I was born and raised in Rome in 1990, in a family passionate about gastronomy and good food. From a young age, I was captivated by how food brought my family together around the table.

During the summers of my childhood, I learned to appreciate the value of fresh ingredients straight from the rows of our vegetable garden and the olive trees that still belong to my family. This awareness has stayed with me, shaping my philosophy as a chef: everything starts from the soil, the work of our hands, the sun, and the care we put into our products.

I have been inspired by great chefs who transformed simple ingredients into extraordinary dishes, beginning with my grandfather and later by renowned Michelin-starred chefs.

With over half my life spent in the kitchens of top restaurants in Rome, Italy, and across Europe, I am proud to be an Italian chef. Sharing my knowledge of Italian food culture is my passion.

I was born in America with Sicilian heritage 40 years ago. I grew up immersed in Italian cuisine and culture, and at the age of four, my family relocated to Rome. I spent my childhood there, surrounded by the aromas and flavors of Italian cooking. My earliest toys were kitchen utensils, and some of the most memorable times of the year were Christmas and Easter when my mother and grandmother would spend days making traditional biscotti to share with loved ones.

As a teenager, I worked for eight years in the family restaurant before seeking new experiences. I moved back to America and cooked Italian-American food for over three years. However, I eventually felt homesick and returned to Italy. I had the privilege of working with some of Rome’s finest chefs, both in hotels and restaurants.

For the past six years, I have been teaching visitors from around the world how to prepare authentic Italian cuisine, with a particular emphasis on Roman dishes. My name is Massimiliano, but to you, I’m just Chef Max.