Maria Tampakis

Executive Chef

“At Four Seasons Hotel New York, we aim to create unforgettable dining experiences that speak to both tradition and innovation. Our menus are designed to celebrate the city’s vibrant culinary heritage while offering something fresh and exciting for our guests.”

Four Seasons Tenure

Since 2021
First Four Seasons Assignment: Executive Chef, Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown

Employment History

Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown; Estiatorio Milos; Institute of Culinary Education; Gordon Ramsay Restaurants - Heddon Street Kitchen and Bread Street Kitchen; Dinner by Heston Blumenthal; Jean-Georges NYC

Education

BA for Hotel, Motel and Restaurant Management, University of Delaware; Career Culinary Program, Institute of Culinary Education, New York

Birthplace

Brooklyn, New York, USA

Languages Spoken

English, Greek

Maria Tampakis is the Executive Chef for Four Seasons Hotel New York. With nearly two decades of culinary expertise, Maria brings a wealth of knowledge from some of the world’s most renowned kitchens to the iconic Midtown Manhattan property.

Maria’s culinary journey is deeply rooted in her upbringing. Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, she grew up surrounded by chefs, including her mother, chef instructor Michelle Tampakis. With a passion for food instilled from an early age, Maria pursued formal training, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management from the University of Delaware before graduating from the prestigious Institute of Culinary Education New York.

Following a two-year tenure at Jean-Georges in New York City, Maria moved to London, where she worked with acclaimed chefs Heston Blumenthal and Gordon Ramsay. After six years in the United Kingdom, she returned home to New York and worked as the director of operations at her alma mater, ICE, before assuming the coveted role of global culinary director for the Estiatorio Milos Restaurant Group, overseeing culinary operations domestically and internationally.

In 2021, she joined Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown as Executive Chef, where she was responsible for creating new menus and culinary experiences for guests. In 2024, she was invited to be a part of the team reopening the legendary Four Seasons Hotel New York in Midtown. In her role, Maria oversees all culinary operations at the Hotel, including its two food and beverage outlets: the opulent cocktail bar, TY Bar, and Italian-inspired Garden Restaurant.

Maria brings not only an exceptional culinary pedigree, but also a global perspective, passion for hospitality, and commitment to excellence.