Napoli-born chef Giovanni Parrella has over 30 years’ experience of working in top kitchens across the world, in countries with some of the most interesting culinary cultures including Istanbul, Mumbai and Beijing. Chef Giovanni has cultivated a passion for learning the intricate recipes of each kitchen he steps into. Always returning to his roots though, Chef Giovanni is enthusiastic to introduce authentic Italian ingredients and recipes to the menus he develops.
Growing up in Napoli, his strong-willed father, who then owned a large construction company, had planned for his son Giovanni to take over. However, Giovanni had a strong passion for cooking and with courage and conviction and at the early age of 12, he began working in the kitchen of a Napoli restaurant. He has been in the industry ever since.
For the past five years, he has been Executive Chef at one of Vietnam’s most luxurious 5 star hotels – The Reverie Saigon, member of The Leading Hotels of The World. At The Reverie Saigon, Giovanni leads a team of talented chefs, from across the world, and inspires them daily to exceed both their own and their customer’s expectations at the hotel’s collection of exceptional dining experiences which include, R&J Italian Lounge & Restaurant – Authentic Italian fine dining, The Royal Pavilion – Chinese fine dining and Café Cardinal – continental & contemporary French cuisine.