Jose Mendin
Chef Owner
Miami Connection
Mendin has transformed Miami's dining scene with Asian-Latin fusion spots like Pubbelly and Habitat, emphasizing local seafood and sustainability at venues such as 1 Hotel South Beach. His restaurants have garnered top local awards, including Best Restaurant of South Beach, boosting South Florida's culinary reputation. As a long-time Miami resident since 1998, he supports community events like the South Beach Wine & Food Festival and promotes vibrant, affordable neighborhood dining.
About
Born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Jose Mendin moved to Miami in 1998 to study at Johnson & Wales University, graduating with a culinary arts degree in 2001. He gained experience at Nobu Miami and London, SushiSamba in Miami and Vegas, and other global kitchens before co-founding Pubbelly in Miami Beach in 2010 with partners Sergio Navarro and Andreas Schreiner. Pubbelly earned stellar reviews, including 3.5 stars from The Miami Herald and Best Restaurant of South Beach by Miami New Times. Mendin expanded his portfolio with concepts like Pubbelly Sushi, PB Steak, L'Echon Brasserie, and sustainability-driven Habitat at 1 Hotel South Beach under Food Comma Hospitality Group. A five-time James Beard 'Best Chef: South' semifinalist from 2012-2016, he has also been nominated for Food & Wine's People's Best New Chef and won Rising Star Restaurateur. Today, as chef-owner, he operates restaurants in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Casa de Campo, Mexico City, and Paris.