Vinnie Cimino, the chef-partner behind the eclectic, homey Downtown Cleveland restaurant Cordelia, has earned yet another major honor: Food & Wine named him one of 2025's Best New Chefs.
Cimino, an Akron native, is one of 10 chefs highlighted by the magazine's October restaurant issue. An article highlights both Cimino's global twists on Midwestern dishes, along with the "Midwest nice" ethos at the restaurant, which is co-owned by Cimino and partner Andrew Watts.
Since it opened in 2022 in its eclectic restaurant space at 2058 East Fourth St., Cordelia has captured the attention of diners in Northeast Ohio and beyond. Cleveland Magazine readers named it the Best New Restaurant in 2023, and Tasting Table named Cordelia one of the 22 Best New Restaurants in the U.S. the same year.
In 2024, Cimino was named a James Beard finalist in the Best Chef: Great Lakes Category. He was a semifinalist in the competition in 2025.
"After 17-plus years of grinding — the road was never straight, the nights were always long — I am grateful for every damn bit of it. Cooking is a team sport, and I would be nothing without my incredible team at Cordelia. You inspire and push me to be a better chef, leader, and human every single day," Cimino says in a news release. "Most importantly, the biggest thanks goes to my wife and kids — my biggest supporters through the ups and downs and my reason for everything. I'm humbled and grateful to represent Cleveland and Akron and to keep pushing our community forward."
You can expect even more from the Cordelia team soon: Cimino and Watts have plans to open a second restaurant in Ohio City this fall.
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