Nelson German

Chef Nelson German is the Executive Chef and Owner of Oakland’s acclaimed alaMar

Dominican Kitchen & Bar and Sobre Mesa, as well as Executive Chef and Partner at MESKI,

the new Afro-Ethiopian-Latin restaurant in San Francisco co-founded by Draymond Green

and Guma Fassil. Known for telling the story of the African and Caribbean diasporas

through food and drink, Chef Nelson blends bold, ancestral flavors with modern technique,

delivering menus that are as soulful as they are inventive.

Born and raised in Manhattan’s Washington Heights to Dominican parents, Chef Nelson

draws deep inspiration from his family’s recipes — especially those passed down by his

mother and grandmother — layered with global influence from his travels and training. He

began his culinary career in NYC at renowned restaurants including Joseph’s Citarella and

the Gramercy Park Hotel, later becoming Executive Chef at Absinthe Wine Bar and Jerry’s

Café. Since relocating to Northern California in 2010, he’s established himself as a leading

voice in Afro-Latin cuisine and Oakland’s cultural dining scene.

A Top Chef Season 18 (Portland) alum, Chef Nelson has been featured in Food & Wine,

Glamour, The Washington Post, Delish, among others. He’s been recognized by the James

Beard Foundation, named one of Plate Magazine’s “2020 Chefs to Watch,” and honored as

“Best Chef” by East Bay Express in 2022. His work has also been spotlighted at premier

culinary events including Pebble Beach Food & Wine, CIA’s Worlds of Flavor, and the James

Beard Foundation’s Taste America series.

Chef Nelson is deeply community-driven. Known for his generous spirit and commitment

to uplifting others, he often uses his platform to support local initiatives, elevate

underrepresented voices in food, and give back to the community that supports him.

Whether through mentorship, speaking engagements, or charitable collaborations, he

approaches his work with a strong sense of purpose and connection. Beyond the accolades,

Chef Nelson is known for creating spaces that bring people together — rooted in heritage

and designed for joy, conversation, and connection. His work invites people into something

bigger: a taste of where he comes from, and where we’re all going next.

At his core, Chef Nelson is a storyteller — inviting community, culture, and connection to

the table through every plate and pour.