Gennaro Esposito
“When you taste one of my dishes, you will understand my history,
but also my personal quest for the new.”
Gennaro Esposito was born in 1970, in Vico Equense, to a family with a strong passion for traditional cuisine. His mother and grandfather cultivated sharecropping land and it was from them that he learned how to use local products in the kitchen. His uncle, who is a pastry chef, inspired him to develop a love for this art which will always stay with him.
The fundamental stages of his training are linked to two extraordinary mentors: the first is Gianfranco Vissani, who revealed to him the power of creativity; the second is Alain Ducasse, who took him to France and taught him the importance of rigor in the kitchen, perfect organization and meticulous attention to detail.
In 1991, in Seiano, a seaside village of Vico Equense
the restaurant La Torre del Saracino was born.
A season that was filled with success led to the conquest of the first Michelin-star in 2001. In 2003, it received three Gambero Rosso forks and in 2008 came the second Michelin-star.
In 2011 Identità Golose awarded him the title of best Italian chef and in 2020 he became chef mentor for Michelin, offering guidance and inspiration to young chefs.
In 2003, an idea by Gennaro Esposito brought to life ‘Festa a Vico’, an event dedicated to great cuisine, bringing together established chefs and promising young talent for three days of sharing, good food and unity . In fact, every year, the event supports associations and non-profit organisations that operate in the area to support important causes.
A close-knit team is the most important ingredient in the kitchen.
