About Chef Katz

For the past 25 years, Chef Douglas Katz has focused on creating fulfilling, transportive experiences for Clevelanders to enjoy. As chef/owner of Zhug and Amba, his driving purpose is to spread joy through meaningful experiences and shared passion. Chef Katz is also chef/partner of Provenance at the Cleveland Museum of Art, as well as former chef/owner of fire food and drink — which operated in Shaker Square for more than 20 years.

Chef Katz is passionate about using fresh, high-quality ingredients with integrity. Throughout his career, he has been celebrated for his unwavering support of local farmers and food artisans. He advocates nationally and internationally for sustainable, healthful and local food systems, and frequently consults with media and civic leaders on local food initiatives. Chef Katz is an advisor/consultant for Seeds of Collaboration Tahini, Smart Soda and the Cleveland Clinic via Morrison Healthcare. He also serves as a chef ambassador for the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafoodwatch program, which promotes environmentally responsible fishing and fish farming. He served on the board of Countryside in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and has held leadership positions with Destination Cleveland and Cleveland Independents, an organization of 90 locally owned restaurants that nurtures and promotes local independent restaurants.

Esquire magazine named Zhug one of America’s best new restaurants in 2020. In 2014, the prestigious James Beard Foundation nominated Chef Katz for Best Chef of the Great Lakes Region. In 2010 he was recognized by Crain’s Cleveland Business, “Who’s Who, 150 Names to Know in Northeast Ohio.” He graduated from the Culinary Institute of America and also earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Denver School of Hotel and Restaurant Management. Prior to opening fire food and drink, he served as executive chef of Moxie the restaurant (Cleveland, OH) and worked at acclaimed restaurants including The Little Nell (Aspen, CO) and Wildwood Restaurant (Portland, OR).

In his free time, Chef Katz enjoys traveling and exploring the world and other cultures through food — and then sharing those experiences in his restaurants. He also loves relaxing at home with his family and much-loved dog, Arlo.