Chef Charbel Hayek is a renowned Lebanese chef celebrated for his inventive fusion of Lebanese and Mediterranean cuisine. After winning Top Chef MENA Season 5, Chef Charbel became one of the most influential chefs in the region, known for blending traditional MENA flavors with modern techniques and exceptional culinary artistry.
Chef Charbel is the co-owner/Executive Chef of several acclaimed restaurants, including LAYA, Ladyhawk, and Wama. Ladyhawk in particular garnered significant recognition, being named Number 1 Best Restaurant in LA Magazine and earning a spot on 101 Restaurants—a prestigious list of the best dining spots. These honors highlight his reputation for crafting exceptional dining experiences that showcase his unique culinary approach.
In addition to his restaurant successes, Chef Charbel made his mark on the international stage as a participant in Top Chef World All-Stars, a competition featuring the world’s top chefs. His appearance further solidified his status as a global culinary talent.
Chef Charbel is also the author of the cookbook “Lemon & Garlic”, where he shares his passion for Mediterranean flavors and offers readers the chance to recreate his iconic dishes at home.
His culinary expertise and innovative approach have led to appearances in prestigious magazines, including Forbes, Time Out, LA magazine, Eater LA, etc.
These features highlight his growing influence within the food world and his dedication to elevating Lebanese and Mediterranean cuisine to a global audience.
A strong advocate for sustainability and local sourcing, Chef Charbel continues to inspire both professional chefs and home cooks through his restaurants, cookbook, and media presence.
