Chef Valerie Chang to Leave Maty's in Midtown Miami

Miami is losing one of its brightest culinary stars this summer, but the future is still bright. Chef Valerie Chang has announced she will leave Maty's, her award-winning Peruvian restaurant in Midtown Miami, after its rather short but incredible run (just one year ago, she won a James Beard Award for Best Chef: South for her work at the restaurant).

Due to her departure, the restaurant's last day of service — for the time being — will be on Saturday, July 5, as the team works to figure out its next steps. The news, shared via a heartfelt Instagram post on Thursday, June 26, marks the end of a chapter that meant more to the chef than just food.

Valerie writes, "Our dad showed us very early on that being in the restaurant could give us an opportunity to struggle a little less — that perhaps we weren't bound only by what our parents could give us, but by what we could also make with our own hands. As this chapter comes to an end for me, I want to take this moment to express my deepest gratitude for everyone who has allowed me to cook for them at Maty’s over the past two years."
"We opened this restaurant to honor our grandmother, Maty, in the best way we know how — through food," she adds, referring to Maty, the restaurant's namesake and her beloved late grandmother. She goes on to thank her entire team, family, friends, and support system. According to Chang, she is looking forward to sharing upcoming plans and projects.

Valerie's decision follows a whirlwind year for the Chang siblings. Just last week, her brother, chef Nando Chang, took home Best Chef: South at the James Beard Foundation Awards — the same honor Val won in 2024 — and earlier this spring, he secured a Michelin star for Itamae AO.

Now, he's returning his full focus to Itamae AO, which will expand its service beginning July 8.

A Groundbreaking Miami Restaurant

Since opening in March 2023, Maty's has become a beloved jewel in Miami's restaurant scene, drawing praise from New Times, Bon Appétit, Condé Nast Traveler, Esquire, and the New York Times. But beyond the acclaim, it was a deeply personal project — a space where Valerie celebrated her Peruvian roots with every plate of pan con chicharrón, every delicate tiradito, and every soul-soaked ají amarillo.

Maty's also hosted the return of Itamae's à la carte residency this spring, which will have its final service on Saturday, July 5. If you haven't snagged a table to enjoy the cebiches, nigiri, and other Nikkei delights, this is your last chance.

Chef Valerie Chang Looks Ahead — And Miami May Be in Luck

New Times reached out to a representative of the Chang family, who informed us that although the last day of service will be July 5, the family is in the process of figuring out their next steps. "Still sorting that part out! The Changs are working with their business partners to determine what makes the most sense as a next step in Maty's space, with the goal of best serving their community. We don't have anything to share just yet, but we look forward to sharing more as soon as we do."

Valerie herself has been mum as to what might be on the horizon, but she has teased that exciting new projects are on the horizon. Whatever they are, Miami will be waiting with open arms. Maty's might be closing, but Valerie's story is far from over. And if there's one thing we know for sure? Abuela Maty would be so proud.

Maty's. 3255 NE First Ave., Miami; 786-338-3525; matysmiami.com. Temporarily closing following its last service on July 5.