Michael Schwartz

Michael Schwartz is a James Beard Award-winning chef, restaurateur, and cookbook author recognized as a defining figure in South Florida's culinary landscape. Schwartz began his career in Philadelphia, gaining experience in kitchens from Los Angeles to New York City before settling in Miami. Starting as a busser at DiLullo, he trained at Wolfgang Puck's Chinois in California and later worked in Colorado, New York, and Miami. His early years in South Florida fostered a deep appreciation for the region's local producers and seasonal ingredients, a philosophy that has shaped his culinary approach.

Schwartz opened his flagship restaurant, "Michael's Genuine Food & Drink," in Miami's Design District, where it became known for its bistro atmosphere and focus on fresh, local ingredients. The restaurant played a significant role in the Farm-to-Table and Sea-to-Table movements. Schwartz expanded his hospitality group to include additional restaurants, the Harry's Pizzeria chain with multiple Miami locations, and authored several cookbooks. The Genuine Hospitality Group encompasses fine dining establishments such as Michael's and Amara at Paraiso, a Miami waterfront restaurant featuring Latin American flavors, as well as two locations of Harry's Pizzeria, named one of Food & Wine's 25 Best Pizzerias in the U.S.

Schwartz received the James Beard Foundation Award for Best Chef: South and is recognized for his commitment to community and responsible, seasonal food sourcing. Michael's Genuine Food & Drink has earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand for multiple consecutive years, highlighting its dedication to high-quality, approachable cuisine. Schwartz's work has been featured in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Food & Wine, Travel + Leisure, and on the TODAY Show.

In addition to his restaurant ventures, Schwartz is the author of "Michael's Genuine Food: Down-to-Earth Cooking for People Who Love to Eat," which presents recipes from his flagship restaurant, and "Genuine Pizza: Better Pizza at Home," offering 85 recipes for home cooks. These books reflect his belief that exceptional food should be accessible to all.

Originally from Philadelphia and a longtime Miami resident, Schwartz is active in supporting the arts and organizations such as Share Our Strength, Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation, Slow Food, and Wellness in the Schools. He received Slow Food Miami's first Snail of Approval. Schwartz is recognized for his culinary expertise, entrepreneurship, and commitment to community engagement within the American restaurant industry.