Chef Roberto Alcocer (Valle Oceanside)
Executive chef behind Valle, the first Michelin starred restaurant in Oceanside, and a 2025 James Beard Award Best Chef: California semifinalist.
Chef Claudia Sandoval (Claudia’s Cocina)
Chef, TV host, and author who became the first Latina to win MasterChef U.S., and wrote a bestselling cookbook celebrating modern Mexican coastal cuisine.
Sam Zien (Sam The Cooking Guy)
15-time Emmy winning TV host known for approachable recipes and casual cooking style. He has published multiple cookbooks.
Chef Jon Bautista (Ember & Rye)
San Diego chef and 2023 James Beard Award semifinalist for Best Chef: California. His modern American cuisine highlights seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.
Chef Brian Malarkey and (Herb & Wood, Herb & Sea) and Chef Aiden Owens
Brian is a celebrity chef and restaurateur known for being a Top Chef finalist, and a host and judge on Food Network. Aiden is a chef de cuisine recognized for modern French technique and seasonal California ingredients.
Chef Jet Tila (Dragon Tiger Noodle Co.)
Celebrity chef and author who holds six Guinness World Records. Has appeared on Food Network and Bravo, and is known for his expertise in Thai and Asian cuisine.
Chef Michael Voltaggio
American chef, restaurateur, and author. He is a Top Chef television series alum and the winner of season 6.
Chef Kelsey Murphy (Inspo by Chef Kelsey)
MasterChef Season 11 winner and owner of Inspo, her restaurant concept that started in Fishers Test Kitchen and now includes Clutch Kitchen game‑day dining at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Travis Swikard (Callie, Fleurette)
San Diego chef and owner of Callie, a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant, and a James Beard Award semifinalist. Opened Fleurette in Dec 2025.
Chef Lauren Lawless (Author)
TV chef and cookbook author won Supermarket Stakeout and has appeared on Hell’s Kitchen, MasterChef, and Travel Channel’s Best in Food.
Chef Cesar Zapata (Phuc Yea)
Miami chef and restaurateur whose Phuc Yea has earned Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition four years in a row. Guest judge on Chopped.
Chef Marcus Twilegar (Cherryfish, Dockside Fish, Palmys)
Celebrated San Diego chef recognized for winning Judges’ Choice at the San Diego Food + Wine Festival’s Taco TKO two years running.
Chef Brian Redzikowski (Kettner Exchange)
Iron Chef America competitor and San Diego chef known for bold global flavors and for helping establish Kettner Exchange as a long standing San Diego dining destination.
Chef Matt Martinez (Lana)
San Diego chef at Lana serving elevated California cuisine with wood-fired technique and coastal influence.
Chef Zuliya Khawaja (Naturally Zuzu)
San Diego chef and award winning plant-based chef, recipe developer, and food stylist who won Top Chef Amateurs on Bravo TV, and recipes featured in Women’s Health, PopSugar, FeedFeed, and VegOut magazines.
Chef Drew deckman (Deckman's North at 3131)
Michelin-starred chef, recognized for his committment to environmental sustainability.
Chef Tony Esnault (Knife Pleat)
Michelin starred chef specializing in classic French cuisine and refined technique.
Chef Keith Lord (Stratəjē Fourteen)
Veteran San Diego chef and culinary leader with more than 30 years of experience and winner of the ICA CATIE Chef of the Year award.
Chef Gayle Gand (Tru)
Two-time James Beard Award winner for Outstanding Pastry Chef and James Beard Award for Service, inducted into the American Academy of Chefs Hall of Fame.
Chef Chris Barnum-Dann (Localis)
Michelin starred chef focused on hyper seasonal tasting menus and precise execution.
Chef Ethan Yang (Glass Box)
Innovative Asian coastal cuisine San Diego chef promoting immersive dining experiences. A third‑generation chef who has built a strong reputation for creativity.
Chef Anders Rubini (Paradisaea)
Executive chef at Paradisaea where his contemporary California cuisine helped the restaurant earn recognition in the Michelin Guide.
Chef Kristine Davis (Lantern’s Edge)
Chef focused on seasonal California cooking with clean, produce driven dishes.
Chef Matt Steffen (Talia Kitchen)
Executive Chef at Talia Kitchen and focused on farm-to-table dining and California cuisine.
Chef Junya Watanabe (Rakiraki Ramen & Tsukemen)
Prominent Japanese-American chef and San Diego chef known for his authentic, innovative ramen and Japanese street food.
Chef Stefano Ceresoli (Piazza 1909)
Chef Stefano from Milan features Northern Italian cuisine in his La Jolla restaurant.
Chef Moira Hatfield (Ironside Fish & Oyster)
Local San Diego chef popular for her farm-to-table approach, sustainability efforts, and fresh, seasonal seafood.
