Chef Rodney Murillo, Culinary Director of Davio’s Restaurants, hails from Costa Rica. As a young adult, he relocated to Boston to pursue his interest in the culinary arts. Not yet fluent in English when he landed in the US, Murillo overcame this barrier while learning everything he could about the art of cooking.

Murillo’s fascination with food started early. Growing up on a farm in Costa Rica, he gained an appreciation for every aspect of food preparation. Murillo remembers that all meals prepared by his family used only the freshest ingredients, a tradition he strives to maintain to this day.

Murillo’s talent and dedication allowed him to quickly rise through the ranks to Executive Chef of Davio’s Restaurant. As the Davio’s empire grew, Murillo was promoted to Culinary Director, overseeing all of the Davio’s kitchens.

Murillo has had the opportunity to work alongside some of the most prestigious chefs, including apprenticeships at Pasion in Philadelphia and Daniel in New York City. In furtherance of his career, he has traveled to Portugal, Spain and France where he was able to research the food of each country, which included dining at several of Europe’s Michelin star restaurants.

In 2009, Murillo was invited to cook at the James Beard house, which he considered a huge honor. He takes great pride in being a self-taught chef and working with many of the same people who have nurtured him through his years at Davio’s.

Murillo lives in Boston with his wife, Audrey, and their two children, Joaquin and Lola.