i. Biography
Born to a 100 percent Italian family in Astoria, Queens, he came up with the kind of culinary instinct shaped by neighborhood memory and family table traditions, then carried that sensibility into a professional life defined by consistency, warmth, and a precise respect for the classics. Verdi describes the cooking with a clear promise: “We have lots of classic dishes, and mostly we are known for putting a twist on the basics — and our basics are not at all basic.”
Coming Up
Ciro Verdi began as chef and co-owner at Da Ciro in New York, NY (from 1996), setting the tone for a career rooted in hands-on ownership and kitchen leadership. The work suggests a cook who is not merely behind the scenes, but deeply invested in the identity of the restaurant itself: the rhythm of service, the feel of the room, and the steady assurance that comes from recipes treated with both discipline and affection. In 2016, Ciro returned to the Da Ciro name as chef at Da Ciro Brooklyn Trattoria E Pizzeria in Brooklyn, NY, and today is chef of Da Alighiero, continuing a path that links familiar Italian roots with the evolving life of New York dining.
Where They Are Now
He was former chef and co-owner at Da Ciro in New York, NY, and former chef and co-owner at Da Ciro Ristorante in New York, NY. He was also chef at Da Ciro Brooklyn Trattoria E Pizzeria in Brooklyn, NY. Across these roles, Verdi’s career reads as a sustained expression of ownership and kitchen craft, with each address carrying the same throughline: an Italian cooking style grounded in heritage, but never content to stand still.
Signature
Ciro's signature dishes include Focaccia Robiola di Ciro, Pizza Margherita, and Pizza di Ciro. Together, they sketch a portrait of his approach: the comfort of bread and pizza, the confidence of classic forms, and the subtle lift that comes from a kitchen willing to refine the familiar without losing its soul. These are dishes that speak in the language of tradition, then answer with a personal accent.
In Their Words “We have lots of classic dishes, and mostly we are known for putting a twist on the basics — and our basics are not at all basic.”
Profile updated July 2026
FAQ
Asked of Ciro
What is Ciro Verdi's current role?
As of 2026, Ciro Verdi is Chef of Da Alighiero.
Where did Ciro Verdi work before?
Ciro Verdi's earlier career included Da Ciro and Da Ciro Brooklyn Trattoria E Pizzeria.
