Kevin Tanaka

Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco welcomes Chef Kevin Tanaka as the new Executive Chef to the downtown luxury hotel. A true leader in the industry whose reputation has made lasting impressions with his team, Tanaka brings more than 15 years of experience to the property.

A native of Waimanalao, Hawaii, Chef Tanaka discovered his passion for food and cooking at a very young age. His first teacher was his Popo, which is Chinese for "grandmother," who he learned all his secrets from. He learned all her recipes and mastered the most important skill of any successful chef - to cook by taste. With an expansive culinary career cooking throughout the Bay Area, Chef Tanaka has combined his roots and techniques with his passion resulting in unique culinary creations.

After attending Santa Clara University and the California Culinary Academy, he began his career at the Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay where he worked under renowned Chef Xavier Salomon honing his craft. Over his nine-year tenure at Ritz Carlton, he worked his way up through the ranks to become chef de cuisine for the Hotel's spectacular dining room, Navio. He then made the move from a resort to a city environment as executive chef at the Lowes Regency. That experience was followed by a role as executive chef at the St. Regis San Francisco. Chef Tanaka joins the Four Seasons team from his most recent role as executive chef at Hotel Nikko and ANZU restaurant, which are renowned for its contemporary Japanese cuisine.

Overseeing the Hotel's dining outlet MKT Restaurant and Bar, in-room dining, and catering, Tanaka will lead the culinary team to ensure each outlet and each event is carefully executed and uniquely considered. Tanaka is looking forward to carrying on the many successes the Hotel has already seen and to become further integrated in the community.

Chef Tanaka's commitment to sustainable sourcing and responsible culinary practice is deep-rooted. He enjoys scouring the local farmers markets in search of fresh seasonal ingredients to inspire the dishes found on his next menu. With an endless bounty of fresh and seasonal ingredients, the Bay Area proves to be the perfect fit for him.

When not in the kitchen, Tanaka enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters, as well as riding his motorcycle, which he says is the most suitable way to commute around San Francisco.