Ralph Scamardella
Ralph Scamardella
Chief Culinary Officer
After nearly four decades in the kitchens of the most esteemed restaurants in the world, Ralph Scamardella serves as Partner and Chef of Tao Group Hospitality overseeing all chefs and concepts in New York (TAO Uptown, TAO Downtown, LAVO Italian Restaurant, food & beverage at Dream Downtown and Dream Midtown, and food & beverage at Moxy Times Square including Legasea, and Moxy East Village including Cathédrale); Las Vegas (TAO Asian Bistro at The Venetian, TAO Beach, and LAVO Italian Restaurant at The Palazzo); and Los Angeles (TAO, Luchini, and food & beverage at Dream Los Angeles).
As the son of Italian immigrants, Scamardella developed an affnity for cooking with fresh ingredients early on having grown up on seasonal produce as staples in his family’s Brooklyn kitchen. He began his studies at the New York City Technical College learning to master the business of hotel and restaurant management while simultaneously building his culinary skills at The Plaza Hotel’s French restaurant. He then honed his skills with one of the world’s true master chefs working under mentor Daniel Boulud at Polo Restaurant.
Paving the way to distinction early, he received a two-star rating from The New York Times at Vanessa’s restaurant where he served as Executive Chef. After nearly 15 years and several successful projects, he left the kitchen to consult for restaurants such as The Strip House, Harrah’s Casino, and Cessca.
Upon joining Tao Group Hospitality in 2007 as Corporate Executive Chef and Partner, Scamardella opened LAVO Italian Restaurant and TAO Beach Dayclub in Las Vegas and has gone on to expand the LAVO and TAO brands throughout the world. He’s launched new concepts including Bodega Negra The Rickey and Fishbowl at Dream Midtown as well as Legasea, Magic Hour Rooftop & Bar, and Cathédrale at Moxy. In 2019, he lead the way on another new brand concept with the opening of Koma, a modern Japanese restaurant.
Scamardella’s recipes and culinary concepts have been featured on Good Day New York, Good Morning America, The Dish, CBS This Morning: Saturday, and are regularly written up in Eater and The New York Times. He is devoted to helping others by donating time and talent to many noteworthy causes including the American Cancer Society, Autism Speaks, The Center for Discovery, City Harvest, Eden II Programs, Encourage Kids, Pop.Earth, Tao Cares, and Tailgate with a Cause.
Chef Scamardella proudly lives on Staten Island.
