Nick DiGiovanni is an American chef, YouTuber and author who has become one of the most-followed cooking creators in the world. A Harvard graduate and a finalist on MasterChef, he built an enormous online audience with fast, playful, high-production cooking videos, a best-selling cookbook, a seasoning company and a string of food-related Guinness World Records.
He bridges the worlds of serious cooking and internet entertainment – technically capable and competition-tested, but best known for accessible recipes and big, viral culinary stunts.
TL;DR
- American chef and YouTuber, born 19 May 1996 in Providence, Rhode Island
- Graduated from Harvard in 2019 with a self-designed concentration in Food and Climate
- Finalist on MasterChef US season 10, finishing third
- One of the world’s most-subscribed cooking creators on YouTube
- Author of the best-selling cookbook Knife Drop (2023) and founder of seasoning brand Osmo
Nick DiGiovanni key facts
| Born | 19 May 1996, Providence, Rhode Island, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | Harvard University (2019) |
| Known for | MasterChef; YouTube cooking; Guinness World Records |
| Book | Knife Drop (2023) |
From Providence to Harvard
Nick DiGiovanni was born on 19 May 1996 in Providence, Rhode Island. He became interested in cooking as a child, watching his grandmother and great-grandmother cook for the family. After Milton Academy he went to Harvard University, where he graduated in 2019 with an unusual, self-designed concentration in “Food and Climate” – a sign of the seriousness with which he approached food even before fame.
MasterChef and YouTube
During his senior year, DiGiovanni auditioned for season 10 of MasterChef and went on to become one of the youngest finalists in the show’s history, finishing third. After graduating he began posting cooking videos to YouTube, and his channel grew explosively – eventually making him one of the most-subscribed cooking creators on the platform. In 2021 he won a Streamy Award as the year’s top food creator, and he was later named to TIME’s list of the most influential creators.
Books, business and records
In 2023 DiGiovanni published his first cookbook, Knife Drop: Creative Recipes Anyone Can Cook, which became a New York Times best-seller. He also founded Osmo, a company selling premium salts and seasonings to home cooks, and has set multiple food-related Guinness World Records – including beating Gordon Ramsay’s record for the fastest time to fillet a fish. These ventures reflect his blend of genuine culinary skill and a sharp instinct for entertainment.
Signature style
DiGiovanni’s style is energetic, precise and highly watchable. He makes ambitious techniques feel achievable, mixes elegant dishes with viral challenges and record attempts, and keeps a calm, friendly presence on camera. It is cooking designed for the internet age – fast, visual and shareable – but grounded in real training and technique.
Nick DiGiovanni in context
DiGiovanni is a leading figure of the food-YouTube generation, alongside other creators featured on Pickup Table 4 such as Guga and Joshua Weissman.
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Nick DiGiovanni FAQ
Who is Nick DiGiovanni?
An American chef, YouTuber and author, and one of the most-followed cooking creators online.
Did he go to Harvard?
Yes – he graduated in 2019 with a self-designed concentration in Food and Climate.
How did he become famous?
He was a finalist on MasterChef US season 10 and then built a huge YouTube following.
Has he written a book?
Yes – Knife Drop: Creative Recipes Anyone Can Cook (2023), a New York Times best-seller.
What is Osmo?
His company making premium salts and seasonings for home cooks.
