Michelin-starred chef
Nicholas Romero
- Discipline
- Michelin-starred chef
Portrait of Nicholas Romero
i. Biography
The Climb
Head-chef work asks for repetition, timing, and a kitchen that can hold pressure without losing definition. Nicholas Romero moved through that ladder in sequence: Avenues first, then Grace in Chicago, IL, where he stayed until 2015, before taking head-chef responsibility at Manresa in Los Gatos, CA. His later named post at Smyth in Chicago kept him in the same register: chef work built on precision and line discipline.
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Today
His latest named role is Chef at Smyth in Chicago.
FAQ
Asked of Nicholas
What is Nicholas Romero's current role?
As of 2026, Nicholas Romero is Chef de cuisine.
Where did Nicholas Romero work before?
Nicholas Romero's earlier career included Avenues, Grace, and Manresa.
What recognition has Nicholas Romero received?
Jean Banchet Awards, best chef de cuisine (2014).
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The Sunday email
Read about chefs like Nicholas Romero in the Sunday email.
Every Sunday we send a lead story and up to four more about the chefs, winemakers, sommeliers and hoteliers behind the restaurants, bars, wineries and hotels we cover.
Recent stories
Free. One email a week, and you can unsubscribe from any issue.