Chef Aitor Zabala

Chef Aitor Zabala is a visionary chef known for his mastery of modernist cuisine and his

ability to craft immersive dining experiences. A native of Catalonia, Aitor became a key

figure in the U.S. culinary scene, serving as the Creative Director for Chef Jose Andres’s

ThinkFoodGroup for a decade, and where he played a pivotal role in opening

groundbreaking dining concepts.

In 2018, Aitor opened Somni, an intimate, chef’s counter experience housed within The

Bazaar by José Andrés in LA. The restaurant quickly gained culinary acclaim, earning two

Michelin stars just a year after opening, along with a Forbes 5-star rating and recognition

from the World’s 50 Best Restaurants as a “Discovery” pick. In 2020, The Best Chef

Awards ranked him as the No. 8 chef in the world, further cementing his status as one of

the industry’s most innovative talents.

In November 2024, Aitor reintroduced Somni as an independent venture. This latest

iteration continues to reflect his Catalan heritage while embracing the rich culinary

landscape of Southern California, where he has made his home. Guided by his passion

for textures, flavors, and precise techniques, Aitor continues to push the boundaries of

gastronomy while maintaining a sense of comfort and familiarity in his dishes.