Matteo Bergamini was born in Toscolano on Lake Garda in Northern Italy. At just 10 years of age, Matteo's interest in all things culinary prompted him to work with his father in the family butcher shop. Matteo knew early on he wanted to be in the restaurant business and attended Caterina De Medici Hotel School in Gardone Riviera. After graduation he spent time in France before coming to the United States age age 23 to work as a sous chef at San Domenico NY, under the direction of Tony May.  He subsequently traveled back to Italy, then to Egypt and South Africa, honing his culinary skills along the way. This led to his return to New York where he joined Chef Odette Fada in 2009 to open SD26, and in 2010 was named Executive Chef where he brings his unique and gifted approach to modern Italian cuisine.