Albert DiMeglio
Executive Chef / Managing Partner
Chef Albert DiMeglio has spent more than three decades shaping New York City kitchens. A Brooklyn-based chef and restaurateur, he is the founder of Barano in Williamsburg, where wood-fired Southern Italian cooking reflects both his professional discipline and his family roots in Ischia, the hometown of his grandmother.
Before launching his own concepts, DiMeglio built his foundation in some of New York’s most demanding dining rooms, including Le Cirque 2000, Osteria del Circo, Windows on the World, and The Ritz-Carlton. He later co-created Rubirosa, now widely regarded as one of New York’s most enduring Italian institutions.
Over the course of his career, DiMeglio has become a respected industry authority, serving as a recurring guest judge on Beat Bobby Flay for more than eight years, evaluating chefs in direct competition against Bobby Flay. His consistent return to the judging panel reflects both peer respect and national credibility.
At Barano, DiMeglio focuses on wood-fired technique, sourdough fermentation, handmade pastas, and a natural wine program rooted in tradition and seasonality. His approach balances classic Italian foundations with a modern Brooklyn sensibility — food meant to be shared, layered, and revisited.
Across 35 years in New York City, DiMeglio has built restaurants, mentored cooks, and sustained relevance in an industry defined by constant change. His work reflects longevity, discipline, and a deep commitment to craft over trend.