Who is Laura Ozyilmaz? 'Top Chef' Season 21 contestant owns Dalida, described as 'Best New Restaurant in America'
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA: Laura Ozyilmaz is a highly accomplished chef and entrepreneur. She will be appearing on Season 21 of 'Top Chef'.
Laura's culinary expertise, combined with her innovative approach to dining, has solidified her reputation as a prominent figure in the culinary world.
Originally from Mexico, Laura Ozyilmaz has garnered experience at prestigious restaurants worldwide. Now based in San Francisco, Chef Ozyilmaz has made significant contributions to the culinary scene, notably with Istanbul Modern SF and Noosh.
Currently, she is the proprietor of one of the city's most acclaimed eateries, Dalida, situated in the picturesque Presidio National Park site. Dalida was named the "Best New Restaurant in America" by Esquire and was added to the Michelin Guide.
'Top Chef' Season 21 contestant Laura Ozyilmaz was enchanted by the culinary world from an early age
Laura Ozyilmaz was captivated by the enchanting world of cuisine from a young age. She grew up in Guerrero, Mexico, where she discovered her passion for cooking.
Starting as a prep cook for local caterers, Laura developed her skills and nurtured her love for food. She later attended the Ambrosía Centro Culinario, where she received formal culinary training, laying the foundation for her successful career in the culinary world.
Her journey into the culinary realm began with her pursuit of culinary education at the Centro Culinario Ambrosía in Mexico City, followed by further studies at New York’s esteemed Culinary Institute of America.
Laura then embarked on a remarkable culinary journey, honing her skills at prestigious establishments around the world. She worked at renowned restaurants like Café Boulud and Mugaritz in San Sebastian, Spain, all while pursuing further education at the Basque Culinary Center.
After her experience at the Culinary Institute of America, Laura seized an opportunity to work at Eleven Madison Park in New York City, where she continued to refine her craft. Later, she joined the esteemed three-Michelin-star team at Saison in San Francisco, further enriching her culinary repertoire.
'Top Chef' Season 21 contestant Laura Ozyilmaz launched a successful pop-up in San Francisco with her husband
Laura Ozyilmaz met her husband, Sayat, during their time at the Culinary Institute of America in New York City. Originally from Istanbul, Turkey, Sayat pursued an Economics degree at Dartmouth College before following his passion for food.
During his culinary training, Sayat honed his skills at esteemed establishments like Blue Hill at Stone Barns and Le Bernardin.
Together, Laura and Sayat shared a vision of fostering community through cuisine, which led them on a unique honeymoon adventure. They embarked on a culinary tour, staging at renowned restaurants such as Wolfgang Puck’s Spago, Michael Mina’s Bourbon Steak, and Pujol in Mexico City, before launching a successful pop-up in San Francisco called Istanbul Modern.
The idea behind this pop-up translated into the couple then opening a casual restaurant called Noosh with their co-founder John Litz.
As a co-owner and co-executive chef, Laura Ozyilmaz played a pivotal role at Noosh, where she collaborated closely with her husband, Sayat Ozyilmaz. Together, they led Noosh to become a standout dining destination known for its forward-thinking approach to cuisine.
Chef Laura Ozyilmaz established her own restaurant Dalida in America
Laura is the co-owner of Dalida, a restaurant that made its debut in 2023 in The Presidio of San Francisco. Dalida is renowned for its elevated Middle Eastern cuisine, featuring vibrant flavors and innovative dishes.
Laura expressed her sentiment about the location of her restaurant, Dalida, stating, "When we were looking for a space for this restaurant, we knew that we wanted to be integrated into the local environment. From chatting with the owners of other nearby businesses to picking fresh flowers from the community garden, we feel a profound sense of belonging in this beautiful location."
This reflects her commitment to being part of the community and integrating Dalida into the fabric of the neighborhood.
The restaurant has quickly gained acclaim, receiving accolades such as Esquire's Best New Restaurant in America and being named Best New Restaurant by Eater SF.
'Top Chef' Season 21 contestant Laura Ozyilmaz announced as James Beard Best Chef Semifinalist for California in 2024
Laura takes great pride in her achievements as a successful female chef and immigrant, embodying the values of hard work and dedication.
Known for her meticulous attention to detail, Laura considers herself a perfectionist in her craft.
Her contributions to the culinary world have not gone unnoticed, as she has been honored with prestigious titles such as Chef Game Changer by StarChefs, Rising Star by the San Francisco Chronicle, and James Beard Best Chef Semifinalist for California in 2024, further solidifying her influence and impact in the industry.
'Top Chef' Season 21 premieres on Bravo on Wednesday, March 20 from 9 pm ET. The episodes will be accessible the next day on Peacock.