Built on obsession. Driven by reinvention.
Robbie Felice opened his first restaurant at 26. Since then, he has built a portfolio of concepts that move between tradition, experimentation, and culture-driven dining. Before that came the foundation: the Culinary Institute of America, Babbo, B&B Las Vegas, the salumi program, stages at Pure-C and The Jane, and time at The Modern. Then came New Jersey, and with it Viaggio, Osteria Crescendo, pastaRAMEN, and Bar Mutz. Different expressions, same obsession: keep evolving.
Read the Full Biography
Four rooms. One obsession. From Italian tradition to the Wafu collision that made his name.
Classically trained, fundamentally restless. Robbie Felice builds restaurants around a simple belief: technique matters, but only if it leads to something memorable on the plate and in the room. His work draws from Italian tradition, Japanese influence, and a constant drive to push beyond what feels expected. From handmade pasta and salumi to ramen, crudo, and immersive dining experiences, every concept starts with craft and ends with feeling. When the lane he is in stops being interesting, he does not slow down, he builds a new one.
Where craft meets culture
Recognized as one of America's most promising culinary voices, Felice's nomination places him among the elite chefs shaping the future of American dining.
Read the Announcement
Felice joins Drew in the kitchen to cook one of pastaRAMEN's signature dishes — a national audience meets the Wafu philosophy first-hand.
Watch the Segment
FOLLOW THE JOURNEY
Off the plate. Into the moment.