News Summary
Cleveland’s Chef Vinnie Cimino, co-owner of Cordelia, has been named one of Food & Wine’s Best New Chefs of 2025. This honor celebrates his dedication to celebrating Midwest culinary traditions. Cordelia, located in downtown Cleveland, has gained popularity for its innovative menu and commitment to local ingredients. Cimino, a 17-year culinary veteran, highlights teamwork in his kitchen and looks forward to expanding with a new restaurant in Hingetown.
Cleveland – Chef Vinnie Cimino, co-owner of the restaurant Cordelia, has been recognized as one of Food & Wine magazine’s Best New Chefs of 2025. This prestigious acknowledgment places him among only 10 chefs nationwide to receive such an honor in the magazine’s 37th edition.
Cimino, who hails from Akron, Ohio, has pursued a culinary career for the past 17 years. He opened Cordelia a little over three years ago with a mission to celebrate the Midwest’s rich heritage and community through his culinary creations. Located at 2058 E. 4th Street in downtown Cleveland, the restaurant has gained popularity for its menu, which Food & Wine praises for its “unabashed homage to the culture, cuisine, and communities of the Midwest.”
Signature dishes at Cordelia include the Galley Boy tartare, overdressed greens with Akron-style white French dressing, and corned lamb. These offerings reflect Cimino’s commitment to blending innovative flavors while paying tribute to local traditions. His leadership in the kitchen and ability to bring his team together have contributed to the restaurant’s success and charm.
To qualify for the Best New Chef award, candidates must receive recommendations from previous awardees as well as food writers. The accolade not only reflects individual talent but also highlights the collaborative spirit necessary for running a successful restaurant. Cimino believes strongly in teamwork, stating that a cohesive team can significantly enhance the overall dining experience.
Patrons of Cordelia have expressed their appreciation for the quality of food offered and the restaurant’s dedication to supporting local producers and farms. Having also been recognized as a James Beard Award finalist in 2024 with a nomination for 2025, Cimino has established himself as a prominent figure in the culinary world.
Cimino is the third Ohioan to earn the title of Best New Chef from Food & Wine, following the footsteps of celebrated chefs Michael Symon in 1998 and Jonathon Sawyer in 2010. This recognition not only brings pride to Cimino but also to the local culinary scene that has seen a resurgence in quality dining experiences.
As Cordelia continues to flourish, Cimino and his business partner, Andrew Watts, are set to open a sister restaurant in Cleveland’s Hingetown neighborhood, further expanding their reach in the local dining landscape. Since establishing Cordelia, it has become a sought-after dining destination, drawing in both locals and celebrities alike, including well-known chef Gordon Ramsay.
In addition to its accolades, Cordelia was also named the Best New Restaurant by Cleveland Magazine in 2023 and recognized by Tasting Table as one of the 22 Best New Restaurants in the United States during the same year. These awards reflect the restaurant’s commitment to excellence and innovation in culinary arts.
Cimino attributes much of his success to the strong support from the community and encouragement from his family. This backing has been crucial in navigating the challenges of the culinary field and striving towards ambitious goals for his restaurant.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Scott Popovic Launches Evoke Private Dining in Cleveland
School Closures and Delays Announced Due to Icing Conditions
Top Luxury Resorts for Romantic Getaways in the Caribbean
Charlotte Hornets Claim Summer League Championship
Additional Resources
- Cleveland.com
- Wikipedia: Chef
- Food & Wine
- Google Search: Vinnie Cimino
- Akron Beacon Journal
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Food
- WKYC
- Google News: Food and Wine Best New Chefs
Author: STAFF HERE CLEVELAND WRITER
CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER The CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER represents the seasoned team at HERECleveland.com, your premier source for actionable local news and information in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and beyond, delivering "news you can use" with in-depth coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news impacting the region—backed by years of expert reporting and robust community input, including local press releases and business updates, while providing top reporting on high-profile events like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductions, Cleveland International Film Festival, and holiday parades, alongside key organizations such as the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Orchestra, and Great Lakes Science Center, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare like Sherwin-Williams and University Hospitals, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREDayton.com, offering comprehensive, credible insights into Ohio's vibrant landscape. HERE Cleveland HERE Dayton
