Pete Wells, born and raised in New York City, began his career as a journalist in the late 1990s, working for various publications such as The New York Observer and New York Magazine. His passion for food and storytelling led him to cover the city’s vibrant culinary scene, eventually earning him a reputation as a discerning and insightful critic.

In 2007, Wells joined The New York Times as a food columnist, where he gained widespread recognition for his candid and often humorous reviews. His work, including his popular “Dining” column, brought a unique perspective to restaurant criticism, blending personal anecdotes with expert analysis. His reviews, known for their wit and honesty, helped shape the city’s dining landscape and solidified his status as one of America’s most influential food critics.

Pete Wells’ Net Worth in 2025

As of 2025, Pete Wells’ net worth is estimated to be around $10 million, according to the latest available information.

Career

Pete Wells is a renowned American food critic, best known for his work with the New York Times. He began his career as a restaurant reviewer in 2004, and later became the restaurant critic for the New York Times in 2012. Wells has won multiple awards for his writing, including the James Beard Award for Food Writing in 2013 and 2017.

Other Ventures

In addition to his work as a food critic, Wells has also ventured into writing cookbooks. He co-authored “French Bread in No Time” with his wife, the cookbook author Kenji López-Alt. Wells has also made appearances on various TV shows, including “The Chew” and “The Today Show,” as a guest food critic.

Assets

Wells’ assets include a diverse portfolio of investments, primarily in stocks and bonds. He also owns several properties, including a home in New York City and a vacation home in the Catskills. Wells’ collection of fine dining experiences and culinary knowledge is also considered an invaluable asset to his career.

Annual Income

As of 2021, Pete Wells’ annual income is estimated to be around $500,000. This includes his salary as a food critic for the New York Times, income from his cookbook sales, and earnings from his TV appearances and other ventures.

Frequently Asked Questions about  Pete Wells

Frequently Asked Questions: Pete Wells Net Worth

1. Who is Pete Wells?

Pete Wells is an American food critic and journalist. He is currently the restaurant critic for the New York Times, a position he has held since 2011.

2. When was Pete Wells born?

Pete Wells was born on December 28, 1968.

3. Where did Pete Wells grow up?

Pete Wells grew up in New York City.

4. What is Pete Wells’ educational background?

Wells graduated from Yale University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English.

5. How did Pete Wells start his career?

Wells began his career as a fact-checker at the New Yorker in 1992. He then worked as a reporter for various publications before becoming the restaurant critic for the New York Times.

6. What is Pete Wells’ net worth?

As of the latest estimates, Pete Wells’ net worth is approximately $5 million.

7. How does Pete Wells determine his ratings for restaurants?

Wells uses a zero-to-four-star rating system for his reviews. He considers factors such as the food, service, ambiance, and overall experience when determining his ratings.

8. What is Pete Wells’ most famous review?

One of Wells’ most famous reviews is his 2013 review of Guy Fieri’s restaurant, Guy’s American Kitchen & Bar, in which he gave it zero stars.

9. Does Pete Wells have any books?

Yes, Wells has written a book titled “Dining In: Highly Opinionated Food Writing from Leading Critics, Chefs, and Writers.” It was published in 2011.

10. What awards has Pete Wells won?

Wells has won several awards for his work, including the James Beard Award for Food Writing in 2014 and 2016.