Ryan DePersio

Ember & Eagle
Ryan DePersio
Participating Events
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM Saturday, May 4
Ryan DePersio

Recognized as one of New Jersey’s most talented and respected chefs, executive chef Ryan DePersio brings a wealth of epicurean knowledge and award-winning experience to Battello. DePersio oversees all culinary aspects of Battello, delivering on a promise to provide its guests with progressive, modern Italian dishes that – as found at the finest establishments in Northern Italy – feature market-driven and seasonal ingredients.

Since his debut, DePersio has made an indelible mark on the New Jersey culinary scene. In July 2003, a then 25-year old DePersio opened his family’s new-Italian restaurant – Montclair’s Fascino – where his concept of Italian without borders paired flawlessly with the establishment’s impeccable and attentive service. Fascino piqued the attention of the region’s most discerning food critics and reviewers, steadily earning his menu three-star reviews, the highly-coveted and allusive New York Times rating of Excellent and mention that he was born to run a restaurant”.

Growing up in Nutley, DePersio’s first and fondest memories of cooking are of the legendary meals prepared by his grandmothers and pastry chef mother Cynthia DePersio. It was their influence that ignited Ryan’s passion to pursue a career in the culinary arts and attend New York Restaurant School.

After graduation, DePersio worked at NYC’s famed Bouley Bakery and Judson Grill, where he received the opportunity of a lifetime – to relocate to Paris and work at the one-star Michelin rated La Braserie. It was there where DePersio advanced his craft and appreciation for creating food that electrified one’s palate just as much as one’s senses matured. Immediately upon his return to the United States, DePersio’s reputation as a talented and disciplined chef piqued the interest of master chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, for whom he worked at Vong and then at Vongerichten’s self-titled four-star restaurant, Jean-Georges. After two years, opportunity in Europe once again beckoned and DePersio relocated to Florence to work at the two-star Enoteca Pinchiorri.

In addition to his work at Battello, Fascino and The Kitchen Step, chef DePersio regularly appears in the media, having served as a guest on NBC’s Today Show, the Food Network and with Tony Tantillo’s CBS morning segment.

Since selling Fascino on its 20 year anniversary, Chef Ryan has opened a Kitchen Step at Terminal A in Newark Airport, Tillinghouse (an events space) & Italian chophouse Ember and Eagle, which was recently named one of New Jersey’s Top New Restaurants by NJ Monthly.