Juan Manuel Umbert & Janice Buraschi

PASTA

JUAN MANUEL UMBERT

Co-owner and Chef at PASTA

JUAN MANUEL UMBERT

Co-owner and Chef at PASTA

Juan Manuel Umbert, owner and chef at PASTA, has brought a fresh wave of modern Italian dining to Miami’s vibrant Wynwood district. Born in 1991 in Lima, Peru, Umbert’s passion and dedication to his craft have been the driving force in an impressive culinary career. His trajectory to becoming a chef is unconventional yet inspiring. Initially pursuing a degree in business, Umbert found himself disenchanted with the corporate world. It was his innate love for food that ultimately led him to change course and enroll at the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu in London, where he honed his skills and solidified his path in the culinary arts.

Umbert’s early career included invaluable experiences while staging at Restaurant Story in London and Blanca in New York, both MICHELIN-starred restaurants that exposed him to the highest standards of fine dining. As a sous chef at Urban Kitchen in Lima, he delved deep into Peruvian cuisine while consulting, developing menus and projects for various clients. His role as head chef at Siete in Lima further cemented his reputation, where he successfully led a team and managed the complexities of a restaurant opening. These stints provided him with the knowledge and courage to open PASTA in 2019 alongside his wife, pastry chef Janice Buraschi. It was an immediate success and was just recently awarded the “Best Italian Restaurant” in the country by the prestigious “Somos Awards 2024” given by El Comercio, the oldest and largest Peruvian newspaper.

In 2024, driven by a desire to expand his culinary horizons and bring his unique vision to a new audience, Umbert moved to Miami to open PASTA’s first stateside location. Located in the Wynwood District at 124 NW 28th St., the modern Italian eatery delivers a culinary journey that is both rooted in tradition and imbued with innovative techniques and Peruvian flair. The menu reflects Umbert’s culinary expertise and creativity. Signature dishes like House-made Stracciatella with sourdough bread; Razor Clams with salsa verde and housemade ‘nduja; and Pappardelle with 15-hour Braised Beef Cheek Ragú showcase his dedication to quality and his ability to transform simple ingredients into extraordinary dishes. The restaurant’s intimate 77-seat venue features an open kitchen, allowing guests to witness the meticulous preparation of each dish, emphasizing transparency and culinary artistry.

Beyond the kitchen, Umbert is passionate about making people happy through his food. He describes his cooking style as rustic, simple, flavorful, and direct. His proudest accomplishment to date is the successful establishment and growth of the original PASTA location in Lima, which evolved from a small 25-seat venue to a 60-seat establishment, surviving the challenges of the pandemic and is now an award winning restaurant.

When he is not working, Umbert enjoys working out, playing soccer, and practicing jiu-jitsu. He values the importance of balance and finds joy in these activities. Dining with his wife, Janice, co-owner and pastry chef at PASTA, is one of his favorite pastimes, highlighting his deep appreciation for family and the simple pleasures of life.

To follow along on Umbert’s culinary adventures, please follow @juanmanuelumbert.

JANICE BURASCHI

Co-owner and Pastry Chef at PASTA

Janice Buraschi, co-owner and pastry chef at PASTA, has infused Miami’s vibrant Wynwood district with her unique blend of creativity and Italian culinary traditions. Born in 1996 in Lima, Peru, Buraschi’s journey to becoming a renowned chef is marked by her dedication, passion, and vibrant personality.

Buraschi’s culinary education began at Le Cordon Bleu in London, where she specialized in pastry. Initially uncertain of her career path after high school, Buraschi found solace and purpose in baking, which provided her with a sense of calm and fulfillment. Influenced by renowned Peruvian chef Mitsuharu “Micha” Tsumura, who guided her towards pursuing a formal culinary education in London, Buraschi traveled extensively through Italy during her time abroad, deepening her understanding and passion for Italian cuisine.

Following graduation, Buraschi gained invaluable experience while staging at some of the world’s most renowned restaurants, including World’s 50 Best Restaurant Maido in Lima and MICHELIN-starred Blanca in New York. She also worked as a pastry chef at El Pan de la Chola and Felix in Lima before becoming the head pastry chef at Siete restaurant, where she led a team and perfected her craft. These experiences provided her with the skills and confidence to open PASTA in Lima in 2019, which quickly became one of the top Italian restaurants in Peru. Most recently, it was awarded the “Best Italian Restaurant” in the country by the prestigious “Somos Awards 2024” given by El Comercio, the oldest and largest Peruvian newspaper.

This summer, Buraschi, along with her husband, chef Juan Manuel Umbert, expanded their successful venture with their first stateside location of PASTA. Located in Wynwood at 124 NW 28th St., the new outpost offers a modern Italian dining experience, blending traditional Italian flavors with innovative techniques and Peruvian influences. The intimate 77-seat venue features an open kitchen, allowing diners to witness the meticulous preparation of each homemade dish in a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Buraschi’s culinary style is characterized by simplicity and directness. Her desserts, such as the Coffee Crema Volteada and Pistachio di Bronte Tart, are designed to shine on their own without excessive decoration, reflecting her belief in the natural beauty and flavor of high-quality ingredients.

When she’s not working, Buraschi cherishes quiet evenings at home with Umbert, enjoying movies and popcorn. Family is a central part of her life, with her parents residing in Lima and her brother living in Florida, making Miami an ideal location for both her personal and professional endeavors. Her proudest accomplishment to date is the successful establishment of PASTA at just 23 years old; and now, the opening of their second location in Miami.