Jonah Kim

Chef Jonah Kim is a Korean-born culinary professional whose work reflects a deep respect for heritage, discipline, and precision. Drawing from the bold, foundational flavors of Korean cuisine, his approach is shaped by personal narrative and cultural authenticity.

He began his culinary career in Austin, Texas at Uchi, one of the country’s most respected Japanese restaurants, before continuing his work in New York City and later serving as Executive Chef at Pabu, Michael Mina’s Japanese concept in Baltimore. His work earned him recognition as a Rising Star Chef of the Year, highlighting his ability to merge technical discipline with a distinct culinary voice.

He currently serves as Culinary Director for Makoto Concepts Global, leading culinary development across an international portfolio of high-end Japanese dining concepts.

With extensive experience in Japanese cuisine, Chef Kim has developed a highly disciplined, detail-oriented style, particularly in sushi, rice preparation, and traditional methods. His cooking also extends into ramen and small plates, where he explores the intersection of Korean and Japanese flavors through thoughtful, modern interpretations.

In parallel, he develops Santoki, a pop-up concept that explores the balance between Korean heritage and Japanese technique through focused, omakase-style experiences.

At the core of Chef Kim’s culinary identity is the harmony between Korean boldness and Japanese refinement. His work emphasizes ingredient integrity, precision, and consistency, with a focus on clean execution at the highest level.

Whether leading a team or crafting intimate dining experiences, Chef Kim prioritizes hospitality, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, creating cuisine that is both technically refined and deeply rooted in tradition.