1. Top 10 Chefs in Miami 2025 – Michelin-Starred Culinary Masters Redefining Florida’s Food Scene
2. Miami’s Best Chefs 2025: The Top 10 Culinary Legends You Must Know
3. Top 10 Michelin-Starred Chefs in Miami, Florida – Where Innovation Meets Flavor
4. Meet the Top 10 Celebrity Chefs in Miami Transforming the City’s Fine Dining Scene
5. Best Chefs in Miami, Florida 2025 – Michelin Stars, James Beard Winners & Culinary Icons
6. Miami’s Top 10 Chefs and Restaurants That Are Shaping Modern American Cuisine
7. Top 10 Miami Chefs Who Made the City a Global Culinary Destination
8. Discover the Top 10 Chefs in Miami – From Stubborn Seed to Boia De & Beyond
9. Miami’s Culinary Elite: Top 10 Chefs Leading Florida’s Michelin-Star Movement
10. The Ultimate List of Top 10 Chefs in Miami 2025 – Award-Winning Masters of Modern Cuisine

Jeremy Ford

Chef Jeremy Ford – Miami’s Michelin-Starred Maverick of Modern American Cuisine

Chef Jeremy Ford stands as one of Miami’s most dynamic culinary innovators — a chef whose journey from television triumph to Michelin acclaim defines modern American gastronomy at its finest. As the winner of Season 13 of Bravo’s Top Chef and the chef-owner of the Michelin-starred restaurant Stubborn Seed in Miami Beach, Ford has carved a powerful reputation for pushing boundaries while staying grounded in authenticity, technique, and flavor.

Born with an innate curiosity for food, Jeremy began his culinary path at a young age, inspired by his grandmother’s love for Southern comfort cooking. By his late teens, he was already working in kitchens, mastering the art of flavor balance and presentation. His dedication soon led him to train under some of the most respected names in the industry, including Chef Christophe Eme at Ortolan in Los Angeles and Jean-Georges Vongerichten at Matador Room in Miami. These experiences shaped Ford’s signature style — a fusion of precision-driven technique, bold creativity, and a modern American edge.

In 2015, Ford’s talent captured national attention when he competed in and won Bravo’s Top Chef Season 13. His innovative dishes, fearless approach to ingredients, and calm confidence under pressure made him a standout figure, earning him both critical and fan acclaim. The victory not only launched him into culinary stardom but also gave him the platform to open his dream restaurant — Stubborn Seed.

Located in the heart of Miami Beach, Stubborn Seed quickly became a culinary landmark. The restaurant embodies Ford’s philosophy: combining refined technique with unpretentious flavor. His tasting menus are celebrated for their balance of comfort and sophistication, featuring dishes like truffle chicken, caviar-topped tartare, and inventive vegetable creations. Under Ford’s direction, Stubborn Seed earned a prestigious Michelin star, cementing its place among the finest dining destinations in Florida.

Beyond Stubborn Seed, Ford leads the Sweet Management Group, expanding his influence through collaborations, new restaurant concepts, and mentorship programs that empower young chefs. His leadership continues to shape Miami’s fast-evolving culinary identity, blending art, science, and emotion on every plate.

Today, Chef Jeremy Ford remains a symbol of resilience, creativity, and passion — a modern culinary alchemist transforming the Miami dining scene into a playground of flavor and innovation.

Chef Michael Beltran – The Cuban-American Visionary Redefining Miami’s Culinary Identity

Chef Michael Beltran is a celebrated Miami chef and restaurateur best known as the chef-owner of Ariete in Coconut Grove — a Michelin-starred restaurant that captures the essence of Cuban-American heritage blended with modern culinary artistry. Through his unique vision, Beltran has become one of the most influential figures in Miami’s dining renaissance, celebrated for his deep respect for tradition and fearless creativity in redefining contemporary American cuisine.

Born and raised in Miami to a Cuban family, Michael’s culinary journey is deeply rooted in his cultural heritage. The flavors, aromas, and stories of Cuban home cooking shaped his identity and continue to influence his work today. His professional path began in some of South Florida’s most respected kitchens, including time under Chef Norman Van Aken and Chef Michael Schwartz, where he honed both technical skill and a respect for seasonality, flavor, and innovation.

In 2016, Beltran opened Ariete — a restaurant that quickly became a cornerstone of Miami’s fine dining scene. Here, he masterfully combines French-inspired techniques with bold Cuban flavors, crafting dishes that are both nostalgic and avant-garde. Signature creations like his foie gras pastelito and the 24-hour smoked short rib have become Miami icons. Under his leadership, Ariete earned a Michelin star, positioning Beltran among the city’s top culinary leaders.

