Meet Our Executive Chef

Meet our Executive Chef, Saif Rahman.

Where It All Started

Chef Saif Rahman brings a passion for Mediterranean flavors and traditional cooking methods, and he incorporates the rich culture of all regions of the Mediterranean into his dishes. Taking pride in working with local producers and farmers to incorporate ingredients to his dishes that are local to the area, he has a strong focus on showcasing the flavors of the season in his dishes. His culinary style is rustic, yet refined. Saif is trained classically, taking learnings from time in his childhood in Bangladesh, watching his grandmother cook in clay burners and wood in rustic settings. He was inspired by watching her transform the simplest ingredients from her own gardens to the most flavorful dishes. He brings this same passion, precision, and care to each dish prepared for the guests at Vidrio.

Saif’s Influence at Vidrio

In Saif’s cooking philosophy, he considers how an ingredient or dish itself was prepared hundreds of years ago. He then interprets that way of cooking and uses rustic techniques to create dishes with ingredients that are seasonal and hyper-local to the NC area. “Cooking has always been an emotional moment,” says Saif, “ it’s a way of bringing family together around the kitchen table.” Saif has a passion for creating moments for family and friends to engage over a meal, bringing that same energy he remembers from his own family gatherings. This translates to our vision here at Vidrio, a Mediterranean escape in the heart of Raleigh.

When dining at Vidrio,  we invite you to order several small plates to share and enjoy with your friends and family while taking in the ambiance. Take in the blown glass wall, the artsy decor, and the beautiful wooden tables as you dine. Pair your dinner with one of over 40 different wine selections or a craft cocktail, and make sure you look out for Chef Saif in our kitchens or walking around the dining room. Reservations can be made here. Make sure to keep an eye on the menu as Che Saif and the culinary team at Vidrio swap out dishes seasonally!

NCRLA Chef of the Year

A big congratulations to our Executive Chef Saif Rahman for winning Chef of the Year at this year’s NCRLA Chef Showdown. Saif competed with chefs across North Carolina for the title of Chef of the Year. He created 2 unique and locally sourced dishes in 3 rounds of the chef showdown to ultimately win the title at the American Tobacco Campus in Durham, NC on August 9, 2021. For more information on the NCRLA Chef Showdown, check out their website here.