Alejandro Porben

Sparrow Italia

With over 15 years of culinary experience and a background in cooking Italian fine dining cuisine, Cuban-born chef Alejandro Porben has joined international hospitality group Noble 33 as Executive Chef at the newly opened Sparrow Italia Miami in Wynwood.

In 2009, Porben began his love for the culinary arts at the Culinary Cuban Association Varadero in Cuba. He went on...

In 2009, Porben began his love for the culinary arts at the Culinary Cuban Association Varadero in Cuba. He went on to receive his Associate in Culinary at Le Cordon Bleu in Miami. Having moved to Florida when he was 24 years old, Porben worked his way up through the hospitality industry across Italian, French, and Japanese kitchens. Upon graduating from Le Cordon Bleu, Porben began honing his skills at Italian fine dining restaurant Tamarina for three years before making his way to Pubbelly Sushi as Chef de Cuisine. He later joined the team at another Italian fine dining restaurant, Scarpetta, where he served as Sous Chef. After two years at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach, Porben began working with the Gastronomica Group as Executive Chef. In 2021, he returned to Scarpetta and his love for Italian cooking as Executive Sous Chef.

Porben served as the Executive Chef at Soho Pool House for two years, during which he enhanced the culinary program and diners’ overall experiences, while showcasing seasonal and local ingredients that supported sustainable agriculture within Miami’s community. Porben once again found his way back to Italian cuisine as the opening Executive Chef at The Amalfi Llama in Aventura. In 2024, he became an integral part of Noble 33’s opening team at Sparrow Italia Miami as Executive Chef. At contemporary Italian steakhouse Sparrow Italia, Porben takes a modern approach to Italian cuisine, offering innovative and elegant ingredients and preparations that draw inspiration from Italy and the Mediterranean.

In his spare time, Porben enjoys spending time with and cooking for friends and family. He is also an avid cigar collector and wine aficionado, and he enjoys watching baseball.