Emanuele Scarello is one of the most prominent Italian chefs of contemporary gastronomy. He was born in 1970 in Udine (in the Friuli-Julija region) and comes from a family with a culinary tradition longer than a century. His mother Ivonne Bodigoi was a talented cook, and a family restaurant Agli Amici Dal 1887 In Godija (near Udine), the fifth generation is already taking place. For more than 135 years, this family inheritance has been a place “where honor is valued by the values of the country, hospitality and heritage” – in whose tradition Emanuela brought his ideas and passion for cuisine from an early age.
Scarello finished school as a chef, and then gained experience with top Italian and foreign chefs. Already at the beginning of his career, he showed a clear style: focus on seasonal local ingredients and creative use of traditional ingredients. After returning to the family restaurant, under his leadership agli amici advanced to a fine dining institution – today with two Michelin stars in Udine. Scarell’s stage of international gastronomy was also marked by the title of “The best Italian chef of 2013” according to the respectable corriere della sera list.
Career and restaurants
Emanuele Scarello is the proud owner and chef of the restaurant agli amici in Godija (Udine), a family bar with more than 130 years of history. Under his leadership, the restaurant retained and enriched tradition and won two Michelin stars. In addition, Scarello expanded his kitchen vision abroad. In 2021, he opened a new restaurant Agli amici Rovinj in Rovinj (Croatia) in cooperation with the Maistra Grand Park Hotel. This branch of his gastronomic family quickly achieved extraordinary success: three months after its opening, it received the first Michelin star, and in 2024, the second. This made Agli Amici Rovinj the first and only restaurant in Croatia with two Michelin stars.
In addition to Udine and Rovinj, Scarello also presented his kitchen in Venice – a restaurant Agli Amici Dopolavoro Venezia It is located on the island of Isola delle Rose in the Gulf of Venice. At all addresses, his guests experienced a unique combination of traditional Italian recipes and innovations: from carefully selected products to modern presentation techniques.
Most important successes and rewards
- Michelin stars: A total of four (two in Udine, two in Rovinj). Agli Amici Rovinj deservedly won the title of the first double-decker (double star) restaurant in Croatia.
- Prizes: title the best Italian chef 2013 by Corriere della Sera; 3 caps in the L’Espresso guide; Veronelli award “Sun” (2000) et al.
- Professional functions: From 2009 to 2012, he was the president of the Italian branch of the Association Jeunes Restaurateurs d’Europe (Association of young top European chefs).
- Restaurants of the year: His Agli Amici was established among the best in Italy and was often on the lists of the world’s most respected restaurants.
These successes are a confirmation of Scarell’s commitment to innovation and quality. At the same time, engagement at international festivals and educational events further strengthened his reputation – bringing the landscapes of Friuli and Istria to the same culinary map.
Cooking philosophy and style
Scarell’s kitchen celebrates land and seasonal food. He is known for modern cooking style which nurtures connection with the local terrain and traditional cuisine of its region. In every creation, he passes elements of Friuli, often using wild herbs and aromatic grasses from nature. Sam often goes for a walk in nature in search of food, and then skillfully combines them in sophisticated dishes.
Scarello often emphasizes that Cooks for guests, not stars. As stated in the media: “I don’t cook for stars, but for my guests… I cook for guests as if they were my family”. This statement summarizes his approach – the beauty of his dishes lies in simplicity, sincerity and respect for quality foods. All ingredients, from vegetables to seafood, are carefully selected – often from the family garden, local pastures or the nearby sea.
Guest appearance at MasterChef Croatia 2025.
Emanuele Scarello became known to the Croatian audience by announcing a guest appearance in a popular culinary show Masterchef Croatia. In December 2025, it was announced that he would appear as a guest chef in one of the episodes. On that special occasion, contestants will have to reproduce two of his dishes according to the recipes obtained. Tportal reported that Scarello is coming to a competition with stiff blue crab and aromatic risotto (basil, saffron, mussels), dishes that reflect his style in which the unusual species of the Adriatic is exploited. This will bring this renowned world culinary star closer to the Croatian audience with his skills and philosophy of cooking.
Conclusion
With his work, Emanuele Scarello combines Italian tradition with innovation and international ambitions. From a proud successor to the family tradition from Udine, he became a chef with numerous Michelin stars and prestigious awards. His example shows how creativity and dedication can turn historical tastes into top gourmet experiences. We are looking forward to his guest appearance at MasterChef Croatia 2025 as an opportunity to enjoy his kitchen and learn something from Maestro’s philosophy. Lovers of fine cuisine can follow his work through social networks, visit his restaurants (agli amici in Udine and Rovinj) and try the recipes he shares – since Scarello continues to strive to “regalare un’esperienza gastronomica unica e indimenticabile” (gift to guests a unique and unforgettable gastronomic experience) every the way when he stands in front of the stove.
