Enrico Bartolini is an acclaimed Italian chef, born in 1979 in the town of Castelmarte, in the province of Como, Lombardy, Italy. He is widely regarded as one of the most successful chefs of his generation and has won numerous awards for his culinary creations.
Early Life and Career
Bartolini developed an early interest in cooking, learning traditional Italian recipes from his mother and grandmother. He started his career as a chef at the age of 16, working at a restaurant in his hometown. He then moved to Switzerland to continue his culinary education, training under some of the best chefs in the country.
In 1999, Bartolini returned to Italy and worked at the famous restaurant, La Veranda, located inside the Grand Hotel Villa d’Este in Cernobbio. During his time at La Veranda, Bartolini gained valuable experience and developed his own style of cooking, which combined traditional Italian cuisine with modern culinary techniques.
In 2000, Bartolini took on the role of Sous Chef at the Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni in Bellagio. He continued to refine his skills and build his reputation as a talented and innovative chef.
Career Highlights
In 2004, Bartolini opened his own restaurant, La Trattoria Enrico Bartolini, in the town of Madesimo, in the Italian Alps. The restaurant quickly gained a reputation for its excellent cuisine and was awarded its first Michelin star in 2008.
Bartolini’s success continued to grow, and he opened another restaurant, Devero Restaurant, in Cavenago di Brianza, near Milan, in 2010. The restaurant also received a Michelin star within its first year of operation.
In 2011, Bartolini opened his third restaurant, Glam Restaurant, located inside the Byblos Art Hotel in Verona. The restaurant was awarded its first Michelin star in 2012.
In 2013, Bartolini opened his fourth restaurant, Enrico Bartolini al Mudec, located in the Mudec Museum of Cultures in Milan. The restaurant was awarded two Michelin stars within its first year of operation, making Bartolini the youngest Italian chef to achieve such a feat.
In 2015, Bartolini opened his fifth restaurant, Enrico Bartolini al Castello di San Vigilio, located inside a 14th-century castle in Bergamo. The restaurant was awarded its first Michelin star in 2016.
Bartolini’s sixth restaurant, Glam On The Road, is a unique concept that offers a travelling culinary experience. The restaurant is a mobile kitchen that travels to different locations around Italy, providing guests with an immersive dining experience.
Bartolini’s Cuisine
Bartolini’s cuisine is characterized by a deep respect for tradition combined with a desire to innovate and experiment. He is known for using the freshest, highest quality ingredients and creating dishes that are visually stunning as well as delicious.
Bartolini’s menus often feature classic Italian dishes, such as risotto and pasta, but with a modern twist. He also draws inspiration from the local cuisine of the regions where his restaurants are located, incorporating traditional ingredients and techniques into his dishes.
Awards and Recognition
Bartolini has received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. In addition to his Michelin stars, he has been named Best Italian Chef by Identità Golose, one of the most prestigious culinary events in Italy, and has been included in the Forbes list of the World’s Best Chefs.
In 2019, Bartolini was awarded the Grand Prix de l’Art de la Cuisine by the International Academy of Gastronomy, one of the most prestigious awards in the culinary world.