Beyond Ariete, Beltran oversees a growing collection of acclaimed restaurants under the Grove Bay Hospitality Group, including Chug’s Diner and The Taurus. His participation in major culinary events like StarChefs and Worlds of Flavor highlights his commitment to pushing boundaries and sharing Miami’s evolving story with the world.

Chef Michael Beltran continues to embody the spirit of Miami — passionate, diverse, and always evolving — a chef whose cuisine honors his roots while defining the city’s future on the global gastronomic stage.

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Chef Luciana Giangrandi – From Food Truck Dreamer to Michelin-Starred Innovator in Miami’s Little Haiti

Chef Luciana Giangrandi has emerged as one of Miami’s most inspiring culinary figures — a chef whose creativity, resilience, and passion transformed a humble food truck dream into a Michelin-starred success story. Alongside her partner Chef Alex Meyer, she co-owns and operates Boia De, a modern Italian-inspired restaurant tucked away in Miami’s vibrant Little Haiti neighborhood. Together, they’ve built one of the city’s most beloved dining destinations, blending heart, humor, and haute cuisine in equal measure.

Luciana’s culinary journey began long before Boia De. A graduate of the Institute of Culinary Education (ICE) in New York, she trained in some of the country’s most prestigious kitchens, including Carbone and Eleven Madison Park, where she honed her craft under Michelin-starred mentorship. Her early experiences shaped her disciplined approach to cooking while fostering an appreciation for detail, quality ingredients, and bold, expressive flavors.

After years in the fast-paced New York dining scene, Luciana and Alex decided to take a leap of faith and move to Miami. They launched La Pollita, a taco truck that gained a cult following for its creative takes on Mexican street food. The overwhelming success of this venture set the stage for something much bigger — the birth of Boia De in 2019.

Hidden in a modest strip mall, Boia De defies convention with its casual setting and world-class dining experience. Luciana’s menu reflects her playful yet refined style — inventive Italian dishes like crispy polenta with marinated egg yolk, tagliolini al nero di seppia, and lamb tartare with tonnato sauce — each showcasing her technical mastery and fearless creativity. The restaurant earned a Michelin star, a rare distinction that solidified Luciana and Alex’s place among the top chefs in Miami.

Today, Chef Luciana Giangrandi continues to inspire a new generation of chefs by proving that passion and persistence can turn even the smallest beginnings into a culinary triumph. Her story represents the best of Miami’s evolving food culture — diverse, daring, and undeniably delicious.

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Chef Bradley Kilgore – The Visionary Behind Miami’s Modern Fine Dining Revolution

Chef Bradley Kilgore is one of Miami’s most influential culinary artists — a chef celebrated for his groundbreaking restaurant Alter in Wynwood and for redefining the boundaries of modern fine dining in South Florida. Named one of Food & Wine’s “Best New Chefs” in 2016, Kilgore has become a driving force in Miami’s transformation into a world-class culinary destination. His work seamlessly blends Floridian ingredients, global inspiration, and cutting-edge technique to create a dining experience that is both avant-garde and deeply rooted in local flavor.

Born and raised in Kansas City, Bradley Kilgore’s culinary curiosity began early. After formal training and early experiences in the Midwest, he made his way to Chicago, where he worked in some of the country’s top kitchens — including Alinea, L2O, and Boka — gaining exposure to progressive American gastronomy. These experiences ignited his passion for innovation and perfection, shaping the meticulous, artistic approach that would later define his Miami ventures.

In 2015, Kilgore opened Alter in Miami’s trendy Wynwood district, a neighborhood known for its art and creativity. The restaurant quickly became a symbol of Miami’s culinary awakening. Through tasting menus that highlighted local seafood, tropical produce, and unexpected flavor pairings, Kilgore introduced a refined yet approachable vision of fine dining. Signature dishes like soft egg with sea scallop espuma and truffle pearls became instant icons, earning Alter widespread acclaim and critical recognition, including a spot in the Michelin Guide and numerous James Beard Award nominations.

Beyond Alter, Kilgore has continued to innovate through ventures like Kaido, Brava by Brad Kilgore, and MaryGold’s Brasserie, each showcasing different dimensions of his creative philosophy. His emphasis on local sourcing and seasonal Floridian ingredients demonstrates his deep respect for the region’s ecosystem and culinary potential.

