Chef Nicholas Olson in a white chef's jacket and grey apron, slicing cherry tomatoes next to a loaf of bread — Nicholas Olson, private chef

Nicholas Olson, a Rome-trained chef in Seattle

I'm an Italian-American chef, born and trained in Rome. I cook the dishes Romans actually eat, with seasonal ingredients from local vendors in the Pacific Northwest.

I trained at A Tavola con lo Chef, then worked in the kitchens of Ristorante Pianoalto and The American Academy in Rome. In those kitchens I learned to start from good ingredients and follow the season, and to take care over every plate.

In 2024 I started cooking private dinners in Los Angeles. Now I cook in Seattle, and every menu is written around your guests, their dietary needs and the occasion.

From Rome to Seattle

2020 Tommaso Salvini High School, Rome · Graduated from an international high school in Rome, where I got into cooking.
2021 A Tavola con lo Chef, Rome · Culinary diploma, with training in preparation and presentation.
2022 Ristorante Pianoalto, Rome · Commis chef in a Roman restaurant, where I learned how a professional kitchen runs.
2023 The American Academy in Rome · Junior chef. I planned the daily menus and kept working on my technique.
2024 The Private Dining Project, Los Angeles · Started my private dining business, cooking private dinners and events.
2026 Seattle · Moved to Seattle to cook Roman food in the Pacific Northwest.

Meet the team

Nicholas Olson

Private Chef

Trained in Rome. Writes every menu and cooks it in your kitchen.
Michele

Administrator

Michele answers to the spreadsheets, so Nico only answers to the stove.
Alex

Creative Director

Italian-American and Rome-based, Alex is the creative mind behind Nico's look and voice.