Brian Canipelli

Coming Up

Training at Johnson & Wales University gave Brian Canipelli the base, but the work that followed in Asheville is what fixed his line. A run from line cook at Savoy to cook at Table to sous chef at Rezaz built pace, discipline, and a kitchen vocabulary that later read as ease. Each role added another layer without changing the basic terms: clear cooking, steady restraint, and a close read on what the local pantry could do. Owner and chef at Cucina 24 in Asheville, North Carolina (2008–2025), Brian Canipelli brought that approach into full view. The restaurant became the place where his cooking registered most clearly: mountain-rooted, seasonal, and open to wild ingredients without drifting into mannerism. That same focus carried into his work as chef at Contrada (until 2025), where the point of view stayed tied to Asheville and to a kitchen language built through repetition, not flourish.

Where They Are Now

At Cucina 24, the clearest expression of Brian Canipelli’s cooking came through odd plants: herbs and greens grown or foraged in the mountains, set against an addictive white anchovy dipping sauce. The plate was spare and direct, with enough salt and intensity to sharpen the greens rather than cover them. It drew from the surrounding landscape without dressing it up, and it showed how restraint can carry more information than complication. At Contrada in Asheville, North Carolina, Brian Canipelli’s name stayed attached to the same discipline. The cooking there continued to favor attention over display, letting place read through ingredient choice and proportion rather than through elaboration.

Career - line cook — Savoy, Asheville, North Carolina - cook — Table - sous chef — Rezaz - owner and chef — Cucina 24, Asheville, North Carolina (2008–2025) - chef — Contrada (until 2025) Education: Johnson & Wales University

Signature

Brian's signature dishes include odd plants.

FAQ Where did Brian Canipelli train or study? Brian Canipelli trained at Johnson & Wales University. What recognition has Brian Canipelli received? James Beard Foundation Best Chef: Southeast semifinalist (2016).