Michael Cimarusti is an American chef and restaurateur known for his dedication to sustainable seafood cuisine. He is co-owner and chef of Providence restaurant in Los Angeles, which has won numerous awards over the years.
Originally from New Brunswick, New Jersey, Cimarusti developed a passion for fishing and cooking from a young age, influenced by his family's Italian traditions. He attended the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, where he graduated with honors.
After his studies, he worked with renowned chefs such as Larry Forgione at An American Place, and later at Le Cirque in New York, where he had the opportunity to cook alongside culinary legends such as Paul Bocuse, Roger Vergé, and Gérard Boyer. He also spent time in France, working in the restaurants La Marée and Arpège.
In 1997, Cimarusti moved to Los Angeles to take a position as chef de cuisine at Wolfgang Puck's Spago. He then spent six years as executive chef at Water Grill, earning a national reputation for his mastery of seafood preparation. u200b
In 2005, he and partner Donato Poto opened Providence, dedicated to elegant, contemporary seafood cuisine with a strong commitment to sustainability. The restaurant has received numerous awards, including two Michelin stars (confirmed to 2025) and the title of “Best Seafood Restaurant” from Los Angeles Magazine.
In addition to Providence, Cimarusti opened Connie and Ted's in West Hollywood, a restaurant celebrating classic New England seafood inspired by childhood memories of visits to grandparents in the Northeast.
In 2019, Cimarusti received the prestigious James Beard award for “Best Chef: West,” recognizing his significant contributions to the American culinary scene.
Cimarusti's culinary philosophy is based on sourcing high-quality, sustainable ingredients, with a focus on wild seafood sourced primarily from American waters. His commitment to sustainability is reflected not only in his menus, but also in the operational practices of his restaurants.
Outside the kitchen, Cimarusti actively supports charitable organizations such as Alex's Lemonade Foundation and spends his free time fishing with his wife, pastry chef Cristina Echiverri, and their two children.
With a career dedicated to culinary excellence and sustainability, Michael Cimarusti continues to be an influential figure in the international culinary scene.
