Francesco Aquila Biography: Books, Age, Height, Parents, Ethnicity, Tv Shows, Girlfriend, Net Worth

Francesco Aquila is an Italian chef and television personality, best known for winning the 10th season of MasterChef Italia in 2021.

Originally from Puglia and based in Bellaria-Igea Marina, Emilia-Romagna, he impressed judges Bruno Barbieri, Antonino Cannavacciuolo, and Giorgio Locatelli with a cooking style that blends technical skill from his hospitality background with bold, personal flavors.

Quick Facts

• Full Name: Francesco Aquila
• Stage Name: Francesco Aquila
• Born: March 25, 1986
• Age: 39 years old
• Birthplace: Altamura, Puglia, Italy
• Nationality: Italian
• Occupation: Chef, Television Personality, Hospitality Consultant, Author
• Height: Unknown
• Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Aquila
• Siblings: Unknown
• Spouse: None
• Children: Ludovica Aquila
• Relationship: Not married
• Net Worth: $1 million

Early Life and Education

Francesco Aquila was born on March 25, 1986, in Altamura, Puglia, Italy, to Mr. and Mrs. Aquila, and moved with his family to the Romagna region, settling in Riccione and Bellaria-Igea Marina. He has no publicly known siblings.

From a young age, he showed interest in cooking, starting with simple dishes like plain pasta, while growing up in a family that valued hospitality.

He trained professionally as a maître d’hôtel and bar specialist, likely through hospitality schooling or apprenticeships, though specific institutions are not widely documented. His ethnicity is Italian, and his religion is not publicly disclosed.

Career

Francesco Aquila entered the culinary world through hospitality rather than professional cooking, working as a maître d’hôtel in hotels like those in Milano Marittima and teaching sala bar (front-of-house and bar) courses at a hospitality school in Riccione.

His passion for cooking developed privately from childhood, experimenting with intuitive dishes that blended service expertise with creative flavors.

This background gave him a unique edge when he auditioned for MasterChef Italia, where his refined aesthetics and bold taste profiles stood out during the 10th season in late 2020 to early 2021.

Winning MasterChef Italia 10 marked his breakthrough, earning him a €100,000 prize, a cookbook deal, and instant recognition.

His winning menu “My Way” showcased personal storytelling through food, leading to the publication of My Way. Zio Bricco che ricette in 2021.

Post-victory, he hosted “Il volo dell’Aquila” on Food Network, appeared as a chef in MasterChef Academy, and took on roles in shows like “L’Italia a morsi al ristorante” starting in 2024.

He has also pursued consulting in hospitality, event collaborations, and media appearances, consistently emphasizing study, sacrifice, and helping young talents in the industry.

Francesco Aquila continues to build his brand as a multifaceted figure in Italian gastronomy, combining television, authorship, and entrepreneurial goals like launching a restaurant chain.

His journey from amateur enthusiast to celebrated chef inspires many, with ongoing projects in culinary education, events, and content that highlight his Romagna-Puglia roots and instinctive approach to cooking.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @francesco.aquila.10

Personal Life

Francesco Aquila is a single father to his daughter Ludovica Aquila, born around 2016-2017 from a previous relationship that ended in separation.

He remains very close to his family, often crediting his parents for support, and prioritizes time with Ludovica amid his busy career.

Known for his grounded, passionate personality, he keeps much of his private life low-key while sharing glimpses of family moments and culinary adventures online.

Net Worth

Francesco Aquila has an estimated net worth of around $1 million, earned from his MasterChef victory, cookbook sales, television appearances on networks like Food Network and Sky, consulting in hospitality, event collaborations, brand partnerships, and media engagements as a chef.