Michael Rafidi

Michael Lee Rafidi (c. 1985) is a Palestinian American chef and restaurateur. Rafidi was named the 2024 the James Beard Foundation's Outstanding Chef of the Year

Career Rafidi worked at Michael Mina’s restaurant RN74 in San Francisco, California. At RN74, Rafidi held the role of executive chef. He also became the executive chef at another one of Mike Isabella's restaurants Requin, which was located on The Wharf but has since closed.

In February 2020, Rafidi opened Albi, located in Washington, D.C's Navy Yard. In June of that same year, Rafidi’s restaurant Albi earned a Michelin Star.

In June 2024, Rafidi was named The James Beard Foundation's Outstanding Chef of the Year. In July 2024, he opened a new and expanded 3,500-square-foot flagship and test kitchen for Yellow located in Union Market. In September of that same year, Rafidi opened a third restaurant, La' Shukran that is styled after a French bistro and located in Union Market on top of his Yellow location.