Our Team

Sam Mumford

Executive Chef

At just 28 years old, Chef Sam Mumford has already carved out a reputation as one of Los Angeles’ most exciting young culinary voices. Blending Michelin-starred precision with soulful storytelling on the plate. Recognized by San Pelligrino as one of the “Top Young Chefs Under 30”, Mumford brings to Nerano Beverly Hills a bold, ingredient-driven philosophy rooted in seasonality, sustainability and authenticity.

Raised in the small farming town of Lynden, Washington, Mumford grew up surrounded by orchards, fields and fresh markets. His earliest lessons in food came at home, where his parents’ passion for cooking taught him the power of a meal to bring people together. By 18, a first in a restaurant kitchen ignited a drive that would carry him from dishwasher to sous chef in less than two years.

Mumford’s culinary journey has been defined by both discipline and daring. With Joey Restaurant Group, he rose quickly through the ranks, helping launch new locations in Manhattan Beach and Downtown LA while sharpening his leadership skills. A finalist in San Pellegrino Young Chef competition in New York, he set his sights on fine dining, pursuing roles at some of Los Angeles’ most acclaimed restaurants. At Pasta Bar, he played a key role in executing a 12-course tasting menu that retained its Michelin star in 2023. At Gwen Butcher Shop & Restaurant, he honed his craft in butchery and operations before stepping into a leadership role at Koast in West Hollywood, where he worked alongside Chef Kevin Meehan to develop seasonal menus that celebrated bold Pacific flavors and sustainability.

Now at Nerano, Mumford is reimagining Italian-inspired cuisine through the lens of California’s seasonal bounty. His menus strike a balance between elegance and warmth - handmade pastas bright with herbs and olive oil, fire-kissed meats sourced from trusted purveyors, and coastal flavors that honor the farmers and fisherman behind every ingredient. Drawing inspiration from his Italian heritage, he often finds magic in simplicity. Whether in a perfectly prepared handmade pasta or a market-driven feature that showcases the day’s best produce.