Tastemakers 2025
This is the front line: flour-dusted, grease-slicked, knife-sharp. It’s fire and steel, instinct and invention, a glorious symphony of flavor. Chefs, renegades, restaurateurs—these Tastemakers are conjuring flavor from talent, turning gut instincts into cult followings. From sushi that sings to pastries that stop time, this is food with soul, swagger, and story. Meet the minds behind the magic. And come hungry.

Amalfi Cucina Italiana
Giuseppe Annunziata, General Manager
Emiliano Muslija, General Manager
Marcello Avitabile, Executive Pizza Chef
Joseph Serra, Pizza Manager

ARLO
Chef De Cuisine, Peter Kennedy

Choi’s
Jiwoo Choi, Chef & Owner

Cocina 35
Cesar & Paulina Chaidez, Owners

Sushi Gaga
Shinnosuke Otsuka, Head Chef

Grant Grill
Mark Kropczynski, Executive Chef

The Marine Room
Ananda Bareño, Executive Chef

Sushi Maru
Chef “Maru”Tsuyoshi Maruyama, Owner & Chef

Michi Michi Bakery
Arely Chavez, Executive Pastry Chef

Rosemarie’s
Nicholas Balsamo, Founder, Executive Chef & Managing Partner

Roy’s Restaurant
Jacob Sandoval, Assistant General Manager

Ciccia Osteria
Mario Cassineri, Owner & Chef

Comedor Nishi
Pancho Ibáñez, Chef

Échale
Jon Rhinerson, Owner

El Sueño
Pietro Busalacchi, Owner

The Fishery
Mike Reidy, Executive Chef

La Gran Terraza
Marbi Becerra, Chef de Cuisine

Menya Ultra
Daiki Endo, Executive Head Chef & Takashi Endo, Executive Sous-Chef

Nomad Donuts
Sarah Carithers, Chef

Solare Ristorante
Denice Grande, Executive Chef

So Saap
Carrie Pongphila, Chef & Owner
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