Nicoló Rotella spent much of his chilhood in the kitchen with his father, who was a restaurant owner in Turin, Italy. He still remembers finishing his homework in the kitchen while fascinated by what the chefs were preparing for dinner service. Nicoló later attended the culinary program at Italian Chefs Association, through which he was convinced that cooking was not only a passion, but a lifelong career he wanted to pursue.

After graduation, Nicoló started his culinary journey at various restaurants under talented chefs in Italy. From seafood to traditional Italian cuisine, he took the opportunity to perfect his culinary

skills in different genres, including an important stint as Junior Sous Chef at the two-starred Il Sorriso. Nicoló’s desire to learn quickly expanded and led him to join Chef Marco Sacco’s team at another two-starred Michelin restaurant Il Piccolo Lago, where he built solid foundations in modern culinary techiniques working alongside a team of top talents.

In 2019, Nicoló had the opportunity to meet Chef Chicco Cerea and moved to Bergamo to join Da Vittorio, and after two fruitful years at Da Vittorio, Nicoló was asked to take part in the new project New Wave by Da Vittorio in Shanghai as the sous chef.

In the summer of 2023, Nicoló arrived at 8½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA in Shanghai with passion and energy, showcasing his endless love for the culinary arts and relentless pursuit of excellence. We are thrilled to announce that, due to Nicoló’s outstanding performance and growth, he is set to be promoted to Executive Chef, continuing to bring fresh ideas and inspiration to diners with his vibrant creativity and the delicacy and romance of Italian cuisine.