Guide to Puerto Rico's Top Chefs
Guide to Puerto Rico's Top Chefs
Meet the talented Boricua chefs shaping Puerto Rican cuisine!
Get to know some of Puerto Rico’s most celebrated culinary talents who are redefining the flavors of the Island. From creative twists on classic dishes to farm-to-table excellence, these talented chefs are putting Puerto Rican food on the global map. Dive into their stories, explore their inspirations, and discover how they infuse our bold flavors and cultural pride into every dish they create.
This International Chef Day, we celebrate the culinary artists behind every delicious bite in Puerto Rico.
James Beard Award-Nominated Boricua Tastemakers
Meet the 2025 Boricua nominees.
Chef Gabriel Hernández is the head chef of Verde Mesa and a two-time James Beard Award nominee.
Discover how Chef Gabriel Hernández pioneered the farm-to-table movement in Puerto Rico's restaurants.
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Chef Lucía Merino was nominated as a 2025 James Beard Award semifinalist for Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker.
Meet the creative mind behind Lucía Patisserie, a beloved local bakery that will delight you with every bite.
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Step into the vibrant kitchen of Chef Carlos Portela, where Boricua culture meets culinary innovation.
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Chef Carol Reyes leads the kitchen of the popular restaurant Bóveda in San Juan.
Chef Carol Reyes strives to highlight the main ingredients, preserving the essence of each dish.
Read MorePuerto Rico’s Culinary Masters
· Puerto Rico’s Culinary Masters · Puerto Rico’s Culinary Masters ·
Nasha Fondeur is the corporate executive pastry chef at Condado Collection.
Pastry Passion Meets Puerto Rican Flavors: A Q&A with Chef Nasha Fondeur
Be whisked away by Chef Nasha Fondeur's sweet culinary journey.
Chef René Marichal's approach to cooking blends farm-to-table Puerto Rican flavors with international influences.
Puerto Rican Ingredients and Bold Flavors: Meet Chef René Marichal
Grab a chair and sit at the table of Chef René Marichal’s flavorful world.
Juan José Cuevas is the Executive Chef at 1919 in the Condado Vanderbilt Hotel.
Chef Juan José Cuevas on Puerto Rican Cuisine and Michelin Excellence
Meet Chef Juan José Cuevas, one of Puerto Rico's most accomplished culinary artists.
Craving a sweet treat? Try Vía Láctea's vegan ice cream!
Creating Puerto Rico’s First Vegan Ice Cream Shop: Chef Lorivie Alicea’s Journey
Learn about Puerto Rico's first vegan ice cream shop by Boricua Chef Lorivie Alicea.
Chef Mario Pagán turning up the heat in the kitchen.
Redefining Puerto Rican Cuisine: A Q&A with Chef Mario Pagán
Discover Chef Mario Pagán's cultural influences that have shaped his tasty creations.
Chef Rafael Ubior owns SUR Barra Nikkei and High Kitcken.
Chef Rafael Ubior: Fusing Puerto Rican and Nikkei Flavors at Sur Barra Nikkei
Explore his philosophy and approach to food, and his masterful fusion of Japanese and Peruvian traditions.
Chef Manolo López: Sharing Puerto Rico's Bold Tastes with the World
Meet this culinary trailblazer, deeply rooted in Puerto Rican culture.
Chef Xiomara Marquéz Serves Up Puerto Rican Cuisine with a Spanish Twist
Chef Xiomara Marquéz spices up Puerto Rican and Spanish cuisine with bold flavors and a playful twist.
Boricua Rafael Ruiz created La Mafia, a platform dedicated to showcasing Puerto Rican gastronomy.
La Mafia’s Rafael Ruiz on Documenting Puerto Rico’s Rich Culinary Scene
Chef Xavier Pacheco is the chef and co-owner of Bacoa Finca y Fogón, Los Guapos and Aldeana.
Farm to Flame: How Chef Xavier Pacheco Honors Puerto Rico's Gastronomy
Step into the delicious world of Chef Xavier Pacheco, where every dish tastes like Puerto Rico.
Chef Raúl Correa plates a savory dish at Aldeana restaurant.
Chef Raúl Correa: Innovating Puerto Rico's Traditional Cuisine
Go through the chef’s culinary journey and his unique approach to traditional dishes.