The richest celebrity chefs in the world today (2024)

Meet the world's super-rich chefs

Sandra Lee: at least $20 million (£16m)

American chef and TV host Sandra Lee scored her big break thanks to herFood Network cooking segment, Semi-Homemade with Sandra Lee. Her Emmy-winning show, which debuted in 2003,saw her combine 70% pre-made products with 30% fresh items to create simple yet tasty meals. The popular programme aired for 15 seasons until 2016, while fellowFood Network seriesSandra's Money Saving Mealsranbetween 2009 and 2012. A breast cancer survivor, Lee also released the documentaryRX: Early Detection, A Cancer Journey with Sandra Leein 2018.

Sandra Lee: at least $20 million (£16m)

Beyond her TVventures, Lee has published numerous cookbooks and her popular 2007 memoir,Made From Scratch.The savvy star has boosted her bank balance by launching a range of home, gardenand craft productssoldin stores including Targetand Walmart.Overall, her impressive career has given Lee an estimated net worth of between $20 million (£16m) and $25 million (£20m).

Charlie Ayers: at least $20 million (£16m)

American chef Charlie Ayers gained fame as the first-ever executive chef at Google, a role which he startedin 1999 after winning a cook-off to secure the prestigious position. Ayers went on tolead a team of 150 staff members and five chefs,delivering around 4,000 meals per day across 10 cafes atGoogle's headquarters in California. Before joining the tech company, Ayers launched his cooking career at Hilton Hotels in New Jersey and had even worked as a chef for the rock band The Grateful Dead.

Charlie Ayers: at least $20 million (£16m)

Post-Google, he opened the Calafia Café &Market AGo-Go in Palo Alto, California, which operated until 2018. He also went on to pen a bestselling cookbook and offers consulting services to top tech firms. Ayers' reported net worth varies, with estimates ranging from $20 million (£16m) to $45 million (£36m). A significant chunk of his wealth comes from his early days at Google, which, then a small startup, gavehim40,000 company shares. These shares eventually ballooned in value to an impressive $26 million (£21m), contributing substantially to Ayers' overall fortune.

David Chang: at least $20 million (£16m)

Distinguished American-Korean chef David Chang is best known for founding the Momof*cku restaurant group. It all started with the 2004 launch of his Momof*cku Noodle Bar in New York City, with Chang laterexpandinghis Asian-fusion restaurant brand across the US, Canada and Australia. Known for his 'bad boy'attitude, the Michelin-starred chef has held guest judge spots on TV series such asTop Chef: All StarsandMasterChef: Australia.

David Chang: at least $20 million (£16m)

Chang also hosted the first season ofthePBS seriesThe Mind of a Chef–executive produced by the late Anthony Bourdain–andhas since created his own TV content, producing and starring in the Netflix food seriesUgly Deliciousbetween 2018 and 2020. More recently, he executive-produced and starred in the 2023 Hulu seriesSecret Chef. Chang was crowned Chef of the Year byBon Appétit andGQin 2007,and wasnamedonTime's100 Most Influential Peoplelist in 2010. With all this acclaim, it's no surprise his estimated fortune sits somewhere between $20 million (£16m) and $60 million (£47m).

Thomas Keller: at least $20 million (£16m)

Thomas Keller has built a restaurant empire, with his most famous establishments, The French Laundry in California and Per Se in New York, each boasting three Michelin stars. He's the only American chef to have simultaneously held triple-star Michelin ratings for two different restaurants. Keller hasauthored several successful cookbooks, includingThe French Laundry Cookbook and Bouchon Bakery. On a more unlikely note, healso voiced the character, Food Snob #1 in the 2007 Disney flick Ratatouille.

Thomas Keller: at least $20 million (£16m)

His illustrious career has earned Keller numerous Chef of the Year awardsand the distinguished Chevalier of the French Legion of Honour, which acknowledgeshis significant impact on promoting French cuisine in the US. These achievements have made Keller seriously rich, but it's not clear justhowrich he is;onlineestimates vary wildly, ranging from a cool $20 million (£16m)to an astonishing $130 million (£103m).

