Michelin-starred chef
Nicholas Romero
- Discipline
- Michelin-starred chef
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.
Today
His latest named role is Chef at Smyth in Chicago.
Career - Head Chef — Avenues - Head Chef — Grace, Chicago, IL (until 2015) - Head Chef — Manresa, Los Gatos, CA - Chef — Smyth, Chicago
FAQ 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).
