Nick Elmi is a James Beard Award-nominated chef, Bravo’s Top Chef Season 11 winner, and a leading force in Philadelphia’s dining scene. After graduating from the Culinary Institute of America, Elmi honed his craft in the country’s top kitchens–including under legendary chef Georges Perrier of Le Bec-Fin–before opening his own celebrated restaurants. His first solo venture as chef and owner, Laurel, quickly earned national acclaim, being named one of GQ’s “Ten Best Restaurants in America,” garnering a James Beard Nomination for “Best New Restaurant,” and was also Michelin-recommended in 2025.
Elmi has since expanded with a series of projects as a partner of BEHospitality, along with Fia Berish and Donna Galvin at The Ironworks at Pencoyd Landing in Bala Cynwyd, including: Lark, a sustainable and locally-driven restaurant; The Landing Kitchen, a casual all-day cafe; and The PumpHouse, a versatile riverside event venue. His debut cookbook, Laurel: Modern American Flavors in Philadelphia, was published in 2019.
A long time supporter of No Kid Hungry, Elmi currently serves as Chef Chair for Philadelphia’s Taste of the Nation. He lives in Collingswood, New Jersey, with his wife and two children, continuing to balance his passion for innovative cuisine with a strong commitment to family and community.
We’re so excited to return to Italy with Chef Elmi and share in the soulful charm of Emilia-Romagna together!
Travel With Nicholas Elmi