Today, Chef Bradley Kilgore stands among the top chefs in Miami, celebrated for his artistry, precision, and commitment to elevating the city’s dining culture. His story represents the future of American cuisine — visionary, bold, and unmistakably Floridian.

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Chef James Tahhan – The Venezuelan-American Culinary Star Bridging Latin Flavors and Global Fame

Chef James Tahhan, widely known as Chef James, is a celebrated Venezuelan-American chef, restaurateur, author, and television personality based in Miami, Florida. Renowned for his infectious charisma and dedication to Latin American cuisine, he has become a global ambassador for the rich culinary traditions of Latin America. As the co-founder of acclaimed restaurants like La Doña by Chef James, Tahhan has successfully fused authentic Latin flavors with modern techniques, creating a unique culinary identity that resonates across cultures and continents.

Born in Caracas, Venezuela, to Syrian parents, James Tahhan’s diverse heritage deeply influenced his culinary curiosity. His passion for food began at an early age, inspired by his mother’s home cooking and the multicultural flavors that surrounded him. After moving to Miami, he pursued his professional culinary education at Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts, where he graduated with top honors. This formal training laid the foundation for his dynamic and innovative cooking style, blending classical French techniques with bold Latin flair.

Tahhan’s rise to fame began in television, where his energy and expertise quickly made him a household name. As a host and contributor on popular Spanish-language programs such as Telemundo’s Un Nuevo Día, he captivated audiences with approachable recipes and a deep appreciation for Latin culinary heritage. His work has earned him multiple awards, including an Emmy Award, solidifying his status as one of the most recognizable faces in Hispanic culinary media.

Beyond the screen, Chef James has built a thriving culinary empire. His Miami-based restaurants, including La Doña by Chef James, celebrate the soulful diversity of Latin cuisine, featuring vibrant flavors from Mexico, Venezuela, and the Caribbean. His dishes pay homage to tradition while embracing modern gastronomy — a hallmark that defines his approach both in the kitchen and in front of the camera.

Passionate about education and social responsibility, Tahhan also leads various community initiatives promoting healthy eating and cultural unity. His global influence continues to grow, representing the spirit of Latin America with authenticity, pride, and creativity.

Chef James Tahhan stands today as one of Miami’s most influential culinary personalities, blending passion, purpose, and professionalism to elevate Latin cuisine on the world stage.

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chef Tam Pham

Chef Tam Pham is a Vietnamese-American culinary force in Miami whose rise from underground supper clubs to a critically acclaimed restaurant exemplifies innovation, cultural authenticity, and tremendous ambition.

Born in Saigon (now Ho Chi Minh City), Tam Pham moved to the United States in 2008. Wikipedia+2MICHELIN Guide+2 His early years in Miami were marked by a personal effort to reconnect with his Vietnamese roots: when he discovered that Vietnamese ingredients and dishes were scarce in his dorm room during his studies, he began teaching himself to cook. MICHELIN Guide+1

Soon this personal experimentation blossomed into something more communal. In 2019, together with his partner Harrison Ramhofer, he launched a supper-club style concept called Phamily Kitchen, where they cooked for friends and explored lesser-known Vietnamese dishes. Wikipedia From these humble beginnings grew their restaurant Tâm Tâm, located at 99 NW 1st St., Miami – a vibrant space inspired by the Vietnamese concept of quán nhậu (a casual drink-and-feast gathering place), where bold flavours, seasonal Florida ingredients, and convivial atmosphere intersect. MICHELIN Guide+1

In 2024, Tam Pham received one of his most significant professional honours: he was awarded the Young Chef Award by the Michelin Guide Florida. MICHELIN Guide+1 That same year, Tâm Tâm earned a Bib Gourmand designation from the Guide — recognising the restaurant’s “good quality, good value cooking.” MICHELIN Guide+1

What sets Tam Pham apart is his commitment to evolving Vietnamese cuisine beyond the familiar — he has openly spoken about the need to showcase the diversity of Vietnamese regional cooking in the U.S., challenging the idea that Vietnamese food here is all one style. MICHELIN Guide+1 He melds his cultural heritage with the rich ingredient base of South Florida, working with seasonal produce and local suppliers to bring new dimension to each dish.

Today, Tam Pham stands out as a voice of youthful energy in the Miami food scene — a chef who bridges his heritage and his adopted home, a restaurateur who cares deeply about what his food represents, and a rising star recognised by peers and institutions alike for his creativity and dedication.

