Overlooking the sands of Copacabana since 1923, Copacabana Palace, A Belmond Hotel, is South America’s most iconic address, where Rio comes to life and celebrations begin. Opened for the centenary of Brazil’s independence and designed by French architect Joseph Gire, the hotel has helped shape Carnival, turned New Year’s Eve on the beach into a worldwide celebration and welcomed a century of legends. From Nat King Cole and Édith Piaf performing at its casino to the Rolling Stones, Madonna and Lady Gaga taking the stage on the beach just steps from its windows, its history continues to unfold, now with the renewed Fernanda Montenegro Theatre.
Ranked among The World’s 50 Best Hotels and awarded two Michelin Keys, Copacabana Palace brings together its legendary swimming pool, a dining destination featuring Michelin-starred restaurants, the renewed all-suite Pool Wing, a boutique devoted exclusively to Brazilian products and five floors dedicated to wellness. Within its walls, the rhythms and soul of Rio come together.
Culinary Director of all Belmond SAM properties. Executive Chef Copacabana Palace & Hotel Cipriani Restaurant
Nello Cassese
Aniello Cassese, known as Nello, is an Italian chef from Naples who has been leading the kitchen at Ristorante Cipriani at the Copacabana Palace, A Belmond Hotel, in Rio de Janeiro since 2016.
With an international career shaped by his experience working alongside Gordon Ramsay, he has worked in prestigious Michelin-starred restaurants in London and Italy, developing a culinary style that combines his Italian roots with a contemporary approach.
Under his leadership, Ristorante Cipriani earned its first Michelin star in 2019 and ranked 77th on the Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024 list. In 2025, it was also named Best Italian Restaurant in the World by 50 Top Italy. In 2024, Nello was awarded the title of Dom Pérignon Society Ambassador.
Today, he serves as Executive Chef of the Copacabana Palace, overseeing the hotel's entire culinary offering, as well as Culinary Director of Belmond properties across South America.
