Nyesha Arrington

Also Known As: Nyesha Joyce Arrington • Born: 10/18/1981

Nyesha Joyce Arrington, born in 1981 in Southern California, is a well-known American chef, TV personality, and restaurateur. She has a diverse background, including multiracial and Black ancestry, and her grandmother is from Korea. Arrington became famous after competing on the ninth season of “Top Chef: Texas” in 2011, where she showed off her cooking skills. In 2012, Zagat named her one of the “30 Under 30,” highlighting her early success in the culinary world. She learned a lot from famous chefs like Josiah Citrin at Mélisse and eventually became the executive chef at Wilshire Restaurant in Santa Monica, California. 2015 Eater LA named her their chef of the year, recognizing her talent. Arrington then became a chef and partner at Leona in Venice, Los Angeles, from 2016 to 2017, and later opened her restaurant, Native, in Santa Monica, which operated until 2019. In January 2022, Arrington became a mentor and judge on the TV show “Next Level Chef” on Fox. The show was a hit and was renewed for a fourth season, further establishing her as an influential figure in the culinary world. Arrington is also known as “The Ninja” for her precise and skillful cooking techniques.

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