Chef Alex Meyer – The Creative Force Behind Miami’s Boia De and Walrus Rodeo

Chef Alex Meyer is a talented American chef and restaurateur based in Miami, best known as the co-chef and partner of the celebrated restaurants Boia De and Walrus Rodeo, alongside his partner Chef Luciana Giangrandi. Together, they have become one of the most talked-about duos in Miami’s culinary scene, earning national recognition for their creativity, technical precision, and ability to transform intimate neighborhood dining into Michelin-worthy experiences.

Originally from the United States, Meyer’s journey into the culinary world began with a deep respect for craftsmanship and quality. He refined his skills in some of the most acclaimed restaurants in New York City, including the world-renowned Eleven Madison Park and Carbone, where he gained invaluable exposure to high-end gastronomy, precise technique, and the balance between modern elegance and comfort-driven flavors. These experiences deeply influenced his culinary philosophy — to create food that feels both extraordinary and approachable.

In 2019, Alex Meyer and Luciana Giangrandi opened Boia De in Miami’s Little Haiti, a small, unassuming space that quickly became one of the city’s hottest dining destinations. Despite its modest strip-mall location, Boia De’s modern Italian-inspired menu — featuring inventive dishes like crispy polenta, tagliolini nero with king crab, and duck ragu — earned rave reviews and a devoted following. Their creative approach to flavor and presentation eventually led to Boia De being awarded a Michelin star, solidifying their place among Miami’s top chefs.

Building on that success, Meyer and Giangrandi launched their second concept, Walrus Rodeo, located right next door to Boia De. This restaurant celebrates fire-driven cooking with a focus on bold, rustic flavors and locally sourced ingredients. The menu, cooked mostly over a wood-fired oven, showcases Meyer’s love for experimentation and technical mastery, offering diners a truly unique culinary experience in an intimate, lively setting.

Chef Alex Meyer’s commitment to excellence, teamwork, and authenticity continues to elevate Miami’s fine dining landscape. His recognition from platforms such as StarChefs and features in the Michelin Guide affirm his growing influence in shaping the city’s gastronomic identity. Together with Luciana Giangrandi, Meyer represents the new wave of chefs redefining how Miami — and the world — experiences modern dining.

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Chef Juan Manuel Barrientos Valencia – The Colombian Visionary Behind Elcielo’s Michelin-Starred Success in Miami

Chef Juan Manuel Barrientos Valencia, affectionately known as “Juanma”, is a Colombian-born chef, restaurateur, and entrepreneur, celebrated globally for his revolutionary approach to gastronomy and peace-driven culinary philosophy. As the founder and executive chef of Elcielo — with locations in Bogotá, Medellín, Washington D.C., and Miami — Barrientos has become one of Latin America’s most visionary culinary figures. His Miami outpost, Elcielo Miami, achieved a historic milestone when it earned a Michelin Star, marking it as one of the first Colombian-inspired restaurants in the world to receive such an honor.

Born in Medellín, Colombia, in 1983, Barrientos began his culinary journey after studying gastronomy and working in acclaimed kitchens across Europe, including under Chef Juan Mari Arzak in Spain, one of the pioneers of modernist cuisine. These experiences shaped his creative outlook — a blend of art, science, and emotion — which would later define the Elcielo brand.

In 2007, at just 23 years old, he founded Elcielo Restaurant in Medellín, where he pioneered an experiential dining concept that engages all the senses. His cooking philosophy merges Colombian heritage with avant-garde culinary techniques, presenting traditional Latin flavors through molecular gastronomy, interactive presentations, and storytelling. This innovative approach soon gained international acclaim, earning Elcielo a spot among Latin America’s top restaurants.

When Elcielo Miami opened in 2020, Barrientos brought this same visionary spirit to the United States. Located in the Brickell neighborhood, the restaurant offers a multisensory tasting menu that showcases ingredients from Colombia and Florida, creating an unforgettable culinary journey. In 2022, Elcielo Miami received a Michelin Star in the inaugural Michelin Guide Florida — a groundbreaking achievement that placed Colombian cuisine firmly on the global fine dining map.

Beyond gastronomy, Barrientos is a passionate advocate for peace and social transformation in Colombia. Through his initiative Elcielo Foundation, he provides culinary training to former guerrilla fighters, victims of violence, and military veterans — using food as a tool for healing, unity, and hope. His humanitarian work has earned him global recognition, including the Reconciliation Award from Colombia’s government and acknowledgment from international media such as CNN and Forbes.

