Massimo Bottura to Launch a New Monthly Chef Collective in Harlem to Help Feed The Hungry in New York

Massimo Bottura, the world-renowned chef behind Osteria Francescana, has taken his culinary talents to New York City—not to open another fine dining establishment, but to make a lasting impact on the lives of those in need. His Refettorio Harlem, part of the Food for Soul initiative, is bringing together a powerhouse of chefs to reimagine how we fight hunger. The latest chapter? An all-star collective of culinary talent stepping into Harlem’s Community Kitchen to serve not just meals, but dignity and hope.

Bottura’s Refettorio concept is no stranger to the world stage. With successful projects in Milan, Paris, and London, each Refettorio combines sustainability with social responsibility. The Harlem outpost opened in 2021, and its mission remains as bold as ever: transform surplus food into gourmet meals for those in need. But the project isn’t just about feeding people; it’s about creating a warm, welcoming space where community members feel valued and respected.

The Refettorio operates on a simple yet profound philosophy: “The act of eating is more than nourishment—it’s an opportunity to rebuild connections.” Bottura’s vision isn’t just filling bellies; it’s restoring hope, one plate at a time.

A Culinary Dream Team Steps In

The latest innovation in Bottura’s Harlem endeavor is the creation of the Harlem Chefs Lab, an all-star collective of some of the city’s most celebrated chefs. Collaborators include culinary heavyweights like Marcus Samuelsson, Daniel Boulud, and Missy Robbins. These chefs lend their time, creativity, and expertise to craft meals that transform rescued ingredients into extraordinary dishes.

The Lab isn’t just a cooking collective—it’s a platform for education and collaboration. By spotlighting Harlem’s rich culinary heritage alongside the creative ingenuity of these chefs, Bottura is cultivating a kitchen where culture and compassion collide. The dishes are as much about storytelling as they are about sustenance, creating a menu that feeds both body and soul.

Harlem is more than just a location for Bottura’s initiative—it’s the heart of the operation. Known for its vibrant culture, resilience, and deep culinary traditions, Harlem provides the perfect backdrop for a project rooted in community. The dishes served at Refettorio Harlem are often inspired by the neighborhood’s history and flavors, blending global techniques with local ingredients and soul.

Refettorio Harlem isn’t just about feeding the hungry; it’s also about fighting food waste. The kitchen relies heavily on surplus ingredients—products that are perfectly good to eat but often discarded due to cosmetic imperfections or overstock. Bottura has long championed the idea of turning “waste” into delicious meals, and this ethos is alive and well in Harlem.

What sets Refettorio Harlem apart isn’t just the food, but the experience. Meals are served in a beautifully designed space—equal parts art gallery and dining room—to remind diners that they deserve the same care and dignity as anyone dining in a high-end restaurant. Volunteers serve the meals restaurant-style, fostering a sense of respect and community among guests.

Running a project like Refettorio Harlem comes with its challenges, from sourcing enough surplus food to coordinating chefs’ busy schedules. But the results speak for themselves. To date, Refettorio Harlem has served thousands of meals, and its impact extends far beyond the plate.

By creating a space where food, art, and humanity intersect, Bottura has sparked a movement that challenges how we think about hunger, waste, and community. The program is proof that even in the face of logistical hurdles, creativity and compassion can prevail.