Chef Michael Scipione is the visionary owner and executive chef behind Sano by Michael Scipione, an intimate and highly regarded supper-club style restaurant in Mount Laurel, New Jersey. Known for his refined approach to cuisine, Scipione blends the heart and soul of traditional cooking with contemporary flavors and health-centric techniques — an identity that has distinguished him in both local and national food media.
Early Roots & Culinary Philosophy
Born and raised in South Philadelphia in a traditional Italian household, Scipione’s culinary journey began at a young age, inspired by family meals and rooted in a deep respect for fresh ingredients and classic techniques. He started cooking at age 12, fusing his early interest in nutrition and fitness with his natural talent for food. What set him apart early on was not formal culinary schooling but a self-taught devotion to healthy cooking and flavor development — a passion he combined with a career in fitness before fully embracing the professional culinary world.
Sano: An Intimate Culinary Destination
At Sano by Michael Scipione, located on Church Road in Mount Laurel, Scipione crafts exclusive tasting menus in a cozy, candlelit setting accommodating just 16–20 guests per evening. This limited-seating approach creates what many describe as a “private supper club” — ideal for special occasions, romantic dinners, or curated private events. With seasonal menus, refined plating, and optional enhancements like wine pairings and elegant service, Sano delivers deeply personal dining experiences.
Television Appearances & Media Presence
Chef Scipione’s engaging personality and culinary skill have earned him multiple television appearances over the years:
Food Network: Scipione has competed and showcased his talents on Cutthroat Kitchen, Restaurant: Stakeout, and Rewrapped, bringing his competitive edge and creative cooking to national audiences.
National & Local Broadcasts: He’s also appeared on Fox 29 Good Day, NBC, CMT, and HLN, where he shared his cooking techniques and lifestyle expertise with broader audiences.
Food Festivals & Live Stages: Scipione has taken the stage at events such as the Atlantic City Food Network & Wine Festival at Bally’s Casino, demonstrating his skills live to food enthusiasts and festival attendees.
Through these platforms, he showcases not just recipes, but his philosophy that great food can be both healthful and delicious.
Published Work & Online Features
Beyond television, Scipione’s culinary insight extends into print and digital media. His recipes and lifestyle guides have been featured on respected sites such as Today.com and Vegetarian Times, where he provides practical, flavorful recipes like Swordfish Fagioli and Tuna Hummus Crostini that highlight his balanced approach to cooking. His work has also appeared in well-known outlets including Parade Magazine and local media like Philadelphia Daily News and Philly.com, broadening his reach beyond the restaurant’s walls.
Beyond the Kitchen
In addition to his dinner service, Scipione offers private chef services, healthy meal delivery, catering, and special event dining concepts. His philosophy emphasizes food that nourishes both body and soul, influenced by decades of nutritional study and a belief that healthy living starts with what’s on the plate.
Today, Chef Michael Scipione continues to innovate through Sano’s curated dining experiences, media engagements, and community presence — blending the art of refined cuisine with the heart of hospitality.
