Meet the chef

With a culinary career spanning over two decades and cities from New York to Las Vegas and Miami, Chef Carla Pellegrino is a celebrated force in the kitchen and on the global culinary stage. Born in Brazil to Portuguese and Italian parents, and formally trained at the French Culinary Institute in New York, Chef Carla blends heritage, technique, and bold personality into every dish she creates.

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Carla made her U.S. debut with the critically acclaimed Baldoria in NYC before taking the helm at Rao’s Las Vegas, where she brought the legendary East Harlem Italian institution to the Strip with resounding success. She went on to launch multiple beloved restaurants including Bratalian, Bacio, Touché, and Meatball Spot—each showcasing her signature mix of elevated Italian cuisine, approachable hospitality, and media magnetism.

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A fan favorite on Bravo’s Top Chef, a winner of Throwdown with Bobby Flay, and a frequent guest on national TV, Carla is as comfortable in front of the camera as she is in the kitchen. Her restaurants have been featured in Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, Gayot, USA Today, Vegas Seven, and more. Known for her charisma, leadership, and relentless pursuit of perfection, Carla continues to bring her culinary artistry to new cities and projects—including her latest venture, Teatro Bistro & Lounge in Texas.

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From crafting intimate menus to leading high-volume culinary operations, Chef Carla Pellegrino remains a powerhouse of innovation, flavor, and female-driven excellence in a male-dominated field.