Jordan Rubin

2025 Food & Wine Best New Chef

Jordan Rubin is the chef and owner of Mr. Tuna, and co-owner of Crispy Gai, located in the heart of Portland, Maine. Across his restaurants, he has cultivated deep relationships with local growers and fishers, placing a strong emphasis on responsibly sourced seafood as part of his broader, holistic approach to sustainability.

Jordan is a 2025 James Beard Foundation semifinalist for Best Chef Northeast and was recently honored as one of Food & Wine’s 2025 Best New Chefs, the 37th class spotlighting 10 of America’s most exciting emerging culinary talents. Jordan has garnered national attention for his culinary work in The New York Times, Food & Wine, and Bon Appetit. Mr. Tuna was ranked #6 on Food & Wine’s list of the Top 15 U.S. Restaurants in 2025 and was honored with the Gulf of Maine Research Institute’s Innovation Award, recognizing their leadership in sustainable, locally sourced seafood.

Beyond the kitchen, Chef Rubin is a passionate advocate for a more just, sustainable, and compassionate food industry. He actively supports No Kid Hungry, working to end childhood hunger in the U.S., and serves as a member of the James Beard Foundation’s Climate Action group, promoting climate-resilient practices in the culinary world. He is also an ambassador for the Southern Smoke Foundation, helping raise awareness and expand access to mental health care and resources for hospitality professionals. Jordan is a chef advocate for the North American Marine Alliance (NAMA) and Don’t Cage Our Oceans, and works closely with One Fish, mentoring chefs, sparking dialogue around responsible seafood, and organizing community-based events.