Pietro Collina

Born in Rome, Italy, Pietro Collina has been immersed in the restaurant industry since the age of 16. After graduating from the Culinary Institute of America in March 2009, he began his career in the dining room at Eleven Madison Park. During his initial two years, the restaurant received a 4-star New York Times review, 3 Michelin Stars, and multiple James Beard Awards, including "Best Restaurant" and "Best Chef."

While progressing at Eleven Madison Park, Pietro developed a passion for wines and spirits. He pursued this interest by obtaining his Certified Court of Master Sommelier certificate and contributing to the restaurant's beer program. He then transitioned to the bar, working alongside Leo Robitschek in their award-winning program.

In 2014, Pietro joined The NoMad team as the opening head bartender of The NoMad Bar, which later won the James Beard Award for "Outstanding Bar Program." The bar quickly gained recognition, earning a nomination for "Best New Bar 2015" at Tales of the Cocktail. By 2016, Pietro became the Bar Manager of the Hotel, leading the team to win "Best American Hotel Bar" at Tales of the Cocktail and climb to #8 in the World's 50 Best Bars by Drinks International. In 2017, The NoMad was named "Best American Bar Team" at Tales of the Cocktail and ranked as the Best Bar in North America and #3 globally in the World’s 50 Best Bars.

In 2018, Pietro was appointed East Coast Bar Director for "Make it Nice Hospitality," overseeing the bar programs at The NoMad Hotel NYC, Eleven Madison Park, and E.M.P. Summer House and Winter House. That same year, NoMad received the "Best High Volume Cocktail Bar" award at Tales of the Cocktail and was named Best Bar in North America for the second consecutive year.

In 2019, Pietro moved to London to lead the bar program at Davies and Brook restaurant within the historic Claridge’s Hotel, achieving a nomination for Best New International Cocktail Bar. In May 2020, he transitioned to the opening of NoMad London as Bar Director, responsible for Side Hustle, Atrium Bar, and Common Decency. Within its first year, Side Hustle was recognized as one of the World's 100 Best Bars, ranking #80, and placed at #7 in the 500 Best Bars list.

Currently, Pietro is an active Co-Founder of Whitebox Drinks, a canned cocktail company with distribution in over 2000 venues across the UK, Canada, UAE, and China. He also runs his consulting agency, Fine Drinks Co., with his business partner, Veronica Di Pietrantonio. In September 2023, the duo took over Viajante87 in Notting Hill, leading its team to establish the bar as a favorite among Londoners and industry professionals, recognized for its drinks program and Culture Exchange events, and landing on the extended list for the World's 50 Best Bars in its opening year.