‘Cleveland Chef to Watch’ and two-time James Beard nominee (2024/2025), Vinnie Cimino, has built a reputation for combining culinary talent and entrepreneurial spirit to drive team goodwill and industry progression. His restaurant Cordelia embodies “Midwest Nice” hospitality where the team and guests come first, and the focus is on bringing a bounty of farm fresh ingredients to the table.

In 2023, Cordelia was voted “Best New Restaurant” by Cleveland Magazine and one of the “Top 22 New Restaurants in The U. S.” by Tasting Table. Vinnie was recently named Plate Magazine’s “Chef to Watch” and Certified Angus Beef’s “Chef of the Year”.

Growing up in Ohio, cooking was a family affair. Time with his grandpa meant enjoying traditional comfort foods and bonding over oysters on the half shell. His Midwest influences led him to develop a deep appreciation for the land, our farmers and what they provide. From there, his fascination with cooking began.

Before Cordelia, Vinnie was Chef de Cuisine at The Greenhouse Tavern, where his vision and love of produce and seasonality contributed to the restaurant’s James Beard award. During this time, Vinnie worked closely with Andrew Watts, General Manager, and they established the most successful and positive working environment of the restaurant’s era. Today, that relationship has come full circle and blossomed into a strong partnership at Cordelia.

As host of Five Star Sensation, Cimino helps curate a roster of 50 chefs and vintners from around the world, to raise money for UH Seidman Cancer Center’s bi-annual benefit.

Cimino is the co-founder of Cleveland Family Meal, a non-profit organization committed to providing provisions and prosperity to industry and hospitality families in times of need and on sits on the board for Food Conscious and the SOW Project.