1. Anthony Rush
Heads turned when the top toque of Fera at London’s Claridge Hotel relocated to Hawaii, and rightly so. Anthony Rush’s partnership with Chris Kajioka at Chinatown’s Senia has elevated the Honolulu dining scene—not surprising, considering Rush’s elevated background at French Laundry, Fat Duck and New York’s three-Michelin-star Per Se. 75 N. King St., Chinatown, O‘ahu, 200.5412
2. Ryo Takatsuka
This Japan native’s passion for Italian cuisine propelled him to the Mediterranean, where he mastered the arts of la cucina under two-Michelin-star toque Giancarlo Perbellini. Italian-food aficionados proclaim Takatsuka’s heavenly whipped ricotta, truffle tagliatelle and succulent onaga molto delicioso. Four Seasons Resort O‘ahu, 92-1001 Olani St., Ko Olina, O‘ahu, 679.0079
3. Noelani Planas
The Ko‘a Kea Hotel & Resort scored big time when it tapped this highly talented Kaua‘i girl to helm its lauded resto Red Salt. Her must-try dish: the Madagascar vanilla bean-seared mahimahi. 2251 Po‘ipū Road, Po‘ipū, Kaua‘i
4. Sheldon Simeon
From his humble beginnings in Hilo to two runs on Top Chef, this chef has impressed us all with his meteoric rise. But he hasn’t forgotten his roots. Just visit his cozy Tin Roof Maui to sample his spin on comforting local classics like Mochiko chicken. 360 Papa Place, Wailuku, Maui, 868.0753
5. Christopher Kim
Over in the garden isle, seasonal vegetables are being transformed into inventive dishes by Kauai Grill’s chef de cuisine. Case in point: His recent favorite ingredient is black garlic. With a CV highlighting notable restaurants such as Angelini Osteria, Bazaar by José Andrés, and Stonehill Tavern by Michael Mina, Kim is providing for even bolder flavors at The St. Regis Princeville Resort with a new tasting menu. Try the Hawaiian monchong, which is paired with local charred corn, sesame and fragrant yuzukoshō butter. 5520 Ka Haku Road, Princeville, Kaua‘i, 826.2250
Photography Courtesy Of: