Mario Martinez

Mario Martínez, the Head Chef of Leña Dubai, discovered his love for cooking as a child in his hometown of Burgos, a picturesque town nestled in the north of Spain. Often spending time in the kitchen with his grandmother, who cooked for him, he was inspired by the magic of food in bringing people together amidst the aromas and flavours of traditional Spanish cuisine. Driven by this profound realisation, Mario secured an internship at the world’s third-best restaurant in San Sebastián, a pivotal moment that marked the beginning of his professional career. Since then, he has worked in renowned Michelin-starred restaurants across Mexico, Spain, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Singapore, and now Dubai, bringing together his experiences and influences to create dishes that reflect a fusion of flavours from around the globe.