A Chef’s Italy

Follow Amy Brandwein to northern Italy for a culinary experience rooted in seasonality, simplicity, and the beauty of the Langhe hills.

Amy Brandwein is the acclaimed chef and owner behind Centrolina and Piccolina in Washington, D.C., where she brings a refined, seasonal lens to Italian cooking. A six-time James Beard Award nominee for Best Chef-Mid Atlantic, 2025 Semifinalist for Outstanding Chef, and advocate for women in hospitality, Amy’s modern, ingredient-driven approach honors the spirit of Italy—particularly the northern regions like Piedmont—while celebrating the Mid-Atlantic’s bounty. Her restaurants have garnered national recognition from Esquire, the RAMMY Awards, and the James Beard Foundation, all reflecting her commitment to sustainability, simplicity, and elevated Italian flavors.

Kindness is a Vibe

Step into Amy’s kitchen and you’ll feel it instantly: warmth, welcome, and the joy of shared experience. For Amy, hospitality begins with kindness, from greeting guests like old friends to cultivating a team rooted in integrity. In the hills of Piedmont, this same spirit comes alive around every table and glass.

A Woman’s Place

When Amy opened Centrolina, she wasn’t just building a restaurant, she was building a movement. As one of D.C.’s leading female chef-owners, she’s helped carve space for more women at the top. Her leadership journey now comes full circle in Piedmont, where mentorship, mastery, and a deep respect for craft are always on the menu.

A Few of Her Favorite Things

The scent of porcini drifting from a hillside kitchen. The velvet of a nebbiolo poured by a producer she knows by name. Risotto stirred patiently, lovingly. For Amy, Piedmont is a sensory playground that's rich in wild game, hand-rolled pasta, and local traditions that mirror her own reverence for beauty, detail, and flavor.