Inspiring a better life, naturally.

Born and raised in Cairo, Egypt, Dean Waziry’s journey is one built on passion, perseverance, hospitality, and a deep belief that food has the power to bring people together.

Dean arrived in New York City as a young man with little more than determination and a desire to build a new life. His earliest experiences in professional kitchens introduced him to the discipline and artistry of fine dining, eventually giving him the opportunity to train and work alongside talented chefs in some of New York City’s and the country’s most respected Michelin-starred kitchens.

Those experiences shaped a philosophy Dean still carries today: respect the ingredient, cook with intention, never stop learning, and treat every guest as though they are being welcomed into your own home.

Over the decades that followed, Dean built a career spanning culinary arts, luxury hospitality, restaurant operations, and leadership. But his greatest ambition was always to create something of his own—something that brought together his Egyptian roots, Mediterranean flavors, years of fine-dining experience, and passion for helping people live better.

That vision became Urban Fraîche.

As Founder and Executive Chef, Dean takes a hands-on approach to everything from sourcing ingredients and developing dishes to greeting guests in the dining room. His cooking is rooted in Mediterranean tradition and influenced by his Egyptian heritage, while embracing fresh, seasonal ingredients and the techniques he has learned throughout his career.

At Urban Fraîche, the philosophy extends beyond what is on the plate. Organic and locally sourced ingredients are chosen whenever available, seafood is wild-caught, meats are naturally raised without antibiotics, and the kitchen avoids seed oils and processed sugars.

For Dean, however, hospitality has never been only about food.

It is about people.

Whether he is cooking in the kitchen, visiting a table, celebrating a birthday with guests, raising a glass for a toast, or simply sharing a conversation, Dean wants everyone who walks through the doors of Urban Fraîche to feel welcomed, cared for, and part of something special.

Urban Fraîche is the expression of a lifetime in hospitality—and Dean’s continuing mission to inspire people to eat well, live well, and enjoy life together.