Chicago restaurateurs Phil Stefani and Chef Art Smith collaborate on 'opportunity of a lifetime' to lead sole restaurant and exclusive catering services at the Vatican's Borgo Laudato Si'

Tapped by the Vatican on behalf of Pope Francis, Stefani and Smith have been selected as exclusive culinarians for the project, bringing farm-to-table Italian cuisine with global flavors to 135-acre papal estate

CHICAGO, Sept. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In a monumental and unprecedented partnership, Chicago restaurateurs Phil Stefani and Chef Art Smith are joining forces to create the sole restaurant concept in the heart of the Vatican's Borgo Laudato Si', part of a historic papal retreat newly opened to the public. Pope Leo XIV will make the announcement today as part of a broader inauguration of the property.

Earlier this year, a committee led by the late Pope Francis tapped Stefani, celebrated restaurateur and owner of Stefani Restaurant Group, and renowned celebrity chef Art Smith to lead the only dining destination and serve as the exclusive caterers on the 135-acre papal grounds located just outside of Rome. Pope Leo XIV will officially inaugurate the property today at 9 a.m. CST, 4 p.m. Rome, streaming live on Vatican News EWTN, to celebrate its immediate opening to the public and to reaffirm Pope Francis' vision and plans for its future. 

"As a Catholic and Italian, this project is a dream for my family and me," Stefani said. "To be part of a culinary experience on Vatican property is deeply meaningful to us. But we also share this honor with the city of Chicago. We have the unique opportunity to bring a taste of home, some of that unique Chicago spirit, to a global audience. Collaborating with Chef Art and the Vatican is truly an extraordinary moment to bring people together through food."

The collaboration between Phil Stefani and Chef Art Smith was made possible with the support of Mary Kay Bonoma, Chief Operating Officer of the Illinois Restaurant Association, who first introduced the two and helped bring them together for this project.

The Borgo Laudato Si' is situated within the historic Papal Villas of Castel Gandolfo, which have served as the summer residence for Popes since the 17th century. The estate also sits atop the remains of Emperor Domitian's 1st-century villa, giving the grounds nearly 2,000 years of history that bridge Roman imperial times with papal tradition. Today, the Borgo stands as a model of integral ecology, a core principle of Pope Francis.

The expansive property spans 55 hectares (135 acres) of gardens, farmland and archaeological heritage, representing more than half of the Vatican's landholdings. At the heart of the site is a vision inspired by Pope Francis' 2015 encyclical Laudato Si', designed to merge spirituality, sustainability and education in a forward-looking way. The restaurant, which Stefani and Chef Art will develop and lead, is under construction on the site and will serve as a gathering place where ecological awareness and cultural exchange meet around the table.

Innovation is central to Borgo Laudato Si'. Among its highlights is a greenhouse designed to mirror St. Peter's Square's iconic colonnade, powered by solar energy and supported by AI-driven irrigation, rainwater harvesting and zero-waste systems. The Borgo also provides vocational training in organic farming, winemaking, olive harvesting and regenerative agriculture, with special programs for vulnerable groups as well as courses for business leaders and pilgrims.

"The spirit of Borgo Laudato Si' is about community, sustainability and celebration," said Smith. "We're excited to create a menu that honors Italian tradition while embracing flavors and influences from around the world, including a little taste of Chicago and Peru, a nod to Pope Leo's hometown and life's work in Peru."

This will be the only dining concept and exclusive catering service provider on the estate, slated to open next spring. The menu will focus on farm-to-table Italian cuisine, complemented by touches of global cuisine including Chicago and Peruvian influences. Guests will also enjoy guided tours, a marketplace, and immersive ecological and cultural experiences amid one of Italy's most historic estates.

While the property is now open to the public immediately, additional work and preparation across the grounds, including the restaurant, are slated for completion in the spring of 2026. The restaurant will be open for breakfast and lunch when the grounds are open to the public and will also be available for private events year-round, offering guests an immersive culinary and cultural experience that reflects centuries of history and a bold ecological future.

About Stefani Restaurant Group

Founded in 1980 by Phil Stefani and his Uncle Lino, Stefani Restaurant Group has grown into a full family-owned and operated Chicago institution rooted in authentic Italian hospitality. Today, the group manages a diverse portfolio including Tavern on Rush, Stefani Prime, Tuscany, Castaways Beach Club, Stefani's Bottega Italiana, and Broken English Taco Pub. Its catering arm, Inspired Catering and Events, brings the same passion for food and service to events citywide.

About Chef Charles "Art" Smith

Chef Art Smith is an award-winning chef, restaurateur, and humanitarian known for his love of sharing and togetherness. He rose to prominence as Oprah Winfrey's personal chef for a decade and has cooked for leaders, celebrities, and dignitaries worldwide. The co-owner of six restaurants and founder of the nonprofit Common Threads, Chef Art has earned three James Beard Awards, including Humanitarian of the Year. His most recent win recognized his documentary "Marcella," a film about the legendary Italian-American cookbook author and teacher Marcella Hazan, now streaming on Apple TV.

SOURCE Stefani Restaurant Group