Cooking has always been a family affair for Brett Williams, who as a young boy would pit olives in the kitchen of his grandfather Paul Lombardo’s home. Paul Lombardo is the former owner of Lombardo’s function facility.

Brett’s passion for the culinary world wouldn’t truly blossom until years later when he met his mentor, Jimmy Burke, then owner of Riva in Scituate. There Brett spent the next six years and his summers honing his culinary skills and learning from Jimmy, who instilled in him the desire to become a chef.

Italy soon beckoned, and Brett left to travel to Tuscany, Piedmont, Liguria, and the Veneto. The opportunity to cook in Italy taught Brett that Italian cuisine was more of a technique and an understanding of Italy’s particular ways of cooking. Preparing simple, clean dishes and knowing which ingredients to use would always serve as the creative incentive for Brett’s cooking.

In 2010 Brett met Evan Deluty, the owner of Stella Restaurant in Boston’s South End. Evan, considered one of Boston’s best chefs, would prove to be an inspiration, helping Brett to refine his skills and preparing him for ownership. Almost three years later, Brett would realize that dream in becoming the new owner of Orta Restaurant.

Brett lives in Scituate with his wife, Cara, and their two sons.