Sebastián Vargas is a Co-Founder and the Executive Chef of Grassfed Culture Hospitality, a Miami-based hospitality group behind lauded concepts including Los Félix, Krüs Kitchen, and ZeyZey. Born in Santa Marta, Colombia, Vargas has called many places home, thanks to his parents’ work with UNICEF, which took him from Washington, D.C. to New Delhi, India. While living in India, he was deeply inspired by the vibrant smells, flavors, and sounds of the New Delhi markets, ultimately sparking his passion for cooking.
Pursuing this newfound path, Vargas moved to Paris, where he honed his skills by learning the foundations of traditional French cuisine and techniques. During his time in Europe, he embarked on a transformative journey, cycling with nothing but a backpack and tent—an experience that deepened his love for the art of cooking—before ultimately enrolling at The Culinary Institute of America in New York. Upon graduation, his career led him to some of the world’s most renowned kitchens, including Osteria Francescana, Eleven Madison Park, Maaemo, and Fäviken, where he further refined his craft.
After meeting Co-Founders Josh and Pili Hackler through his sister and discovering a shared vision for hospitality, Vargas relocated to Miami and co-founded Grassfed Culture Hospitality in 2020. As Executive Chef, he draws inspiration from the natural world to create innovative dishes that honor culinary traditions while pushing creative boundaries. His approach blends bold flavors, seasonal ingredients, and a focus on sustainability to craft menus that are both meaningful and memorable for Los Félix and Krüs Kitchen. Under his leadership, Los Félix has received one MICHELIN star, and both concepts have earned a MICHELIN Green Star for sustainability.
As a Co-Founder, Vargas’ leadership philosophy balances autonomy with empowerment, encouraging those around him to flourish and find their own path. He finds daily inspiration in the human stories behind food, driven by the belief that cooking nourishes the soul and evokes powerful memories. When he is not at Los Félix or Krüs Kitchen, Vargas can be found adventuring through nature on his motorcycle, tending to his home garden, reading, and staying connected with his family.