Dante Boccuzzi
Dante Boccuzzi | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1971 United States |
| Occupation(s) | Chef, restaurateur |
| Years active | 1991–present |
| Known for | Executive chef at Aureole; owner of Dante and other restaurants in Cleveland, Ohio |
Dante Boccuzzi is a distinguished American chef and restaurateur who has earned a Michelin Star, notably recognized for his role as executive chef at New York City's Aureole. He has developed several culinary ventures in Cleveland, Ohio, with his premier establishment being Dante located in Tremont.
Early career
After graduating from Cuyahoga Christian Academy in 1989, Boccuzzi pursued an AOS degree in culinary arts at The Culinary Institute of America, completing it in 1991.
His professional journey commenced at Aureole New York under the mentorship of Charlie Palmer (1991–1995), followed by training stints in Europe at L’Escargot in London and Les Muscadin in France. His Italian culinary background was further enriched through experiences at L’Albereta alongside Michelin-starred chef Gualtiero Marchesi and Aqua Marina in Sardegna under Antonello Colonna.
Between 1996 and 1997, Boccuzzi contributed to the launch team of Lespinasse in Washington D.C., led by Gray Kunz. Returning to the United States, he took on the chef de cuisine position at Silks within The Mandarin Oriental Hotel, where he received back-to-back James Beard Foundation Rising Star Chef nominations in 1998 and 1999.
From 2000 to 2002, he served as chef for Armani/Nobu, working closely with Giorgio Armani. Subsequently, as executive chef at Aureole New York from 2002 through 2007, Boccuzzi secured a Michelin Star.
Restaurant career
Boccuzzi debuted DANTE in Tremont, Cleveland, in 2010, showcasing Modern American cuisine. The following year, he introduced Ginko, a sushi establishment situated beneath DANTE. In 2012, his ventures expanded with D.C. Pasta Co., an Italian trattoria located in Strongsville, Ohio, alongside DBA (Dante Boccuzzi Akron) in Akron. That same year, Robb Report magazine nominated him for The Next Generation Culinary Master Competition.
In 2014, he unveiled DANTE Next Door, emphasizing classic Italian dishes. Additionally, he appeared on Season 4 of Guy’s Grocery Games. The next year saw diversification with the launch of Coda, a live music venue.
By 2016, Boccuzzi had opened Dante’s Inferno at Progressive Field and Northside Speakeasy—a craft cocktail bar positioned in downtown Akron’s Marriott Courtyard. In 2017, he expanded Dante’s Inferno with a second location near downtown Cleveland’s Flats East Bank.
In July 2021, Boccuzzi launched Goma by Dante on East 4th Street in downtown Cleveland—marking his second sushi-focused restaurant. His portfolio grew further in May 2023 with the opening of Dukes ‘n Boots in downtown Willoughby, Ohio.
Publications
- Boccuzzi, Dante (2025) DANTE: Cooking in Harmony, Jason Shaffer (photographer), Charlie Trotter (Foreword). Story Farm.
Personal life
Boccuzzi lives in Cleveland, Ohio alongside his wife Simone and her daughters Aurora and Evangeline. He is also the father of Francis, Andrea, Julien, and Isabella.
Active
- Dante Restaurant (2010–Present)
- Ginko Restaurant (2011–Present)
- Dante Next Door (2014–Present)
- Coda Music Venue (2015–Present)
- Dante’s Inferno at Progressive Field (2016–Present)
- Inferno Nightclub (2017–Present)
- Goma by Dante (2021–Present)
- Giappone Cocktail Lounge (2021–Present)
- Nirvana Coffee Company (2023–Present)
Closed
- Dukes N Boots (2023–2024)
- D.B.A. (2011–2024)
- D.C. Pasta Company (2012–2019)