Top 10 Best Black Chefs In The World 2025

The world of cuisine is a colorful tapestry that is woven with a wide variety of cultures, flavors, and individuals with extraordinary talent. Twenty-five years from now, a constellation of Black chefs continues to push boundaries, innovate, and celebrate the rich culinary traditions of their ancestors. Global recognition has been bestowed upon them as a result of their unwavering commitment to excellence, distinctive points of view, and significant contributions. A closer look at ten of the most talented Black chefs who have been making waves this year is as follows:

List Of Top 10 Best Black Chefs In The World 2025

1. Carla Hall

Known for her infectious smile and delightful personality, Carla Hall has become a household name through her television appearances, including as a co-host on ABC’s The Chew. Beyond the screen, Chef Hall is a celebrated author and restaurateur, renowned for her soulful and comforting approach to American cuisine, often infused with her Nashville roots. Her philosophy of “cook with love” shines through in every dish, emphasizing fresh, wholesome ingredients and a touch of Southern hospitality. She champions the idea that food should evoke warmth and happiness.

2. Leah Chase

A true culinary legend, the late Leah Chase of Dooky Chase’s Restaurant in New Orleans, though no longer with us, continues to profoundly influence the culinary landscape. Her legacy as the “Queen of Creole Cuisine” is undeniable. Chef Chase not only served up iconic dishes like gumbo and fried chicken but also used her restaurant as a vital meeting place during the American Civil Rights Movement. Her contributions extended far beyond the plate, shaping culture and community. Her spirit and recipes live on, inspiring countless chefs and diners.

3. Todd Richards

Based in Atlanta, Todd Richards is a James Beard Award-nominated chef celebrated for his innovative interpretations of Southern cuisine. His work at restaurants like The Pig & The Pearl and his acclaimed cookbook Soul: A Culinary Journey In 100 Recipes showcase his deep understanding and respect for classic Southern flavours, while also introducing modern techniques and global influences. Chef Richards is a master of smoked meats and fresh, seasonal ingredients, elevating familiar dishes to new culinary heights.

4. Marisa Baggett

Marisa Baggett is a chef who masterfully blends her Southern heritage with an unexpected passion: sushi. This unique fusion has set her apart in the culinary world. A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, Chef Baggett’s expertise extends from traditional Southern fare to intricate Japanese cuisine. She’s a published author and a culinary instructor, sharing her diverse knowledge and inspiring others to explore the exciting possibilities of culinary cross-pollination. Her ability to bridge seemingly disparate food cultures is truly remarkable.

5. Erick Williams

The renowned Virtue Restaurant & Bar was founded by Erick Williams, a Chicago native who shares the visionary behind the establishment. Virtue quickly became well-known across the country for its exquisite interpretation of Southern American cuisine, which resulted in the restaurant receiving a Michelin Bib Gourmand. The cuisine of Chef Williams is distinguished by its refined simplicity, with an emphasis on the use of high-quality ingredients and flawless execution during preparation. He has a talent for preparing dishes that are not only elegant but also comforting, which is a reflection of his dedication to providing excellent hospitality and culinary skills. His restaurant is a demonstration of his faith in the transformative potential of delicious food and genuine human connection.

6. Mariya Russell

Mariya Russell, the head chef at Kumiko and Kikkō in Chicago, had the distinction of being the first Black woman to be awarded a Michelin star in 2019. This achievement happened in 2019. This prestigious recognition was bestowed upon her as a result of her innovative approach to Japanese-inspired cuisine, as well as her meticulous attention to detail and creative flavor combinations. The work of Chef Russell is a demonstration of her culinary expertise and her capacity to create extraordinary dining experiences that both challenge and delight the palate. She is still a pioneer in the culinary world, serving as an example to a new generation of chefs.

7. Rodney Scott

A true pitmaster and a legend in the world of barbecue, Rodney Scott is the person who is most closely associated with the whole-hog barbecue style. His Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ restaurants, which are located in Hemingway, South Carolina, have received an award from the James Beard Foundation for Best Chef in the Southeast and have received national acclaim. It is because of his commitment to traditional slow-cooking methods and his signature “Rodney Scott’s Sauce” that he has become an icon. Cooking is only one aspect of Chef Scott’s craft; rather, it is a celebration of heritage, patience, and the art of barbecue.

8. Dolester Miles

Dolester Miles received the James Beard Award for Outstanding Pastry Chef in 2018. He is a master of sweet creations and was the recipient of this award in 2018. Her desserts are renowned for their refined simplicity and exquisite flavours, and she is the executive pastry chef at a number of highly regarded restaurants in Birmingham, Alabama. These restaurants include Highlands Bar and Grill, Bottega, and Chez Fonfon. Chef Miles possesses a remarkable talent for transforming traditional Southern ingredients into mouthwatering desserts that are refined and unforgettable. Her creations are a demonstration of the artistry and precision that are necessary for the production of high-quality pastries.

9. BJ Dennis

BJ Dennis is a Gullah Geechee culinary artist and historian who is committed to preserving and promoting the prosperous culinary traditions of his ancestors. He is based in Charleston, South Carolina. Not only is he a chef, but he is also a storyteller. He uses food as a medium to educate people and connect them to the vibrant history and flavors of the Gullah Geechee corridor. His pop-up dinners and culinary events are extremely popular because they provide genuine and heartfelt experiences that honor an essential component of the culinary heritage of the United States.

10. Edouardo Jordan

The highly acclaimed chef Edouardo Jordan, who is based in Seattle, has been honored with multiple James Beard Awards, including Best Chef: Northwest and Best New Restaurant for Salare, as well as for Junebaby. In his restaurants, he interprets traditional dishes with a sophisticated and individual touch, thereby celebrating the diverse culinary heritage of the African diaspora and the American South. In addition to its ability to tell a compelling story through food, Chef Jordan’s cooking is renowned for its depth of flavor, creativity, and ability to showcase the rich narratives that are embedded in the traditions of Southern and soul food.