Meet Riccardo Venditti Executive Chef, Amarone
I grew up in Italy in a family where food was at the heart of everything. Some of my earliest memories are of helping my father Franco in the kitchen, fascinated by how simple ingredients could be transformed into something magical. He had a passion for seeking out unique artisan products things you’d never find in a supermarket and for bringing people together around food. Cousins, uncles, friends, we would gather around the table on cold winter days or eat under the stars in summer, with the smell of barbecue or fresh seasonal fruit filling the air. My dad’s my biggest influence. Thanks to him, I’m inspired by chefs who respect ingredients, who understand seasonality, and who cook with heart not just technique or prestige.
My grandfather had a small farm, and I still remember going into the fields to pick vegetables like lettuce and tomatoes, or fresh fruit to bring home for dinner. Those are unforgettable memories nothing compares to the feeling of harvesting something alive with your own hands. That connection to the land is something I miss deeply today.
After completing culinary school, I moved to Scotland at 19. I worked my way up through the restaurant world, always hungry to learn more whether through others or by teaching myself. I believe in combining tradition with creativity without limits. That mind set brought me to Amarone, a place where I can express that balance every day.
At Amarone, we stay true to authentic Italian flavours while presenting them with a modern twist. We don’t try to reinvent Italian cuisine, we respect it. But we elevate it with creativity, care and excellent ingredients. Each dish on our menu has its own story and identity, and I make sure to keep things fresh and evolving so neither our guests nor I ever get bored! What makes the restaurant truly special is the atmosphere: elegant but relaxed, stylish yet warm – a place where guests feel genuinely welcome and enjoy what we create. It’s a great feeling.
I love spending time with my kids. Being a father keeps me grounded and reminds me what really matters. I’m also passionate about running, playing football, and mindfulness. I don’t follow diets, I believe in a sustainable healthy lifestyle that keeps me balanced physically and mentally. I’m always looking to learn and grow every day, to be the best version of myself not only for me but for my children, who give me the greatest motivation of all.
257 Union Street, Aberdeen, AB11 6BR 01224 590300