Melissa Martin

Melissa M. Martin is a New Orleans chef and restaurant owner. She has written two books, Mosquito Supper Club and Bayou.

Early life Martin grew up in Chauvin, Louisiana where she was one of six kids in her family.

Career In 2014 Martin started preparing food in pop up locations in Louisiana. In 2016 she opened a restaurant in New Orleans, the Mosquito Supper. which The New York Times named as one of the best restaurants in New Orleans in 2023.

In 2020 Martin changed how her restaurant served meals in response to limitations imposed by the city of New Orleans during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Awards and honors In 2022 and 2023 Martin was a semifinalist south region as best chef for the James Beard Foundation Award. Her 2022 cookbook received the James Beard Award for best new cookbook the category of U.S. roadways.