From a young age, Joe Sasto found his love for cooking—and his appetite for Italian classics—at his mother’s side. After earning his degree from UC Davis, he trained under some of the Bay Area’s most respected chefs. It was at Quince in San Francisco (three Michelin stars) where Joe’s passion for pasta truly took hold, and later, as Executive Sous Chef at Lazy Bear, he helped champion an elevated, farm-to-table style rooted in seasonal California ingredients and close relationships with local farmers.
In 2018, Joe set his sights on forging his own path and opening a restaurant. When the pandemic hit in March 2020, he pivoted into teaching virtual pasta-making classes—while developing recipes, building a major social presence, and sharing his craft with an approachable, high-energy point of view. With over half a billion likes and countless viral videos, Joe has become a recurring chef personality and judge on Food Network, appearing on Tournament of Champions, Guy’s Grocery Games, and Chopped, alongside Bravo’s Top Chef and Top Chef All-Stars.
Beyond TV, Joe has developed a high-end customizable pasta and pizza tool line in collaboration with Doghouse Forge, and he’s the creator of TANTOS, the first-ever puffed pasta chip—plus his gourmet frozen ravioli brand, Ripi. His first cookbook, Breaking the Rules (a fresh take on Italian classics), published in October 2025 by Simon Element. Based in Chicago, Joe spends his time consulting on restaurant concepts nationwide—and hanging with his wife, Kait, and their sweet pup, Tito.
We love Joe’s ability to share his craft with both technique and joy, along with his contemporary approach to reimagining the rules of Italian cuisine.
Travel With Joe Sasto