David Galetti: Who He Is, His Family, Net Worth, and Life with Monica Galetti

When we talk about the modern culinary world, names like Gordon Ramsay, Heston Blumenthal, and Monica Galetti often come up. But standing quietly beside one of these stars is David Galetti, a man whose influence in the hospitality and fine-dining scene is immense yet understated. Known as the husband of MasterChef: The Professionals judge Monica Galetti, David is a celebrated Head Sommelier and restaurateur in his own right. His life story reflects dedication, hard work, and resilience behind the glamour of high-profile TV chefs.

In this comprehensive feature, we explore who David Galetti is, his background, family, career, net worth, age, birthday, and the recent Monica Galetti injury update that caught media attention.

Who Is David Galetti?

David Galetti is a French-born wine expert and Head Sommelier who made his name at the iconic Le Gavroche restaurant in Mayfair, London. Known for his refined palate and extensive knowledge of wines, he became a key figure in London’s fine dining scene long before the public came to know him as “Monica Galetti’s husband.”

His professional journey started in France, where he trained and nurtured a passion for wine pairing. Later, he joined Le Gavroche, a restaurant that holds legendary status in the UK food scene. It was here in 2001 that he met Monica, who at the time was working as a sous-chef under Michel Roux Jr. Their professional worlds collided, and their personal connection grew into a lifelong partnership.

Beyond his sommelier expertise, David co-founded the London restaurant Mere with Monica in 2017. Located in Fitzrovia, Mere combined Monica’s culinary excellence with David’s wine and hospitality leadership, quickly becoming a destination for food lovers until its closure in 2024 after seven years of successful trade.

David Galetti’s Family Life

David and Monica’s love story is one of balance and mutual support. Married in 2004, they have built both a family and a business partnership that thrives on shared values.

• Spouse: Monica Galetti, born in Samoa and raised in New Zealand, is an internationally recognized chef and television personality.

• Daughter: Together, they have one daughter, Anais (sometimes referred to as Isabella in certain reports). Born around 2006–2008, she is the center of their family life.

The family once lived in central London but later moved to Surrey, seeking more space and a garden for their daughter. This decision highlights their grounded lifestyle, choosing family needs over city convenience.

Despite their high-profile careers, both David and Monica keep their private life relatively low-key, focusing more on their work and child than on media exposure.

David Galetti’s Career Achievements

At Le Gavroche

As Head Sommelier, David’s work was not just about recommending wines. He became integral to the guest experience, curating wine lists that complemented the rich, complex dishes prepared at the restaurant. His expertise and approachable manner made him a trusted figure among Le Gavroche’s clientele.

Co-Founder of Mere

In 2017, Monica and David launched Mere, a restaurant that reflected both their identities: her bold yet precise culinary artistry and his refined yet welcoming wine expertise. The restaurant’s name, Mere, carried dual meaning — it’s the French word for “mother” and also a nod to Monica’s own mother.

Mere operated successfully for seven years, drawing critical acclaim for its atmosphere and hospitality. Sadly, in April 2024, the restaurant announced its closure, citing rising operational costs and the challenges of sustaining high-end dining in a turbulent market.

David Galetti’s Net Worth

While Monica’s net worth has been discussed widely in media, ranging between £1.5 million to £3 million, David’s net worth is less frequently reported. However, considering his long tenure at one of London’s most prestigious restaurants and his role as co-owner of Mere, it’s safe to estimate that his net worth is in the high six to low seven figures.

Unlike television chefs, sommeliers and restaurateurs often earn more through sustained career longevity and business ownership than from media exposure. With Mere’s closure, his net worth may be tied to future ventures, investments, and ongoing opportunities in hospitality consultancy.

David Galetti’s Age and Birthday

Public information about David Galetti’s exact age and birthday is not available. Unlike Monica, whose date of birth (26 August 1975) is well documented, David has chosen to keep such details private. Estimates suggest he may be in his late 40s or early 50s, aligning with Monica’s age and the timeline of their careers.

This discretion is consistent with his preference for staying out of the spotlight, allowing Monica to shine in her television and media work while he remains behind the scenes.

Monica Galetti Injury Update

In addition to David’s story, it’s worth mentioning the health challenges faced by his wife. Monica has endured publicized health struggles, including a significant injury that raised concerns among fans. Although details remain relatively private, media reports and interviews suggested she stepped back from some commitments due to health-related issues and family priorities.

Despite this setback, Monica’s resilience is well known. With David’s constant support, she has managed to balance her recovery, professional responsibilities, and family commitments. David’s role in this chapter is particularly significant — not only as her husband but also as the backbone of their family unit during difficult times.

Why David Galetti Matters in the Culinary World

David may not court the spotlight, but his influence is undeniable:

1. Hospitality Leadership: His ability to elevate dining experiences through wine expertise sets a standard for sommeliers globally.

2. Partnership with Monica: Together, the Galettis created a business model that showcased how chefs and sommeliers can collaborate successfully.

3. Inspiration: His story shows that success in hospitality doesn’t always mean front-of-camera fame. It can also mean dedication, craft, and a steady presence behind the scenes.

Conclusion

David Galetti is more than just “Monica Galetti’s husband.” He is a consummate professional, a devoted father, and an understated force in the hospitality industry. From his prestigious role at Le Gavroche to co-founding Mere, his career reflects excellence and quiet strength. His family life with Monica and their daughter demonstrates balance and groundedness amidst a demanding industry.

Though details like his age, birthday, and net worth remain private, his legacy is evident in the dining experiences he has shaped and the family he has nurtured. As Monica continues her culinary and television journey, David remains her steadfast partner — in business, in family, and in life.

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