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Mario Pérez Reyes Biography – Mario Pérez Reyes Wiki
Mario Pérez Reyes, a distinguished Spanish chef, showcases his culinary talents on Masterchef: The Professionals 2026. Currently, he leads the kitchen at Nomadic Dinners, a unique dining experience set amidst the forest, where open-fire cooking takes center stage. His culinary journey began at London’s esteemed Galvin La Chapelle.
Reflecting on his culinary passion, Mario shared with the BBC, “Food has always held a special place for me, deeply rooted in Spanish culture and my family’s traditions. My mother and grandmothers were exceptional cooks, inspiring my love for cooking from a young age. I only embraced the chef’s life at 26 after moving to London, all thanks to my friend Iain Smith, to whom I owe a great deal.”
Mario describes his culinary approach as “seasonal, flavourful, and relaxed.” He elaborates, “I have a passion for cooking over coal and wood, which I incorporate whenever possible. While my roots are undeniably Spanish, my 12-year stint in London’s diverse culinary scene has enriched my style with a fascinating blend of global influences.”
Hailing from Seville, Spain, Mario now resides in Waltham Forest, London, sharing his life with his best friend Paul, whom he met during their first jobs in the city back in 2014.
Mario Pérez Reyes Age
Born in 1987 in Seville, MasterChef participant Mario Pérez Reyes was 38 when he embarked on his journey in the 18th series of MasterChef: The Professionals.
Mario Pérez Reyes MasterChef: The Professionals
Private chef Mario Pérez Reyes is a contestant on the 18th series of MasterChef: The Professionals on BBC One and iPlayer. As well as Mario, the contestants for heat 1 of the Masterchef: The Professionals 2026 include Emma Hanley, Ismail Hossain and Terrence “Terry” Davies.
Mario decided to take part in MasterChef: The Professionals as a form of shock therapy. He explained: “I was always unconfident and never considered myself a good cook. For years I suffered from anxiety and panic attacks, so I decided it was time for some shock therapy! It will feel quite exposing in front of the judges and the cameras, knowing that everyone would see me failing or not, but I took the courage and I’m going to do it.”
Mario Pérez Reyes Nationality
Mario Pérez Reyes is of Spanish nationality.
Mario is on Instagram @cookingsouls.