CHEF CELESTINO DRAGO

It has been said that what separates an ordinary man from an extraordinary man is that little "something extra." Celestino Drago has lived his life with equal amounts of passion and innovation. Additionally, Celestino has played an integral role in the dining revolution in Los Angeles over the past two decades. Frequently featured on local and national radio and television programs, James Beard Foundation honoree Celestino ranks among the top celebrity chefs yet reminds one more of a favorite relative.

From the defining kitchen of Celestino’s childhood home in Sicily, this master chef has been creating sublime, memorable meals since coming to Los Angeles in 1979. Celestino has a 25-year history of Italian culinary success in Los Angeles and has been touted as one of the Best Italian Chef's in the US by Bon Appetit and Los Angeles Times Restaurant Critic Irene Virbila.

Celestino was also voted Best New Chef by Food & Wine Magazine just after opening his namesake restaurant, The success of Drago's eponymous restaurant, which he opened in 1991, led to the formation of subsequent ventures, including Dolce Forno Bakery in Culver City, Enoteca Drago and Il Pastaio in Beverly Hills.

At Drago Centro, Celestino's menu selections are local Italian dishes which are revisited with the aid of modern techniques and reflect the traditions that have defined Italian cuisine for centuries.