Raffles Jeddah is making waves in the luxury hospitality scene with the appointment of Carmine di Luggo as Executive Chef. This marks a significant milestone for the brand, as Chef Carmine is an esteemed Italian culinary leader bringing over 25 years of diverse experience. His journey has taken him through Italy, Germany, the UK, Egypt, Kazakhstan, and Hungary, shaping his culinary philosophy along the way.
Chef Carmine is a proud graduate of I.P.S.S.A.R “Luigi dei Medici,” where he earned a Culinary & Restaurant Diploma. His career path has seen him thrive in Michelin-starred restaurants and upscale hotels, where he has mastered timeless European techniques while incorporating influences from around the globe. This unique approach has positioned him as a luminary in the culinary world.
One of Chef Carmine’s standout experiences includes training under the celebrated two-Michelin-starred chef Oliver Glowig. His talent and creativity did not go unnoticed, leading to several prestigious accolades, including the World Luxury Restaurant Award for Best Italian Cuisine in Africa during his time at The Nile Ritz-Carlton Cairo. Notably, he also had the honor of preparing a meal for Pope Francis during this period.
Another highlight of his career was at The Ritz-Carlton Astana, where he played a pivotal role in establishing the hotel as the top destination in EMEA for food quality. Recently, as the Executive Chef at Dorothea Hotel Budapest, he led the property to win “Best EMEA Opening,” while Pavilon Restaurant & Bar earned accolades for its exceptional menu and architecture.
These accomplishments underscore Chef Carmine’s commitment to delivering extraordinary dining experiences, a vision he now channels into his role at Raffles Jeddah. Here, he will helm the culinary team, overseeing a group of 72 talented chefs across a variety of dining venues. This includes the signature Italian-French restaurant, Riviera; Surl’O, a contemporary all-day brasserie; and the Atorie Lobby Lounge, along with extensive in-room dining services and a sprawling banqueting space.
In his new capacity, Chef Carmine will strategically develop and execute all restaurant menus and collaborate with guest chefs, crafting a culinary adventure rich in sophistication and creativity. His approach centers on a commitment to excellence, driving the recruitment, training, and mentorship of his culinary team. This focus on excellence aims to streamline operations while sourcing the finest ingredients and equipment available.
Chef Carmine’s exceptional ability to elevate à la carte dining and enhance guest experiences is set to redefine Raffles Jeddah’s culinary identity. This transformation is driven by a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and uncompromising quality. His appointment is poised to usher in a new era for Raffles Jeddah, merging time-honored traditions with innovative techniques.
Fredrik Blomqvist, General Manager at Raffles Jeddah, expressed his enthusiasm for Chef Carmine’s arrival: “We are pleased to welcome Chef Carmine di Luggo to Raffles Jeddah. With his refined culinary artistry, global expertise, and dedication to excellence, Chef Carmine embodies the very essence of the Raffles brand. His visionary approach to gastronomy will not only elevate our dining experiences but also create immersive, unforgettable moments that resonate with our guests long after their visit.”
As Raffles Jeddah continues to set new benchmarks in luxury hospitality, the culinary journey crafted by Chef Carmine di Luggo promises to be a cornerstone of this experience, blending elevated gastronomy with bespoke service and timeless elegance.