Today, Chef Juan Manuel Barrientos Valencia stands as one of the most influential Latin American chefs of his generation — a pioneer whose mission extends far beyond the kitchen. His work at Elcielo Miami continues to redefine the global perception of Colombian cuisine, combining innovation, culture, and compassion in every dish.

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chef Nando Chang

Chef Nando Chang has swiftly risen to the top of Miami’s culinary scene with his bold, precise reinterpretation of Nikkei (Japanese-Peruvian) cuisine. Born in Chiclayo, Peru, and raised in the U.S., Chang co-founded several influential restaurants and currently leads Itamae AO, a 10-seat omakase counter in Midtown Miami that fuses Japanese technique with Peruvian soul and local Florida ingredients. Edible South Florida -+4bocaratonobserver.com+4miaminewtimes.com+4

In June 2025, Chang was honored with the prestigious James Beard Award for Best Chef: South, solidifying his standing among America’s elite chefs. He is the first Florida-based chef in many years to earn this accolade. jamesbeard.org+2Axios+2

Behind the recognition lies a remarkable story of culinary evolution. His earlier concept, the original Itamae, began as a counter in Miami’s Design District and achieved a Bib Gourmand in the inaugural Florida edition of the MICHELIN Guide. miaminewtimes.com+2Garden & Gun+2 With Itamae AO opening in 2024, Chang refined his vision into an ultra-intimate chef’s counter, offering a tasting menu that is technical yet emotionally resonant. miaminewtimes.com+2Southern Smoke+2

Chang’s cuisine stands out for its combination of razor-sharp technique (especially in fish butchery and sushi preparation), Peruvian flavor profiles (like anticuchos and aguadito) and local produce from South Florida. His approach positions Miami as a serious gastronomic city, not simply a resort town. Financial Times

Beyond the kitchen, Chang’s achievement is part of a larger narrative: his sister, Valerie Chang, won the same James Beard category just a year earlier — marking one of the rare sibling back-to-back honours in America’s restaurant industry. Garden & Gun+1

In short, Chef Nando Chang is a defining figure of contemporary Miami cuisine — a chef whose craftsmanship, cultural synthesis, and ambition are reshaping how both locals and the wider world view the city’s dining scene.

Chef Valerie Chang – Miami’s Peruvian Powerhouse and James Beard Award-Winning Culinary Star

Chef Valerie Chang is one of Miami’s most dynamic and celebrated culinary voices — a chef who has brought Peruvian cuisine to the forefront of modern American dining through bold creativity, refined technique, and deep cultural pride. As the 2024 James Beard Award winner for Best Chef: South, Valerie cemented her place among the region’s most influential chefs, representing the strength, diversity, and innovation of Miami’s ever-evolving food scene.

Born in Chiclayo, Peru, and raised in Miami, Valerie grew up in a family that valued food as an expression of love and heritage. Alongside her brother, Chef Nando Chang, she developed a passion for showcasing the flavors of their homeland through a contemporary lens. Their shared dream began with Itamae, a small counter concept in the Miami Design District, which quickly earned local acclaim for its exquisite Nikkei-style cuisine — a seamless blend of Japanese precision and Peruvian heart.

Valerie’s culinary philosophy is rooted in balance — she combines the soulful depth of Peruvian home cooking with the structure and discipline of fine dining. Her dishes highlight ceviches, tiraditos, and anticuchos, executed with delicate plating and a focus on the finest local ingredients from South Florida’s farms and waters. Her leadership and creativity at Itamae helped the restaurant earn recognition from the Michelin Guide Florida, which awarded it a Bib Gourmand, signaling exceptional quality and value.

In 2024, Valerie’s impact reached new heights when she was awarded the James Beard Award for Best Chef: South, a historic moment not just for her but for Miami’s entire culinary community. The following year, her brother Nando Chang earned the same title, marking one of the few times in James Beard history that siblings have won in consecutive years — a powerful testament to their shared talent, vision, and family legacy.

Valerie’s cooking is as much about storytelling as it is about flavor. Through her menus, she celebrates the immigrant experience, female leadership in the kitchen, and the evolving identity of Latin American cuisine in the United States. Her restaurants and collaborations continue to attract critical acclaim, featured in outlets such as Eater Miami, Bon Appétit, and the Michelin Guide.

Today, Chef Valerie Chang stands at the intersection of heritage and modernity — a chef who honors her Peruvian roots while redefining what contemporary Latin cuisine can be. Her culinary voice is one of warmth, creativity, and empowerment, inspiring a new generation of chefs to embrace authenticity with innovation.

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