Saint Lucian-American Chef & Restaurateur; James Beard Award Winner; Author of "Kwéyòl / Creole"; "Top Chef" Fan Favorite

New Orleans, LA, USA

Nina Compton Biography

Nina Compton is a Saint Lucian-American chef and restaurateur known for her work in Caribbean cuisine and her influence on the American culinary scene. After completing high school in the United Kingdom, Compton graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. Her first position after culinary school was at Daniel, working alongside chef and restaurateur Daniel Boulud, an experience she credits as invaluable to her career.

Compton further developed her culinary skills in Miami, working with chef Philippe Ruiz at Palme d'Or at the Biltmore Hotel and with James Beard Award-winning chefs Norman Van Aken at Norman's and Scott Conant at Scarpetta at the Fontainebleau Hotel.

Compton gained national attention as the runner-up and fan favorite on Bravo's "Top Chef" Season 11, where her culinary repertoire highlighted Caribbean flavors. Her appearance on the show helped bring attention to St. Lucia and Caribbean cuisine in fine dining. She later returned to "Top Chef" as a guest judge during seasons 16 and 18, as well as on "Top Chef: Family Style" and "Top Chef: Destination Canada."

Compton opened Compère Lapin in New Orleans' Central Business District, serving Caribbean-style cuisine that blends her Caribbean upbringing with French and Italian influences, while highlighting Gulf Coast and Louisiana ingredients. Compère Lapin received critical acclaim, including recognition from The New York Times, and was named "Best New Restaurant" by both New Orleans Magazine and The Times-Picayune. Compton also opened Bywater American Bistro in New Orleans and Nina's Creole Cottage, a quick-service restaurant located in Caesars New Orleans' celebrity chef food hall.

Compton was named Best New Chef by Food & Wine magazine and won the James Beard Award for Best Chef: South, becoming the first Black woman to receive the honor. She was also a semi-finalist for the James Beard Outstanding Chef award. As a culinary ambassador for Saint Lucia, Compton promotes the island's food traditions globally and advocates for increased representation of women and Black chefs in the restaurant industry.

Compton is the author of "Kwéyòl / Creole: Recipes, Stories and Tings from a St. Lucian's Chef Journey" (Penguin Random House), which explores her culinary journey from St. Lucia to Jamaica, Miami, and New Orleans. Through her work in restaurants, television, and publishing, Compton continues to shape the conversation around Caribbean cuisine and culinary diversity.

BOOK Nina Compton

Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 06/01/2026.

Nina Compton Videos

Nina Compton & Danny Meyer on the path forward for the restaurant ...

Nina Compton & Danny Meyer on the path forward for the restaurant ...

The coronavirus pandemic forced thousands of restaurants to close their doors, scale back operations or shift business models altogether.

How To Cook A Steak with Nina Compton - YouTube

How To Cook A Steak with Nina Compton - YouTube

We're thrilled to share the latest instalment in our How To Cook A Steak series, rolling out regularly on our IGTV.

New Orleans Style Gumbo with Compère Lapin's Nina Compton ...

New Orleans Style Gumbo with Compère Lapin's Nina Compton ...

You may know her from Top Chef New Orleans (hello fan favorite!). She's come to be one of the most celebrated Chefs in today's restaurant ...

  • How do I book Nina Compton to speak at my event?

    Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Nina Compton for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Nina Compton, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Nina Compton or any other speaker of your choice.
  • What are the speaker fees for Nina Compton

    Speaking fees for Nina Compton, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Nina Compton are $30,000 - $50,000 for live events and $10,000 - $20,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Nina Compton, click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
  • What topics does Nina Compton speak about?

    Nina Compton is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Celebrity, Celebrity Chef, Hospitality, Influential Women, Non-Fiction Authors, Storytelling
  • Where does Nina Compton travel from?

    Nina Compton generally travels from New Orleans, LA, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.
  • Who is Nina Compton’s agent?

    AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully booked keynote speakers like Nina Compton for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Nina Compton for your next private or corporate function.
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Nina Compton is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics. The estimated speaking fee range to book Nina Compton for your event is $30,000 - $50,000. Nina Compton generally travels from New Orleans, LA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Aarti Sequeira, Douglass Williams, Ron Duprat, Patrick O’Connell and Nancy Silverton. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Nina Compton for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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