I create Italian fine-dining experiences where creativity and science meet healthy, unforgettable flavor.

Monica Maggio

I craft health-forward Italian cuisine with luxury-level technique and a maker’s mindset.

I’m a chef, chef consultant, and culinary health coach, and I’ve always been passionate about healthy food that still feels indulgent and refined. My foundation comes from training with Michelin-starred Italian master chef Igles Corelli and learning directly from Europe’s most celebrated kitchens through hands-on restaurant visits.

I began my chef career in my farmhouse in Modena, Italy, and alongside catering I built deep experience as a producer—creating plant-based foods and making cheese, beer, wine, balsamic vinegar, cider, preserves, and fermented probiotic foods from scratch. That production background helps me evaluate ingredients with precision, and my work has earned quality awards and collaborations with world-renowned Michelin-starred talents.

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For me, cooking is communicating an idea of good.

What I bring to your table, in my own way

I cook with purpose

Cooking is my way of communicating an idea of good—through balanced flavor, thoughtful technique, and a genuine commitment to well-being.

I build on elite training and real-world experience

I attended the cooking course of Michelin-starred chef Igles Corelli, responsible for the professional cooking training of Gambero Rosso, and I’ve carried that discipline into years of culinary work, consulting, and high-end hospitality collaborations.

I rely on science, not shortcuts

My secret in the kitchen is a deep scientific knowledge of ingredients and processes, so every dish is intentional—from sourcing to technique to final texture and aroma.

Monica Maggio’s Menus

I offer curated Italian menus designed for intimate dinners or larger gatherings, with course-by-course options that highlight seasonal ingredients, refined technique, and a health-conscious approach without sacrificing pleasure.

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Stories and testimonials

Chef Monica is a very nice person and brings a tremendous amount of authenticity to her menu and her service. Unfortunately, our experience was not a positive one. She arrived an hour late which put her behind from the start. The supplies she brought with her were in disarray all over the kitchen until I straightened them up myself as guests were arriving. She was so far behind on prep that my husband and I had to jump in to help prepare the appetizers instead of welcoming our guests. The kitchen was a disorganized mess all night and I constantly tried to clean up as she continued to cook. She had also assured me she would bring her own pizza oven so that she could cook multiple at once (I only have 1 oven) and she said she would. But then she arrived without one, and seemed surprised that I only had the 1 oven. The food came out in awkward waves as a result. She also forgot several other key supplies such as wooden skewers for the caprese skewers. In the end, my guests were very patient and gracious and raved that some of the items Chef Monica created were very delicious. But for a professional private-chef, I felt her service level and overall command of the event were extremely lacking.

Kim Wilson

Monica and her husband we’re truly phenomenal! They were so kind and the food was DELICIOUS! They are from Florence, Italy and made the pasta homemade from scratch. I can’t wait to have them in our home/at future events again!

Sarah Kate Lowry

Our experience with Monica and her team was wonderful from start to finish! They were engaging, professional, and served authentic Italian dishes that exceeded our already high expectations.

Marc Douglass

Chef Monica was great and she was a perfect choice for our guests! Her dishes were explained and thoughtfully prepared. The food was delicious and exactly what we asked for. She found her way around our kitchen without trouble and left it spotless.

Chris Loomis

Chef Maggio was a delight, and our dinner was delicious. I contacted Monica on short notice, and we were able to finalize a menu in record time. Everything was precisely as described -- and all in accordance with idiosyncratic dietary restrictions. Little mushroom tarts were particularly popular, and the coq au vin was spot-on. I also recommend heartily the spring greens with aged balsamic vinaigrette. A great convenience, and a pleasure.

Frances Reed

Chef Monica was incredible!! This was such a fun experience and girls night. 10/10 Recommend!!!!

sienna cartier

Monica was amazing! Every dish was incredible and truly unique. We loved this experience and would have her again!

Nicole Payne

She did a wonderful job! The Buckwheat pasta was the stand out dish and she was very professional.

Sam Trump

Monica was wonderful! Her communication beforehand and helping select the perfect menu was fantastic! She made very high quality dishes with seasonal ingredients and representative of the Italian cuisine. She was so informative of the history of the dishes and excited pained everything she was making. We had happy bellies and happy hearts. I would definitely recommend her for your special day! Grazie!

Stacey Rohrbaugh

Simply put, Monica was amazing. The presentation, the taste, the communication leading up to the dinner, etc, etc, was all incredible. We could not have had a more delicious, more memorable dinner. It was a special night that will not soon be forgotten by all of our friends who attended. Thank you, Monica, for making my wife’s birthday dinner so special. Can’t wait until next time!

Andy Lyness