Massimo Bottura, born on September 30, 1962, is a celebrated Italian chef, gastronome, and entrepreneur. He is the chef and owner of Osteria Francescana, a three-Michelin-starred restaurant in Modena, Italy, known for its innovative approach to Italian cuisine, blending creativity with respect for tradition. Osteria Francescana has been recognized as one of the world's best restaurants, holding the top spot in The World's 50 Best Restaurants list in 2016 and 2018. Bottura's culinary style explores the roots of Italian cuisine while referencing history, art, and philosophy.
Beyond his restaurant, Bottura is committed to fighting food waste and social isolation. In 2016, he founded Food for Soul, a non-profit organization that establishes community kitchens called Refettorios, which utilize surplus food to create nutritious meals for those in need. In September 2024, he was appointed as a Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Advocate by the UN Secretary-General and a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Recently, Bottura's restaurant Torno Subito relocated to The Moore in Miami Design District, with an official opening on December 1, 2025. Also, in December 2025, Italian cuisine was recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, a nomination that Bottura strongly supported.