Mario Cassineri
Executive Chef at Bice

Chef Mario Cassineri cooks with heart and soul. Born and raised in Milan, Italy, Mario’s upbringing in a culture of food gave way to his daring and flavorful dishes, steeped in tradition yet served with a contemporary flair.

With an impressive background of culinary training and an amiable personality, the revered chef not only entertains guests with his food, but with his charm and gracious hospitality as well. Mario began his culinary career working at several well-regarded restaurants in Milan, including positions at the famous Splendid Hotel in Baveno, Italy on Lake Maggiore. From there, Mario joined three of the most celebrated chefs in Italy, Claudio Sadler, Maurizio Bosotti and Gaultiero Marchesi, to collaborate with them on a highly successful restaurant and hotel consulting business. With a desire to spread his passion for food to others, Mario also taught culinary arts at the internationally renowned Costigliole d’Asti in Piedmont, Italy.

In 2005, Mario joined the BICE Restaurant Group as Executive Chef, opening BICE Beirut in Lebanon, and 5 other BICE concept restaurants in the United States: Miami, Bethesda, Chicago, Kansas City and his final destination, San Diego.

Since 2009, Mario has been at the helm of one of San Diego’s leading kitchens, BICE Ristorante. His beloved menus entice and woo guests, keeping them coming back for more. His attention to detail and appetite for thoughtful and inspired dishes lent to BICE winning the California Restaurant Association’s Gold Medallion Award for “Best Fine Dining Italian” in San Diego.

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