Rocco DiSpirito

Rocco DiSpirito is a James Beard Award-winning chef, celebrated for his culinary skills, television personality, and authorship of fifteen cookbooks, three of which reached The New York Times #1 bestseller list. Born in New York City, Rocco has made significant contributions to the culinary world through his innovative cooking style and advocacy for health and nutrition.

Rocco’s culinary journey began at the Culinary Institute of America, and by the age of twenty, he was working globally in Paris and New York City alongside legendary chefs Gray Kunz, Dominique Cécillon, and David Bouley. His restaurant, Union Pacific, earned three-stars from The New York Times and became a culinary landmark. More recently, his celebrated re-imagining of the iconic Standard Grill, High Line, landed him a Michelin Guide listing and a notable two-star New York Times review.

Rocco’s influence extends into the world of television, with appearances on shows like, Top Chef, Dancing with the Stars, Guy’s Grocery Games, The Today Show, Good Morning America, The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Dr. Oz Show, Late Night with David Letterman, The Tonight Show, and his own Bravo series Rocco’s Dinner Party. He also hosted Melting Pot and Restaurant Divided. Most recently, he appeared on Sherri. His time on Guy Fieri’s Guy’s Grocery Games and Tournament of Champions as both a judge and contestant earned him top prizes for his partnered charity efforts.

In 2006, while training for an Ironman triathlon, Rocco’s focus shifted toward health and nutrition, influencing both his life and work. He has authored nine health and wellness cookbooks, starting with the instant #1 New York Times bestseller Now Eat This!. His latest cookbook Everyday Delicious was an Amazon bestseller and critics’ pick. Other titles include Now Eat This! Italian, Pound a Day Diet, and The Negative Calorie Diet, all reflecting his dedication to making nutritious food accessible to everyone.

At Il Pellicano Southampton, Rocco combines his passion for Italian cuisine with innovative techniques, curating memorable dining experiences. His restaurant is also a destination for custom events, offering personalized menus, wine pairings, and live entertainment.

Honored with a James Beard Award for his book Flavor, and named Food & Wine Magazine’s America’s Best New Chef, Rocco has been featured in Food & Wine, Bon Appetit, and Gourmet. A passionate philanthropist, Rocco actively supports organizations like City Harvest, Downtown Alliance, Health Corps, and God’s Love We Deliver.

Rocco currently lives in New York City with his family and two Shiba Inu.