John Iatrellis has been appointed as Restaurant Chef of Paralía at The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami
The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami announces John Iatrellis as restaurant chef of Paralía, the resort’s open-air, oceanfront restaurant inspired by the coastal traditions of the Aegean region. A Miami native of Greek heritage with more than 25 years of hospitality experience, Iatrellis will lead Paralía’s culinary team and continue to shape a menu that brings together the flavors of the Greek isles and Turkey’s Aegean coast with Florida seafood and seasonal ingredients.
Most recently, Iatrellis served as chef de cuisine at Claudie, where he helped open the restaurant and led its kitchen for a year and a half. He approaches cooking as a universal language rooted in connection, generosity and a deep respect for the ingredients on the plate. He describes his cooking style as traditional and rustic, guided by a simple philosophy: “Cook pure, cook with love.”
At Paralía, Iatrellis draws upon a career shaped by some of Miami’s most notable kitchens, along with a lifelong appreciation for Mediterranean flavors and traditions. His cooking favors thoughtful, straightforward preparations that allow quality ingredients to shine, with braised lamb and octopus among his specialties and dill and sumac among his favorite ingredients. His affinity for Spain, particularly the Basque region, also continues to influence his culinary perspective.
Previously, he served as corporate executive chef for Life House Hotels, helping launch Layla, Terras and Pretty Swell in Miami. Terras was named Best Rooftop Restaurant by Miami New Times in 2022.
Earlier in his career, Iatrellis opened Lure Fishbar at Loews Miami Beach as executive chef, earning recognition from Miami New Times and the Miami Herald. He also spent a decade at the iconic Forge Restaurant & Wine Bar, including its 2010 relaunch. His career highlights include a collaboration dinner with celebrated chef Ignacio Mattos during the 20th anniversary of the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival presented by Capital One.