Every September, the streets of Manhattan’s Little Italy transform into a vibrant celebration of faith, culture, and culinary mastery during the Feast of San Gennaro. Recognized as the largest and most renowned Italian-American festival in the United States, the feast draws more than a million visitors each year, filling Mulberry, Hester, and Grand Streets with parades, music, religious processions, and, of course, unforgettable Italian food. Now entering its 99th year, the festival continues to honor the patron saint of Naples, San Gennaro, while showcasing the legacy of Italian immigrants who brought their traditions to New York nearly a century ago.
This year, the 2025 Feast of San Gennaro—scheduled for September 11 through September 21—carries special significance with the inclusion of one of New Jersey and New York’s most celebrated culinary figures: Executive Chef Mike DiLeo. To be selected to participate in San Gennaro is a distinction reserved for the most accomplished chefs and food purveyors whose work exemplifies the spirit of Italian tradition and innovation. For Chef Mike, the invitation represents both a professional milestone and a deeply personal honor.
A fixture in the culinary world, Chef Mike DiLeo has built his reputation on a mastery of Italian flavors rooted in authenticity yet elevated with modern technique. His craft is marked by respect for tradition, balanced with an innate creativity that pushes Italian cuisine forward while never losing touch with its origins. That reputation has earned him recognition not only within restaurant circles but also within the broader Italian-American community, making his inclusion in San Gennaro both fitting and highly anticipated.
ALL IMAGE CREDIT: Chef Mike DiLeo
Throughout the 11-day festival, guests can expect Chef Mike to bring an unforgettable culinary presence to the streets of Little Italy. While the feast is already synonymous with beloved classics such as sausage and peppers, zeppole, and cannoli, Chef Mike’s contributions will reflect a refined interpretation of Italian-American fare—showcasing both heritage and artistry. Known for his ability to transform familiar dishes into something extraordinary, he plans to offer selections that honor tradition while surprising even the most seasoned festivalgoers. Each dish will carry the unmistakable touch of a chef who understands not only the ingredients, but also the history and emotion behind them.
Beyond the plates he will serve, Chef Mike’s participation underscores the ongoing relevance of Italian culinary traditions in modern American culture. The Feast of San Gennaro has long been a homecoming for Italian-Americans—a space where heritage is preserved and shared with new generations. For Chef Mike, joining this cultural epicenter is more than an opportunity to showcase his food; it is a chance to represent his roots, celebrate his community, and contribute to a festival that has become a living monument to resilience, faith, and family.
The 2025 Feast of San Gennaro will once again fill the streets of Little Italy with sights, sounds, and flavors that capture the essence of Italian-American life. With Chef Mike DiLeo among the distinguished culinary talents at this year’s celebration, festivalgoers can expect an elevated culinary experience that reflects the very best of both tradition and innovation. His presence promises to be one of the highlights of the 99th annual feast, a reminder of how Italian cuisine continues to evolve while remaining timeless at its core.
Chef Mike DiLeo shared his thoughts on being chosen for the festival:
“Being invited to participate in the Feast of San Gennaro is an incredible honor—not only as a chef, but as someone deeply connected to Italian culture and tradition. This festival is the heart of Little Italy, a celebration that has carried on for nearly a century, and to be part of it is something I will cherish forever. I’m thrilled to share my passion with so many people from around the world who come to experience the magic of San Gennaro. My goal is to honor the classics we all know and love, while also bringing something new to the table—dishes that celebrate the past while giving a taste of the future of Italian cuisine. I can’t wait to serve it up on Mulberry Street this September.”
ALL IMAGE CREDIT: Chef Mike DiLeo
Links:
Website: https://www.executivechefmike.com/
