Jeff McInnis
Chef/Owner
Miami Connection
McInnis transformed Miami's dining landscape by introducing Yardbird's iconic Lewellyn’s Fine Fried Chicken, making Southern staples a must-try and earning James Beard acclaim that spotlighted Miami Beach as a culinary destination. His leadership at Stiltsville Fish Bar emphasizes real-local seafood like oysters, stone crabs, and rotating fresh catches, supporting Florida fishermen and promoting sustainable, farm-to-fork dining. Through SOBEWFF involvement and multiple high-profile restaurants, he has boosted Miami's reputation for innovative Southern and seafood cuisine.
About
Born in 1978 in Niceville, Florida, Jeff McInnis grew up fishing in the panhandle, starting his culinary career at 16 at The Marina Cafe before attending Johnson & Wales University in Charleston. He gained national fame on Top Chef Season 5 and honed his skills at prestigious spots like Norman’s in Miami and The Ritz-Carlton. Returning to Miami, he served as Executive Chef at gigi and opened Yardbird Southern Table & Bar in 2011, earning three James Beard nominations in two years for Best Chef: South and Best New Restaurant. After ventures in New York with Root & Bone, he refocused on Miami, now helming Stiltsville Fish Bar with a commitment to hyper-local seafood.