Raffles Jeddah, the city’s most anticipated new luxury destination, has announced the appointment of Carmine di Luggo as Executive Chef. An accomplished Italian culinary leader, Chef Carmine brings more than 25 years of international experience across Italy, Germany, the UK, Egypt, Kazakhstan, and Hungary. A graduate of I.P.S.S.A.R “Luigi dei Medici” with a Culinary & Restaurant Diploma, he has built his career in Michelin-starred restaurants and five-star hotels, mastering classic European techniques infused with global influences.
Trained under two-Michelin-starred Chef Oliver Glowig, Chef Carmine has earned worldwide recognition for his creativity and leadership. His accolades include the World Luxury Restaurant Award for Best Italian Cuisine in Africa during his tenure at The Nile Ritz-Carlton Cairo, where he also had the honour of cooking for Pope Francis. At The Ritz-Carlton Astana, he was instrumental in positioning the hotel as the top property in EMEA for food quality. Most recently, as Executive Chef at Dorothea Hotel Budapest, he led the property to win Best EMEA Opening, while Pavilon Restaurant & Bar was awarded the LUXE Global Award for Best Locally Sourced Produce Menu in Hungary and Exceptional Architecture in Europe.
These achievements highlight Chef Carmine’s ability to elevate dining experiences to an international standard, a vision he now brings to Raffles Jeddah, where he will oversee the property’s world-class culinary offering.
In his newly appointed role, Chef Carmine di Luggo will lead the property’s culinary programme, managing a team of 72 across a diverse range of dining venues including Riviera, the hotel’s signature Italian-French concept; Surl’O, a contemporary all-day brasserie; and the Atorie Lobby Lounge, along with In-Room Dining and extensive banqueting operations that encompass an 800-seat ballroom, a 300-seat dining room, and seven meeting rooms accommodating an additional 300 guests.
Chef Carmine will spearhead the strategic creation and execution of all restaurant menus and guest chef collaborations, crafting a culinary journey defined by exceptional sophistication and artistry. Guided by an unwavering commitment to excellence, he will lead the recruitment, training, and mentorship of the culinary teams, while streamlining operations through the meticulous sourcing of premium ingredients and equipment. His proven ability to elevate à la carte dining and enhance guest experiences will strengthen the property’s identity, driven by innovation, sustainability, and uncompromising quality. Chef Carmine’s arrival marks a defining chapter in Raffles Jeddah’s gastronomic story, where timeless tradition meets bold innovation under the direction of a true culinary visionary.
Raffles Jeddah will introduce a new benchmark in luxury hospitality, offering elevated experiences in gastronomy, wellness, and design, while upholding the Raffles legacy of timeless elegance and bespoke service.
Dining and Cooking