MARIO BUCCELLATI is an Italian-American chef, founder of the Eight Eat Experience, and serves as the Creative Director for Innoculated Farms. His approach to cuisine centers on plant-based and mushroom-forward dishes, vibrant fresh pasta, and molecular gastronomy.

In 2019, Mario embarked on a transformative journey to Italy, eager to reconnect with his heritage and expand his expertise in plant-based cooking. While in the charming Tuscan town of Lucca, he immersed himself in the art of making fresh pasta, sauces, breads, and desserts at the plant-based & macrobiotic school: Gioia di Vivere. He returned to New York City energized with his newfound skills and inspiration.

Mario continued to sharpened his craft in Manhattan restaurants such as Avant Garden and Dirt Candy. In response to the lockdowns of March 2020, he then launched Mariolino's, an Italian plant-based food service that served artisanal pasta and Italian specialties to over 500 families. The following year, he was a guest chef who showcased a fresh pasta workshop at the NYC VegFest & Symposium.

In 2023 and 2024, Mario served as Chef De Cuisine for City Roots Hospitality, New York City's premier vegan restaurant group by Chef Guy Vaknin. In this role, he managed six restaurants and commissary operations. Mario played a part in launching Manhattan restaurants like Anixi and Sentir, as well as developing menus for Beyond Sushi, Coletta, and Willow.

Mario's signature dining events are called the Eight Eat Experience is an immersive dining event designed for eight guests. It features an 8-course, homemade menu slowly paced for 3 hours.

In 2025, Mario became the Creative Director partner at Innoculated Farms, an exotic mushroom farm in Fairfield, New Jersey. Together, they're delivering farm-fresh mushrooms straight to New York City doorsteps while championing sustainable food systems. He will also lead educational initiatives, teaching schools & hospitals how to cook with mushrooms, advocating for food sovereignty and healthier, more sustainable eating habits.