Rafa Bergamo
Venezuelan chef and co-founder of Kuoco and KRUDO in Madrid, and the pizzeria Hot Now, named Spain's best in 2022.
- Repsol Soles
1- Restaurants
- 3
- Born
- 1986 · Caracas
Rafa Bergamo is a Venezuelan chef, born in Caracas in 1986, who emigrated to Madrid and opened Kuoco in 2016 with business partner Andrés Correa. Kuoco has held a Repsol Sol since 2021 and is Michelin Guide recommended. Bergamo went on to open KRUDO, a raw bar that opened in October 2024 inside Madrid's Mercado de Vallehermoso, and Hot Now, a pizzeria named Spain's best in 2022. At KRUDO, he works alongside Correa and sommelier Paula Prokopiak, who also pours for Kuoco.
From @rafa_kuoco on Instagram
Algunos especiales de la semana pasada 🔥 Mañana martes se vienen muchas cosas nuevas 🦐🦐
¡Muy buenas! Hoy os traigo un reel con mi última visita a uno de mis restaurantes favoritos de Madrid, uno de los referentes de la cocina fusión, y sí, os estoy hablando de @kuocorestaurante de @rafa_kuoco. Vinimos a probar su menú, al que añadimos algunos extras 🫣, y el nivel fue altísimo, cada vis
Last week y el San Pedro que nos enviaron de Malpica de Bergartiños A la brasa solo por su piel hasta que quede crocante y al punto beurre blancs de toban djan / vegetales chinos acariciados al wok ardiente y aceite de chiles toreados
Biography
Early years
Bergamo was born in Caracas, Venezuela, in 1986, and studied hostelry management there. He first considered a military career before emigrating to Madrid instead.
Career
He arrived in Madrid with limited resources, working first at the burger chain Goiko Grill and then at another restaurant that became his stepping stone into professional kitchens. In 2016, he opened Kuoco with his friend and business partner Andrés Correa: the name means "cook" in Italian, a nod to his family's roots. Kuoco, now on Calle Barquillo in Madrid's Salesas neighbourhood, blends Latin American and Asian influences and has held a Repsol Sol since 2021 and a Michelin Guide recommendation. Bergamo went on to open KRUDO, a raw bar that opened in October 2024 inside Madrid's Mercado de Vallehermoso, and Hot Now, a pizzeria named Spain's best in 2022. At KRUDO he works alongside Kuoco co-founder Andrés Correa and sommelier Paula Prokopiak, who also pours the wine list at Kuoco.
Philosophy
At Kuoco, Bergamo builds the menu around taste memory and emotion rather than technical complexity, drawing on his travels through Latin America and Asia; he's said he wants a diner's first bite to win them over. He's described himself as more a "dream fighter" than simply a chef. KRUDO's cooking draws on references crossing Asia, Europe, and Latin America under a raw bar philosophy built around the sea, serving ceviches, tiraditos, and grilled dishes centered on raw product and intense seasoning.
Rafa Bergamo in our guides
Editorial guides featuring Rafa Bergamo’s restaurants.
Accolades
- ·Repsol Sol, Kuoco (since 2021)
- ·Michelin Guide recommended, Kuoco
- ·Best Pizzeria in Spain, Hot Now (2022)
Frequently asked
Who is the chef at KRUDO?
Rafa Bergamo, chef and co-founder of Kuoco, leads the kitchen at KRUDO, working alongside Andrés Correa and sommelier Paula Prokopiak.
When did KRUDO open?
In October 2024, inside Madrid's Mercado de Vallehermoso.
What kind of food does KRUDO serve?
A raw bar menu drawing on Asian, European, and Latin American references: ceviches, tiraditos, and grilled dishes built around raw seafood.
Where is Rafa Bergamo from?
He was born in Caracas, Venezuela, in 1986, and emigrated to Madrid, where he built his cooking career.
What other restaurants does Rafa Bergamo run?
Kuoco, which he opened in 2016 with Andrés Correa, and Hot Now, a pizzeria named Spain's best in 2022.
Does Kuoco have a Michelin star?
No, but it's a Michelin Guide recommended restaurant and has held a Repsol Sol since 2021.