Curtis Stone: $25 million (£20m)

Australian chef Curtis Stone began his career at Melbourne's Savoy Hotel before jetting off to Europe to refine his culinary skills. He spent time in London training under the renowned chef Marco Pierre White, who (spoiler alert)alsofeatures later in our round-up. Today, the Michelin-star-awarded Stone is best known as a TV personality, appearingon cooking shows such as Iron Chef America and Top Chef Masters,for which hereportedly earned$100,000 (£70k) per episode.

Curtis Stone: $25 million (£20m)

He'seven graduated from the small screen to the silver screen; Stone lent his voice to the 2016 animated filmTrollsand its 2017 NBCspin-offTrolls Holiday. Overall, the culinary maestro's diverse career has amassed him an impressive estimated net worth of around $25 million (£20m).

Mario Batali: $25 million (£20m)

American chef Mario Batali –who specialisesin Italian cuisine –ran a culinary empire under his B&B Hospitality Group, which he co-founded with Joseph Bastianich. At its peak, B&Boperated 16 restaurants in prime locations such as New York, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Singaporeand Hong Kong. Not sated byfood alone, the chef has also authored several cookbooks (including 2008's Spain... A Culinary Road Tripwhich he co-wrote with actress Gwyneth Paltrow)andlaunched a line of food products such as pasta sauces and olive oils.

Mario Batali: $25 million (£20m)

On-screen, Batali is best known forco-hosting the talk showThe Chewbut hasdabbled in filmtoo,voicing Mr. Rabbit in the 2009 Wes Anderson filmFantastic Mr. Foxand flexing his acting chops inthe 2010 horror movieBitter Feast. Batali's diverse career has amassed him an estimated net worth of $25 million (£20m). However, his career took a significant downturn in 2019 when he was forced to resign from his restaurant group and sell his stake in the companyamidst shocking sexual harassment allegations.

Giada De Laurentiis: $30 million (£24m)

Italian-American chef Giada De Laurentiis trained at the prestigious culinary schoolLe Cordon Bleu in Parisbefore returning to America to launch her career. Her big break came when she landed her own Food Network show,Everyday Italian, in 2003. The hit series made De Laurentiis a household name, and she's since goneon to host other series such asGiada at HomeandGiada in Italy.

Giada De Laurentiis: $30 million (£24m)

De Laurentiis hasauthored several acclaimed recipe books, including Everyday Italian: 125 Simple and Delicious Recipes and Giada's Family Dinners. Cementingher culinary influence, she opened her first restaurant, Giada, in Las Vegas in 2014. Following its success, she launched Pronto by Giada, also in Las Vegas, and GDL Italian by Giada in Baltimore. Her three restaurants showcase her signature style:Italian cooking with a Californian twist. With all these achievements under her belt, it's hardly surprisingDe Laurentiis is worth an estimated$30 million (£24m).

Rick Bayless: $30 million (£24m)

American chef Rick Bayless opened his flagship Chicago restaurant, Frontera Grill, in 1987. Following its success, he swiftly expanded his empire of eateriesacross the city. But Bayless didn't stop at restaurants; he found fame by starring in the cookingshowMexico: One Plate at a Time,which aired for an epic 16 years between 2003 and 2019, and currently hostsExploringMexico's Kitchen with Rick Bayless.

Rick Bayless: $30 million (£24m)

The acclaimed chef has boosted his fortune with popularcookbooks, includingAuthentic Mexican: Regional Cooking from the Heart of MexicoandRick Bayless's Mexican Kitchen: Capturing the Vibrant Flavours of a World-Class Cuisine. A recipient of multiple awards from the James Beard Foundation, a New York-based culinary arts organisation, Bayless has amassed an estimated total fortune of $30 million (£24m).

