Reiji Yoshizawa
Reiji Yoshizawa is the Executive Chef at MILA Omakase, an authentic, exclusive omakase experience nestled on the second level of MILA’s trendy rooftop restaurant and lounge. As executive chef, Yoshizawa is in charge of the menu creation, mentoring kitchen staff as well as creating a fully immersive experience through his innovative dishes.
Yoshizawa, half Filipino half Japanese, was born on a small U.S. island in the Pacific called Saipan and raised in Manila, Philippines, where his love for cooking sparked at an early age. He grew up often in the heart of his family’s kitchen, where he watched with fascination as his mother and grandmother prepared dishes that not only nourished the body but also brought their loved ones together. Their cooking ignited his passion and inspired him to pursue his career and create dishes that represent his roots, as well as explore different types of cuisine.
His career began almost 13 years ago when he came to Miami and started as an intern at The Setai. He went on to gain experience at several notable venues like Katsuya, Giovanni’s, and El Secreto.
Yoshizawa’s culinary style is a reflection of his rich cultural heritage and diverse experiences. He seamlessly combines the flavors of his Filipino upbringing and Japanese techniques, with touches of French, Mediterranean, and Italian influence.
