Davide Oldani • 2 Stelle Michelin

Davide Oldani (Milan, October 1, 1967) is one of Italy’s most internationally renowned chefs, known for developing the philosophy of “pop cuisine”, which combines culinary excellence, simplicity, and sustainability.

Born into a family originally from Cornaredo, on the outskirts of Milan, he developed a passion for soccer as a young man, eventually playing at a competitive level. However, after an injury, he decided to devote himself to cooking, attending culinary school and beginning an exceptional apprenticeship alongside great masters such as Gualtiero Marchesi, Alain Ducasse, Albert Roux, and Pierre Hermé.

In 2003, he opened the Restaurant D’O in San Pietro all’Olmo, a hamlet of Cornaredo. The restaurant became the laboratory for his “pop cuisine”: refined dishes created using simple, seasonal ingredients, enhanced through technique, balance, and creativity. The restaurant earned its first Michelin star and, as of 2020, has been awarded two Michelin stars.

Among his most iconic dishes are caramelized onions with Grana Padano and lettuce ice cream, examples of his ability to transform everyday ingredients into signature culinary experiences.

In addition to his work as a chef, Oldani is the author of numerous books, a lecturer, and a public speaker. He has appeared on television and radio programs, and in 2013 he presented his entrepreneurial and gastronomic model at Harvard Business School.

Throughout his career, he has received numerous awards, including the Ambrogino d’Oro from the City of Milan in 2008 and the Premio America from the Italy-USA Foundation in 2023.

He is now considered a leading figure in contemporary Italian gastronomy, thanks to his ability to combine excellence, ethics, design, and accessibility.