Award-winning chef Valerie Chang announced on Thursday that she is leaving her Miami restaurant space. While it has been confirmed that Chef Valeria won’t be returning to the kitchen at Maty’s, it is unclear what will happen there next, and when.
Highlights
- Acclaimed Chef Valerie Chang has announced that she will be leaving her Miami restaurant, Maty’s, this July.
- The chef announced via a post on her account and the restaurant’s account on Instagram.
- Maty’s has been open and serving guests for two years and has been hosting a residency by Itamae AO since April.
Chef Val to Leave the Kitchen at Maty’s: Future Plans Awaited
Chef Valerie Chang (Source: Instagram @chifitachang)
Maty’s, the Peruvian restaurant named after Chef Valerie’s grandmother, was opened just two years ago at 3255 NE First Ave. The restaurant quickly became quite popular, and it was added to the Michelin Guide for Florida in 2024.
After an incredible run, Valerie Chang has decided to end her chapter with Maty’s. Val has found it deeply meaningful to honor her grandmother, the restaurant’s namesake, with the Peruvian food of her upbringing, and she is grateful to her Miami community for the support.
Maty’s, which opened in March 2023, garnered acclaim in Bon Appétit, Condé Nast Traveler, Esquire, and the New York Times. Val is currently considering exciting prospects for future projects, but we have nothing confirmed just yet to share here. (We promise to keep you updated as plans are finalized!) Here’s a little more from Val, in her own words.
Maty’s Sister to Continue Serving
Itamae’s à la carte residency, which has operated in Maty’s space since April, will have its last service on Saturday, July 5. Now is the time to enjoy the tiraditos, cebiches, nigiris, and more. Reservations are available on Resy!
Itamae AO is a 10-seat omakase counter that runs in a small space and has built a reputation for itself, having earned a MICHELIN star earlier this year.
What lies ahead for Chef Valerie remains unknown, but she is expected to make a comeback to reclaim her spot as one of Florida’s best Chefs.
