Leonardo La Pietra is a culinary virtuoso whose journey began at the age of 16, fueled by an insatiable passion for the culinary arts. Graduating from a prestigious Hotelerie school at just 19, Leonardo embarked on a remarkable career trajectory, honing his skills in some of Italy's finest restaurants and hotels.
Immersed in environments that demanded excellence in both ingredient selection and creative innovation, he thrived under the mentorship of renowned chefs, mastering the intricacies of both Italian and international cuisine.
At 27, Leonardo embarked on a transformative chapter, relocating to Ireland to immerse himself in English language and indulge in his favourite pastime, kitesurfing. His culinary prowess quickly caught the attention of Dublin's gastronomic scene, leading him to a tenure at the esteemed L’Ecrivain restaurant, adorned with a coveted Michelin star.
Brief stints in Intercontinental Hotel further enriched his culinary repertoire before he found his calling in the picturesque landscapes of West Clare where he served as the Executive Sous Chef at the exquisite Trump International Golf Links & Hotel in Doonbeg, overseeing the culinary delights of its fine dining restaurant and members bar.
However, the challenges of the pandemic sparked a new chapter in Leonardo's culinary journey. Encouraged by friends, he delved into crafting authentic Italian dishes, seamlessly blending Italian tradition with the bounty of Irish ingredients. His creations swiftly garnered acclaim, leading him to make the bold decision to embark on his entrepreneurial venture and the creation of Leo At Home.
Driven by a desire to share his culinary vision with the community that embraced him, Leonardo found himself at the heart of Doonbeg, serving as the resident chef of the community hall.