Brad Wise

Trust | San Diego, CA

From his roots as a kid cooking in the kitchens of New Jersey to his journey into a nationally-acclaimed chef and restaurateur, Chef Wise has always created dishes that are an extraordinary reflection of the season, region and himself. Since 2016, he’s captured the hearts and palates of San Diego’s restaurant industry influencers and foodies and won countless awards with the opening of his restaurants Fort Oak, recently named Critic’s Pick Best New Restaurant of 2019 by San Diego Magazine, and Trust, Critic’s Pick Best New Restaurant of 2017 by San Diego Magazine. 

In his hands, local ingredients and nearby Baja traditions combine with tastes from his childhood to give guests jaw-dropping dishes they may know, on a level they could never achieve at home: wood-fired tastes with artisanal twists, house-made charcuterie and house-smoked meats, and shareable, seasonal dishes that declare plating high art—just to name a few.

Before staking his own eateries with co-owner Steve Schwob, Wise gained acclaim in the sleepy town of Bakersfield, California not known as a foodie destination. Wise changed that, stretching his culinary school experience with bold experimentation and tireless self-study, something he later brought to several highly-regarded beachside eateries in San Diego.  In addition to all of the accolades he’s earned, he also had the honor of cooking at the James Beard House as a featured chef in October of 2018. 

In his off days, you’re likely to find Wise lounging with some oysters and champagne while soaking in San Diego’s sunshine and dreaming up new ways to surprise diners.