Food has always been more than what lands on the plate.

Chef Nelson German is the Executive Chef and Owner of Oakland’s acclaimed Sobre Mesa and alaMar Dominican Kitchen & Bar, and Executive Chef and Partner at Meski, the Afro-Ethiopian-Latin restaurant in San Francisco co-founded by Draymond Green and Guma Fassil.

A proud Dominican-American born in Manhattan’s Washington Heights, Nelson tells the stories of the African and Caribbean diasporas through soulful, modern cuisine that pairs ancestral flavors with global technique.

Trained in some of New York City’s top kitchens, Nelson has become a leading voice in Afro-Latin cooking since relocating to the Bay Area. He competed on Top Chef Season 18 and has been featured in Food & Wine, The Washington Post, Glamour, and more.

His first book, Caribbean Cocktails: Drinks and Bites from the Afro-Latino Diaspora, was released on June 2, 2026 and is available now. Featuring more than 40 Caribbean cocktail recipes and 20 Afro-Latino–inspired bites rooted in Dominican heritage, the book brings together rum drinks, tropical flavors, modern mixology, and rich cultural storytelling. Designed for home bartenders and entertainers alike, it includes approachable recipes, batching tips, and low-ABV options that bring the bold spirit of the Caribbean to the home bar.

A James Beard Foundation–recognized chef and one of Plate Magazine’s “Chefs to Watch,” Nelson is also known for his community-driven approach—using his platform to uplift others, foster connection, and bring people together through food. Whether through a cocktail, a tasting menu, or a neighborhood gathering, his work invites guests to experience culture, story, and belonging in every bite.