World's best open-fire cooking chefs

Chef Arginzoniz, known as the 'King of the Grill' at Asador Etxebarri, meticulously controls embers and smoke to elevate simple ingredients. His restaurant's No. 2 ranking on The World's 50 Best Restaurants 2025 list confirms his leading role in open-fire gastronomy.

Koukarskikh quickly established Lita as a prominent modern Mediterranean bistro in London, featuring an open grill that flame-cooks impeccably sourced British Isle ingredients. The restaurant's rapid ascent and stellar credentials in its opening year highlight his current impact.

Chef Moros leads a team at a highly-ranked restaurant in Dubai, where a hand-built wood-burning oven and forged steel grill are central. His exact and energetic woodfire workmanship, featuring diverse flame-cooked dishes, earned his restaurant a top spot on the Middle East and North Africa's 50 Best Restaurants 2025 list.

Al Frugoni is an internationally acclaimed Argentine-born chef and live-fire specialist, known for his dynamic open-fire techniques. He is set to headline the inaugural 2026 Open Fire World Championship, bringing global attention to his fiery culinary creativity.

Chef Nguyen, representing Thomas Cuisine, won the Live Fire title at the 2025 World Food Championships, showcasing exceptional precision and creativity. His victory in a major culinary competition establishes him as a top talent in the live-fire cooking arena.

Known as 'The Professor,' Tuffy Stone is a six-time World Barbecue Champion and Barbecue Hall of Fame inductee, respected for his disciplined approach. His role as a featured speaker at the 2026 National Barbecue & Grilling Association Conference underscores his continued influence and leadership.

Chef Livi is recognized for his theatrical and imaginative approach to cooking over fire, turning it into a performance with hoisted fires and hanging meats. His ongoing influence on other prominent live-fire chefs highlights his continued relevance and innovative contributions.

Chef Campos is a rising star in the live-fire scene, noted for her passion and leadership as a woman in the field. Her roasted chicken restaurant, Un Pollo, and planned 'fire vs. fire' dinner series showcase her innovative approach and growing influence.

Christopher Kostow, a three-Michelin star chef, anchors his restaurant, The Charter Oak, with a blazing hearth for unfussy, delicious food. The restaurant's sustained reputation as one of America's best live-fire establishments confirms his expertise.

At Lena Brava, Chef Bayless masterfully creates Baja-inspired Mexican cuisine with a focus on 'ferocious fire,' making indoor-cooked food taste authentically outdoor. His restaurant's recognition as one of America's best live-fire establishments highlights his unique approach.

Chef Malarkey's Herb & Wood restaurant consistently features live fire, with a daily changing menu cooked in a wood-fire oven or on a Grillworks grill. Its inclusion among America's best live-fire restaurants demonstrates his ongoing commitment and expertise.

Fabian Zbinden is a prominent outdoor cooking influencer, known for his 'handcrafted content' and significant presence on Instagram as @fire_kitchen_official. His recognition as a 'Top 40 Outdoor Cooking Influencer in 2026' confirms his current impact.

Taku Kondo is a notable outdoor cooking influencer with a strong presence on Instagram (@outdoorcheflife) and a published cookbook. His inclusion as a 'Top 40 Outdoor Cooking Influencer in 2026' highlights his current relevance and reach.

Charly Pretet offers 'Open Fire Culinary Immersive Experiences' through Terra Firma Dining, focusing on private events and cooking classes. As a 'Top 40 Outdoor Cooking Influencer in 2026,' he is an active and influential figure in the Australian open-fire scene.