Making idealistic culinary dreams come true

50 Shades of Hospitality

Walter el Nagar is a passionate Chef with a multicultural background and a strong desire to make not only a culinary mark but a social one as well. In this podcast, Walter describes his passion for creative culinary arts and his professional path across the globe.

Walter was born in Milan in 1981 to an Egyptian father and Italian mother, both of whom are restaurateurs. Known for his creative flair and self-taught culinary skills, Walter embarked on a transformative journey in 2008 when he traveled to Los Angeles and discovered his love for Latin American cuisine. This experience inspired him to establish his own restaurant, 'The Barbershop.'
In 2016, Walter embarked on an enriching one-year culinary world tour, discovering the flavors of Barcelona, Ibiza, Moscow, Tulum, and ultimately Singapore. It was during this journey that he introduced his innovative pop-up restaurant concept, inspired by his experiences in Los Angeles. After a brief stint in Dubai, he felt the need to find a permanent home, and in 2017, he came to Geneva.
Taking up the position of Head Chef at the renowned 'Fiskebar' restaurant in the Hôtel de la Paix, Walter soon realized his vision went beyond culinary excellence. To prove his commitment to social issues, he founded his own restaurant, 'Le Cinquième Jour,' in Geneva. This unique establishment embraced a powerful concept of social inclusion – the kitchen brigade dedicated Saturdays to cooking for those in need, including disadvantaged individuals, refugees, the homeless, and vulnerable teenagers. This concept continues with his new restaurant, Refettorio in Geneva.
Driven by his unwavering dedication to both gastronomy and social impact, Walter established Fondazione Mater in 2020. As the founder and executive director, he continues to merge his culinary expertise with a strong sense of purpose, creating initiatives that make a positive difference in our society.