Chef Nyesha Arrington is a California native born into a multicultural family, she is best known for her accomplishments as a chef and TV personality. Arrington has competed on Season 9 of “Top Chef” and most recently featured as a recurring judge on Chopped Next Generation. Arrington was introduced to diverse culinary experiences at an early age, which has continually shaped her palate development and perspective of culture-informed cooking.
A graduate of the Culinary School at the Art Institute of California in Los Angeles, Arrington forged her culinary career at Michelin-starred restaurants under direction from revered chefs including Joël Robuchon and Josiah Citrin. Following her stints in kitchens such as L’Atelier, The Mansion, Spice Mill, Melisse and The Wilshire, Arrington went on to open two proprietary concepts with Venice’s beachside haven Leona in 2015 and Santa Monica’s Native in 2017, both placed on the late Jonathan Gold’s iconic “101 Best Restaurants in Los Angeles” list. Arrington has also been recognized as a Rising Star by James Beard Award-winning critic Brad Johnson from Angeleno, Chef of the Year by Eater LA and a Zagat “30 Under 30” recipient in Los Angeles.
Arrington has appeared as a contestant, simultaneously, on reality cooking shows “Top Chef” on Bravo and “Chef Hunter” on Food Network, winning both competitions. In 2013, she prevailed on Esquire Network’s cooking competition show “Knife Fight” then later returned as a guest chef judge. Current projects include YouTube series “Plateworthy” on Eater, for which Arrington hosts. Chef Nyesha was featured as a recurring judge on “Chopped Next Gen” with Discovery+, and is a judge alongside Chef Gordon Ramsay on the new show “Next Level Chef” on FOX.
Arrington’s greatest enthusiasm will always be to champion her community and create “Food that Hugs the Soul.” She continues to innovate and draw inspiration from her vibrant cultural background and French-technique while upholding her mission to spread the message of love through food, using every plate as a new journey of Discovery.