Chef Vinnie Cimino
A two-time James Beard Award nominee (2024/2025) and one of Food & Wine Magazine’s 2025 Best New Chefs, Vinnie Cimino has built his reputation on Midwest values, exceptional ingredients, and genuine hospitality. At his restaurant Cordelia, he embodies the warmth of “Midwest Nice”—a philosophy where team and guests come first, and every plate celebrates the bounty of farm-fresh, seasonal ingredients.
In 2023, Cordelia was voted “Best New Restaurant” by Cleveland Magazine and named one of the “Top 22 New Restaurants in the U.S.” by Tasting Table. Vinnie has also been recognized as Plate Magazine’s “Chef to Watch” and Certified Angus Beef’s “Chef of the Year.”
Growing up in Ohio, cooking was a family affair. Time with his grandpa meant enjoying traditional comfort foods and bonding over oysters on the half shell. These Midwest influences cultivated a deep appreciation for the land, the farmers, and what they provide—sparking his lifelong fascination with cooking.
Before Cordelia, Vinnie served as Chef de Cuisine at The Greenhouse Tavern, where his vision and love of produce and seasonality contributed to the restaurant earning a James Beard Award. During this time, he worked closely with Andrew Watts, General Manager, establishing the most successful and positive working environment in the restaurant’s history. Today, that relationship has come full circle, blossoming into a strong partnership at Cordelia.
As host of Five Star Sensation, Cimino helps curate a roster of 50 chefs and vintners from around the world to raise funds for UH Seidman Cancer Center’s biennial benefit.
Cimino is the co-founder of Cleveland Family Meal, a nonprofit organization committed to providing provisions and prosperity to industry and hospitality families in times of need and sits on the board for Food Conscious and the SOW Project.
IG: @chefvinniecimino | @cordeliacle | www.cordeliacle.com
6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
