25+ Years
In professional culinary arts
Recognition
Best New Restaurant
Raleigh Magazine, 2022
Notable Venues
ELiA & Bellagio
Las Vegas fine dining
Industry Recognition
Michelin & James Beard
Emerging culinary talent
Culinary Philosophy
The principles behind
every meal we prepare.
Ingredient-Driven
Every dish begins with the finest seasonal ingredients, sourced from local farms and specialty purveyors. Quality at the source is non-negotiable.
Old World Meets Modern
Rustic techniques refined through decades of professional experience. The result is food that feels both deeply familiar and entirely elevated.
Live-Fire Craft
A mastery of hearth cooking and live-fire technique that brings depth, char, and soul to every preparation — from a simple vegetable to a prime cut.
Global Inspiration
Flavors drawn from culinary traditions around the world, woven together with precision and intention to create menus that surprise and satisfy.
“Today, Chef Alex Ricci continues to push the boundaries of modern hearth cooking — combining technical precision with soulful, fire-driven cuisine that reflects both his heritage and his evolving culinary vision.”
Begin Your Membership
Bring this level of craft
to your family's table.
Schedule a complimentary consultation and let Chef Ricci design a weekly menu plan tailored to your family's tastes, goals, and schedule.