Scott Conant Biography: Age, Wife, Net Worth, Height, Children, Chopped, Restaurants, Awards, Books

Scott Conant is an American chef, restaurateur, author, and television personality who first gained acclaim as the chef de cuisine at L’Impero in New York City, earning a coveted three-star review from The New York Times.

Known for his dedication to Italian cuisine, he later opened acclaimed restaurants such as Alto and Scarpetta, and since 2009 has been a featured judge on Chopped.

His influence has helped shape modern Italian cooking in America.

Profile

• Full name: Scott Conant
• Date of birth: February 19, 1971
• Age: 54 years old
• Gender: Male
• Place of birth: Waterbury, Connecticut, U.S.
• State of origin: Connecticut
• Nationality: American
• Profession: Chef; restaurateur; author; television personality
• Parents: Charles Conant and Anne (Varrone) Conant
• Spouse: Meltem Conant (née Bozkurt) since 2007
• Children: Two daughters
• Relationship status: Married
• Ethnicity: Italian‑American (Italian descent on his mother’s side)
• Net worth: $5 million

Early Life and Education

Now at the age of 54, Scott Conant was born on February 19, 1971, in Waterbury, Connecticut, to Charles and Anne Conant.

Growing up in an Italian‑American household, he began cooking early—taking community college classes at age 11 and joining W.F. Kaynor Technical High School’s culinary program at 15.

He later graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, and interned at renowned kitchens like San Domenico in New York and pastries training in Munich, Germany.

Personal Life

Scott Conant has been married to Meltem (née Bozkurt) since 2007, and they have two daughters together.

The couple maintains a relatively private family life, with no public records of prior marriages or controversies.

Career

After completing his culinary training, Scott Conant served as chef de cuisine at Il Toscanaccio under Cesare Casella and executive chef at City Eatery on the Bowery.

In 2002, he opened L’Impero in Tudor City, quickly earning a three-star review from The New York Times and leading to winning the James Beard Foundation’s Best New Restaurant award in 2003.

He then opened Alto and later launched Scarpetta in 2008, expanding it nationally to cities including New York, Miami, Toronto, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas.

After relocating to Arizona, he opened Mora Italian and The Americano.

On television, Conant has been a judge on Chopped since 2009, hosted 24 Hour Restaurant Battle, and appeared on Top Chef, Beat Bobby Flay, Chopped Sweets, and Tournament of Champions.

Awards

• James Beard Foundation Award Best New Restaurant for L’Impero (2003)
• Named Best New Chef by Food & Wine Magazine in 2004
• Three-star reviews from The New York Times for both L’Impero and Scarpetta New York
• Winner, Chopped All-Stars Season 3 as judge-panel champion

Net worth

Scott Conant’s estimated net worth is approximately $5 million, based on revenue from his restaurants, television stints, cookbooks, and endorsements.

Social Media

• Instagram: @ChefScottConant
• X: @ChefScottConant

Filmography

• After Hours with Daniel Boulud (2006) — guest
• Top Chef (2007, 2009) — guest judge
• Chopped (2009–present) — judge
• Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations (2010) — guest
• 24 Hour Restaurant Battle (2010–2011) — host
• The Best Thing I Ever Ate (2010–2019) — guest
• Entourage (2011) — cameo
• Food Network Star (2011–2012) — judge
• Beat Bobby Flay (2014–present) — judge
• Chopped Sweets (2019–present) — host
• Tournament of Champions (2021–present) — judge

Books

• Scott Conant’s New Italian Cooking (2005)
• Bold Italian (2008)
• The Scarpetta Cookbook (2013)
• Peace, Love, & Pasta (2021)