Kristian Leuzzi

Executive Chef

Kristian's

Kristian Leuzzi, Executive Chef at Kristian's, has felt at home in the kitchen all his life. He grew up at 1102 Federal Street, two doors down from the restaurant he now owns, dreaming of one day owning his own restaurant.  He spent nine years at DiLullo Centro on Locust Street, perfecting his risottos, balsamic reductions, and stock-infused sauces. Realizing his dream to own his own restaurant, his family helped him renovate the old Angelo's Butcher Shop. When he was just 26 years old he opened the doors to Kristian’s, where he was able to focus on serving traditional Italian meals in an upscale environment.

Kristian's was an instant success. The whole neighborhood could be found in Kristian’s on any given night. Popular politicians and local celebrities were singing Kristian's praises. His talent has been recognized with various awards, including a "Best of Philly" award, and stellar reviews from almost every publication in Philadelphia.

Leuzzi is an active member of the community, participating in charity events, such as the “Cooking Up Opportunities for Children’s Village,” which supports education programs for under-privileged children. He has even appeared on the WHYY program "Healthy Flavors: Traditional Made Healthy" with Chef Jim Coleman, to share how he creates traditional Italian dishes that are deliciously healthy.

Many of Leuzzi's dishes pay homage to his mother's home cooking. He is influenced by the time-honored dishes served by Italian families, and many of the ingredients he uses can be found in dishes on the family table in Italy. He plans to continue his own tradition of serving dependably delicious Italian food in an elegant setting.

Now 36, having conquered fine dining, Leuzzi has plans for a tavern-style eatery. He is currently in the early stages of renovating the 30-year-old Passyunk Tavern on the 18th block of Passyunk Avenue. His new venture there, "Stogie Joe's", will not be another version of Kristian's; it will be a neighborhood bar. He plans to still serve "Italian-influenced" food, but in a comfortable "homey" atmosphere. He is planning to offer around 10 draft beers, and wines by the glass. Plans also call for an antipasti station at the bar that will feature pickled vegetables and cured meats. The arrival of Stogie Joe's is highly anticipated, and with the talented Chef Leuzzi in the kitchen, it is sure to be a success.