About Us
Our Story
Nicola Restaurant is my latest creation, made in collaboration with my wife, Jackeline Ortiz de Zevallos Sabino. Born in Lima, Peru, and of Italian descent, Jackeline embodies the true spirit of Bachiche, and her Peruvian roots and Italian ancestry ignited our shared culinary vision.
After shaping beloved concepts like Mistura and Mama’s Meatball, I opened this restaurant in homage to the Bachiche — not simply a fusion, but a true marriage of two cultures. When the first Italian settlers arrived in Peru generations ago, they didn’t just blend flavors; they built a new culinary identity, one where Italian tradition and Peruvian ingredients came together to create something entirely unique.
I never fully understood why I felt such a profound connection to Peruvian cuisine and culture. I have long been inspired and moved by its gastronomy, dedicating myself to it and proudly serving as an ambassador for the country. After years of exploring my path as a chef, I finally recognize the source of that passion and devotion — it comes from the very depths of my heart. I don’t just feel connected to this heritage — ‘I am a Bachiche.’
— Chef Nicola Allegretta
What’s Bachiche Cuisine?
Bachiche is a term born in Peru to describe the beautiful culinary marriage between Italian and Peruvian traditions — a cuisine where flavors, techniques, and histories intertwine. This style took root in the mid-19th century, when Italian families, many from the region of Genoa, settled along Peru’s coast and brought with them their love for pasta, olive oil, and slow-cooked sauces. Over time, these elements merged effortlessly with Peru’s native ingredients — ají peppers, potatoes, corn, and seafood — creating a new identity that was neither purely Italian nor purely Peruvian, but entirely its own, ‘Bachiche Cuisine.’ At Nicola, guests can explore both the timeless classics and the latest interpretations of this evolving cuisine, where the old world and the new meet in perfect harmony.
The Culinary Background of Chef Nicola Allegretta
Originally from Italy, Chef Nicola Allegretta discovered his passion for cooking amid the coastline of southern Italy. A graduate of the prestigious Italian Culinary Institute of Bari in Puglia, he honed his craft across Europe — from the vineyards of France to the bustling kitchens of London — before opening his first restaurant in the Dominican Republic.
In 1999, his culinary path led him to the United States, where he joined Alfredo The Original of Rome at EPCOT in Disney World, Orlando. Soon after, he brought his Italian flair to Miami Beach, creating elegant dishes at the renowned Tiramisu and Aura restaurants on Lincoln Road.
By 2001, California became his home and canvas. In San Luis Obispo, he served as Executive Chef at Benvenuti Restaurant before opening his own ventures. In 2006, he introduced Mama’s Meatball, a warm celebration of authentic Italian cuisine, later featured on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives with Guy Fieri.
Inspired by the flavors of his Peruvian wife and her family’s traditions, Chef Nicola opened Mistura Restaurant in 2014 — a love letter to Peru and its vibrant fusion of Incan, Spanish, Italian, and Asian influences. Mistura found its permanent home in San Luis Obispo in 2019, becoming a destination for those seeking modern Peruvian cuisine crafted with heart and artistry.
Together with his wife, he also founded Mistura Catering & Events, curating unforgettable dining experiences for intimate gatherings and grand celebrations alike — from coastal weddings to world-recognized events featured in Martha Stewart Weddings, Style Me Pretty, Grace Ormonde, and The Knot. Through this venture, they continue to share their passion for food, culture, and connection.
Honoring his roots and the country that continues to inspire him, Chef Nicola has proudly represented Peru alongside the Trade Commissioner of Peru at prestigious culinary events, including the Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim, the Winter Fancy Food Show, and Food & Wine Classic in Aspen.
In June 2025, Chef Nicola and his brothers embarked on a new chapter with The Eatery at Vina Robles, located at the Vina Robles Winery in Paso Robles — a place where wood-fired pizzas, Italian delicacies, and the warmth of family hospitality come together in perfect harmony.
About Chef Nicola Allegretta
Chef Nicola Allegretta is an acclaimed restaurateur and chef based in San Luis Obispo, California, known for his global culinary expertise. Trained in classic Italian cuisine, he later expanded his repertoire to specialize in modern Peruvian gastronomy, a journey inspired by his Peruvian wife and her family. Allegretta is the owner of multiple successful restaurants, a chef’s table, and catering ventures, including Mistura Restaurant, Mama's Meatball, The Eatery at Vina Robles, and now Nicola Restaurant.
Press & Accolades
Chef Nicola Allegretta is listed among the best chefs in the USA. Featured in various publications such as Food & Wine, Martha Stewart, Style Me Pretty, and many other reputable names. Special feature at Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives with Guy Fieri.
In 2015 and 2016, Chef Nicola and his culinary team represented Peru at the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, Colorado, and have, over the years, represented the country as a culinary ambassador.
