Nelson German, a 45-year-old Dominican American chef, is making a significant impact on the Oakland restaurant scene by honoring his cultural heritage and prioritizing community. German, who grew up in the culturally rich Washington Heights neighborhood of Manhattan, moved to the San Francisco Bay Area in 2010. The transition from his vibrant New York City upbringing, deeply influenced by the Latin Caribbean community, was a notable shift.
To combat homesickness and reconnect with his roots, German began incorporating the flavors he missed most into his restaurants, alaMar Dominican Kitchen and Sobre Mesa. He noted a past industry trend where chefs were encouraged to focus on European-centric cuisine for recognition. However, German asserts that this is no longer the case, as his innovative approach to traditional Afro-Latin dishes has earned him a Michelin recommendation and acknowledgment from the James Beard Foundation.
German's culinary philosophy centers on creating dishes that are authentic and historically accurate, incorporating the distinct spices of Caribbean cuisine without compromising on flavor. This dedication to cultural specificity is, in his view, part of a broader movement among chefs of color to create unique culinary experiences that move away from mainstream trends.
In April 2025, German expanded his offerings with Meski, a new restaurant that fuses Ethiopian and Dominican cuisine. This venture is a collaboration with entrepreneur Guma Fassil and Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green. German emphasizes that his restaurants are about telling a genuine story through food.
Beyond his restaurants, German is committed to community engagement. He supports culinary training programs for young people and fosters connection through his Caribbean fare. His first book, Caribbean Cocktails: Drinks and Bites from the Afro-Latino Diaspora, released in June, offers contemporary interpretations of classic drinks and aims to inspire readers to embrace Caribbean hosting traditions. German sees this commitment to ancestral traditions as a reflection of Sankofa, the Ghanaian principle of looking to the past to inform the future with love and kindness, always honoring those who came before.