Chef Rob Rubba, a Southern New Jersey native, is a name synonymous with sustainable and innovative cuisine in Washington, D.C. His culinary journey, enriched by his time in highly regarded kitchens under the tutelage of chefs like Gordon Ramsay and Guy Savoy, reflects a continuous pursuit of excellence. Rubba’s approach to cuisine is deeply intertwined with his respect for nature, an ethos that was nurtured by his surroundings growing up around the pinelands, bay, and shore.
Before his celebrated stint at Oyster Oyster, Rubba made waves with Hazel in the summer of 2016, a restaurant that quickly became a favorite in D.C., gaining recognition from the Michelin Guide and winning the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan D.C.’s Restaurant of the Year award in 2017. His shift to a vegetarian lifestyle in 2017 led him to depart from Hazel to focus on developing Oyster Oyster, which opened in late autumn 2019. This venture showcases his dedication to seasonal, sustainable vegetable cookery inspired by the Mid-Atlantic’s bounty.
Oyster Oyster has been a testament to Rubba’s philosophy, earning a Michelin star and gaining him the title of one of 2022’s Best New Chefs by Food & Wine. His menu is a celebration of creativity and sustainability, pushing the boundaries of plant-based cuisine. Rubba’s commitment extends beyond the plate, focusing on kitchen culture that fosters well-being and sustainability, ensuring that the restaurant’s practices are beneficial for both people and the environment.
In D.C., Rubba has found a unique culinary landscape, where an intelligent clientele and a supportive community of chefs enable him to flourish and innovate. Oyster Oyster is not just a dining experience; it’s an embodiment of Rubba’s culinary philosophy, where each dish serves as a conduit for his values and vision for a more sustainable future in the food industry.
Social Media
Education
Art Institute in Philadelphia (partial)
Previously Worked At
- Hazel (closed)
Previously Worked With
- Guy Savoy
- Laurent Gras
- Gordon Ramsay
- Todd English
- Charlie Trotter
Awards
- James Beard, Outstanding Chef 2023