Signature Experience: A Night with Chef Jimmy at Villa Gioiella

Chef Jimmy in Umbria
Tradition, creativity, and Tuscan flair.

Meet Chef Jimmy

Behind every unforgettable evening at Villa Gioiella is Chef Jimmy — a chef who is shaped by travel, tradition, generations, as well as generous helpings of Italian hospitality.

Jimmy’s culinary journey began with a long apprenticeship while travelling across Brazil, Argentina, and Spain, including time in Ibiza and Barcelona, before returning to Italy to refine his craft. He later completed a Master’s in Creative Italian Cuisine, alongside specialist training in wok cookery in Bangkok. This experience expanded his techniques while deepening his respect for balance and flavour.

But his true roots run even deeper.

Chef Jimmy comes from a family of restaurateurs dating back to 1889 in Liguria. Cooking, for him, is not a profession. It is an inheritance.

Today, as a Tuscan at heart and an Umbrian home, he brings classical Italian foundations to every menu. Always ready to invent, collaborate, guide and suggest the perfect meal and seasonal ingredients for every special occasion or casual evening, always guided by local flavours.


Creative Italian Cuisine with an Umbrian Twist

Plate of freshly grilled Umbrian meats served at Villa Gioiella’s curated dining experience
Smoky, succulent, and perfectly paired with local sides.

Chef Jimmy’s style blends tradition with imagination.

He works primarily with local, zero-km ingredients, selecting produce from small Umbrian and Tuscan producers whenever possible. Olive oil from local groves, seasonal vegetables, wild herbs, farro, truffles, cheeses, cured meats — the region dictates the rhythm of the menu.

“I follow a classical style, but I am always ready to create something new.”

While he enjoys cooking meat, vegetables are equally central to his philosophy. Tuscan cuisine, with its simplicity and depth, remains closest to his heart. The most popular regional dishes are often his personal favourites.

Chef designs the menus to reflect both the delicious seasonal produce and the guests seated at the table.


An Evening at Villa Gioiella

Chef Jimmy smiling as he ponders what local Umbrian dishes to prepare in Villa Gioiella’s kitchen
Meet Chef Jimmy — the hands behind your Signature Experiences.

Dinner at Villa Gioiella is not restaurant dining delivered to your home. It is something far more personal.

The courtyard glows as evening falls. The wine flows. Courses arrive thoughtfully presented, each one explained with passion.

For Chef Jimmy, presentation and storytelling matter as much as flavour:

“Guests should always be surprised by something beautiful and innovative. A dish must look good — but it must also be explained properly.”

This attention to detail transforms a meal into an experience. It invites conversation. It connects guests to ingredients. It creates moments that linger long after the final course.


Why a Private Chef Experience Changes Everything

Traditional Umbrian and Tuscan food
Savour the flavours of Umbria and Tuscany on a journey of local food and wine.

Choosing a private chef at Villa Gioiella means:

• Seasonal menus tailored to your group with dietary requirements 

• Local ingredients sourced thoughtfully

• A relaxed, intimate atmosphere

• Insight into Umbrian and Tuscan culinary traditions

• The freedom to savour the evening without leaving the villa – waiting staff and clean up included

Slow luxury. Unhurried. Authentic. Memorable.

Bookings are according to availability and must be made in advance, so please register your interest early.

Read more about him HERE

Please contact us for more details