Executive Chef

Executive Chef Allan Philip Russo’s love affair with the art of cooking began at an early age. Born in Switzerland, Russo entered into a life and family with deep heritage in food and hospitality. His father and mentor comes from a long line of fisherman who trace back hundreds of years in Sicily. His deep knowledge and expertise has made for a successful national and international recognized restaurant. Russo gained much hands on training from his father, as well as, his mother’s family. His aunt served as Governess to Switzerland’s most prominent figures at the famous “Hotel Airport” in Zürich for over 35 years. Her career also included serving as a personal Chef to Samuel Bronfman of the Seagrams Family, famous for their signature products.

Russo was born into an environment where the kitchen was and remains the center point of his family and life. At the age of 10 he began working at his father’s restaurant, Da Filippos Autentica Cucina Italiana, recipient of prestigious awards such as Luigi Veronelli's “One of the Best Italian Restaurants in America”, ZAGAT’s “Top 1,000 Italian Restaurants in America” and NJ Monthly Magazines 24th Annual "Critic’s Pick” for Best Italian Restaurant. Here, Russo served as an apprentice under his father absorbing any and all information about the authenticity of Italian Cuisine, while creating the most desirable atmosphere for his guests to experience. His love for food grew with age as he gained more insight and intimacy for his craft. Similarly to an artist with blank canvas, Russo used his ingredients and creativity to make his own art.

His passion for learning new and innovative practices led him to Italy, Switzerland, France and Germany. Every year Russo travels abroad to meet with cultured, expert Chefs to share and discuss ideas in the world of fine dining. His education doesn’t stop there. Russo also took time to receive a Bachelor’s Degree from Seton Hall University in the field of finance.

Executive Chef Russo’s dedication to offer his guests European Hospitality continues on with Sette Cucina Italiana. His restaurant combines Authentic Italian Cuisine with fresh new ideas and a New York City twist. Here you are not a customer, but a personal guest. Russo's dedication, passion and love for his work is seen and felt when you meet him. In his words, the art of cooking is always evolving; this makes it exciting, challenging and fun. As he states, “My desire is to create an enviornment where guests can leave their world for a moment, and enjoy a wonderful dining experience within a rustic Mediterranean Setting."