Chef Alex Petricean is the founder of NOUA, located at 7 Popa Nan Street in Bucharest, a century-old house built in 1915 that has embodied his culinary vision for over seven years. Within this historic space unfold two stories: the restaurant itself, which guides guests through Romania’s seasons and landscapes, and The Secret Room, an intimate setting dedicated to deeper sensory exploration and storytelling.
At NOUA, Alex redefines Romanian gastronomy through local ingredients, cultural research, and modern techniques. After refining his craft in some of the world’s most celebrated kitchens including Noma, Frantzén, Geranium, Central, Boragó, and Quintonil, he returned home to explore Romania’s culinary identity, transforming terroir and memory into a contemporary tasting experience.
Alongside NOUA, Alex leads NOUA B.A.R. – Bucătărie Aproape Românească, an à la carte restaurant, and Caravana NOUA – Romania on a Plate, a travelling project documenting and reinterpreting regional food traditions with local producers and artisans.
Driven by a profound respect for his country’s land and people, Alex’s work bridges tradition and innovation, crafting a cuisine that tells the evolving story of Romania’s heritage, diversity, and soul.
