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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