Chef David Daniels, a Boston Chef

David Daniels, Executive Chef

David Daniels’ culinary journey has taken him from the streets of San Francisco to the shores of Nantucket. A Boston native of first-generation Italian parents, Chef Daniels learned how to cook and appreciate good food from his mother and “nonny”. They instilled in him the notion of taking care of people by cooking for them. As a teenager, working as busboy and dishwasher in neighborhood restaurants further inspired his love for the kitchen and solidified his dream of being a chef. Without any formal training, Daniels set off for California to join other young chefs working at the forefront of what was then referred to as “California cuisine.” These formative experiences are at the core of who Daniels is as the award-winning chef he has become.

After working in the kitchens of acclaimed chefs such as Joachim Splichal, who was named “Best California Chef” by the James Beard Foundation in 1991, and such legendary dining destinations as the Ventana Inn in Big Sur, David Daniels returned to Boston in 1996. Over the following nine years, he brought the experience, knowledge and philosophy he developed in California to roles as executive chef of Ambrosia on Huntington, Stephanie’s on Newbury, and The Federalist at XV Beacon. Before arriving at Fairmont Battery Wharf, Daniels spent four years as executive chef at the renowned Topper’s at The Wauwinet, a Relais & Chateaux property on Nantucket. Under his leadership, this prestigious seafood restaurant received numerous accolades, including honors from Bon Appetit, Wine Spectator, Zagat, and Vanity Fair.

Among his other accomplishments, Chef Daniels has been a featured chef at the Festival de Lumiere and the Sundance Film Festival, and has made appearances on NBC’s Today Show and Fox 25’s Morning Show.

For Daniels, Aragosta is really about his passion as a chef and coming home to what he believes in: food he remembers cooking with his family, presented with a modern, Mediterranean flair and a fine dining twist.

Featured Recipes

Chef David Daniels is sharing some of his best recipes for you to try! These featured recipes will be updated seasonally, so remember to check back often. 

Vermont Turkey Hash Scramble

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