Quick Facts
Biography
Nicholas Stefanelli is the chef and owner of Masseria restaurant in Washington, D.C. In October 2016, Masseria earned a Michelin Star within the city's first-ever guide. It was Union Market's first standalone restaurant. Before opening Masseria in August 2015, he was chef at Bibiana.
Early Life
Born in Maryland, he originally began a career in fashion, studying design in Milan. After realizing his passion for cooking, he enrolled in L’Academie de Cuisine in Gaithersburg, Maryland and graduated in 2000. He is of Greek and Italian descent with family from the Puglia region of Italy.
Awards
2016 Michelin Guide – One Star for Masseria
2016 Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington [RAMW] Finalist “New Restaurant of the Year”
2016 Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington [RAMW] Finalist “Pastry Chef of the Year”
2010 Esquire Magazine “Best New Restaurant” [Bibiana]
2010 Star Chefs “Rising Star”
2011 James Beard Foundation “Rising Star” Nominee