The O.P. Cafe

Chef John Fanali

Born in Connecticut, Executive Chef John Fanali spent his childhood in Bridgeport Connecticut, as part of a large Italian family. Surrounded by the food business growing up, Chef Fanali spent time working at his father's hometown restaurant, which later significantly influenced his culinary personality. Entertaining and cooking have been long-standing traditions of the Fanali family history.

Strong Italian and multicultural influences show through today in Chef Fanali’s cooking. He feels strongly about the use of local grown and sustainable products and works very hard to strengthen the relationship with local produce farmers.

Fanali favors a California cuisine style which is marked by an interest in "fusion" – integrating disparate cooking styles and ingredients by using freshly prepared local ingredients.

Chef Fanali and wife Sylvia reside in the beautiful ocean side community of Santa Monica, California and have two children – 9 month old son Enzo and two year old daughter Olivia. When not cooking, Fanali enjoys spending time with his family, golfing, and Football. His wife Sylvia is an exponent and teacher of jazz, ballet and Mommy and Me dance.