Michelle Bernstein
Chef Michelle Bernstein, James Beard Foundation Award-winner for “Best Chef: South” (2008), is a Miami native of Jewish and Latin descent. Known for her vibrant, flavor-forward cooking, Bernstein draws inspiration from culinary memories and extensive global travels.
With her husband and partner, David Martinez, she owns and operates Michelle Bernstein Catering, along with several successful concepts, including Miami Beach cocktail bar Sweet Liberty; Little Havana’s Café La Trova; and La Cañita, located in Bayside Marketplace. In 2022, Bernstein partnered with CookUnity, a meal delivery service that brings her menu of fresh, pre-cooked meals directly to people’s homes. Recent projects include the opening of Sra. Martinez in Coral Gables in December 2024, a modern take on the beloved, award-winning Sra. Martinez previously located in the Design District, as well as the opening of La Cañita Kendall and La Cañita Beach, the newest locations of the Bayside favorite.
Bernstein currently hosts two Emmy Award-winning television shows: Check, Please! South Florida (PBS) and SoFlo Taste (Channel 10). Bernstein also began the Florida chapter of Common Threads and continues to devote time to the organization in her role as Vice Chair of the National Board. Additionally, she partners with Cosentyx to share her personal story as a patient with psoriatic arthritis and to empower others living with the condition.