Marco Pierre White: $40 million (£32m)

British chef Marco Pierre White, once dubbed 'London's Rudest Chef'by the press, is as well-known for his fiery personality as he is for his culinary talents. After training under prestigiouschefs Albert Roux and Raymond Blanc, White opened his first restaurant, Harveys, in 1987. At just 33 years old,he became the youngest chef at the time to have achieved three Michelin stars, cementing his status in the high-end dining scene.

Marco Pierre White: $40 million (£32m)

The restaurateur boosted his profile with appearances on TV shows such asHell's KitchenandMasterChef. He also mentored many up-and-coming chefs who would laterbecome famous in their own right, including Gordon Ramsay, Heston Blumenthaland the aforementioned Curtis Stone. In a bid to prioritise his personal life, White retired from cooking in 1999, returning his Michelin stars in the process. His career has reportedly earned him an estimated fortune of $40 million (£32m).

Levi Roots: $45 million (£36m)

Jamaican chef and businessman Levi Roots has been widely credited with introducing the vibrant flavours of the Caribbean to the UK food scene. He rose to fame after appearing on the BBC show Dragons' Den in 2007, where he sought investment for his Reggae Reggae Sauce, a Caribbean-inspired dressing witha Jamaican jerk flavour. The charismatic Roots secured a deal with the Dragons and his sauce quickly made its way onto supermarket shelves across the UK.

Levi Roots: $45 million (£36m)

The business-savvy foodie has expanded his brand to include recipe books, Caribbean-inspired ready meals and even a (now-closed) London restaurant named Levi's Caribbean Smokehouse. He's alsoa TV personality, appearing onCelebrity Mastermind and Big Brother. Overall,this entrepreneurial chef is estimated to beworth an impressive $45 million (£36m).

Vikram Vij: $50 million (£40m)

Indian-born Canadian chef Vikram Vij, who specialises in Indian cuisine, launched his first restaurant, Vij's, in Vancouver in 1994. Following its success, he expanded his culinary empire with several more eateries, including Rangoli and My Shanti. He's also co-authoredtwo bestselling cookbooks:Vij's: Elegant & Inspired Indian CuisineandVij's at Home: Relax, Honey:The Warmth and Ease of Indian Cooking.

Vikram Vij: $50 million (£40m)

Like many of the chefs who feature on our list, Vij has found success in the world of TV, appearing as a guest judge onTop Chef Canada. His achievements as a restaurateur also helped him become an investor in the Canadian version ofDragons' Den. The chef and businessman's hard work has paid off, earning him an estimatedfortune of $50 million (£40m).

Ree Drummond: $50 million (£40m)

Self-proclaimed country girl Ree Drummond officially entered the culinary world in 2006when she launched her food and rural lifestyle blog,The Pioneer Woman. The site's successpaved theway for Drummond'spublishing career, and cookbooks includingThe Pioneer Woman Cooks: Recipes from an Accidental Country Girl and The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Food from My Frontier,followed.

Ree Drummond: $50 million (£40m)

In fact, thePioneer Womanbrand became so big that Drummond landed her own Food Network show in 2011, later launching a magazine with the same name. TheentrepreneurialRee and her husband, Ladd Drummond, have also opened numerous businesses in their hometown of Pawhuska, Oklahoma, including a restaurant, a retail storeand a boutique hotel. Ladd is a member of the Drummond dynasty, one of America's most prominent land-owning families.Drummond's lifestyle brand empire has amassed her an estimated total fortune of$50 million (£40m).

José Andrés: $50 million (£40m)

Spanish chef José Andrés moved to the US in the 1990s, beginning his career at Jaleoin Washington, D.C. In 2003, he launched therestaurant minibar in Washington, D.C., known for its avant-garde small-plate tasting menu. Along with Robert Wilder, Andrés is a co-founder of ThinkFoodGroup, which overseesmany restaurants across the US.

José Andrés: $50 million (£40m)

Andrés has published several successful cookbooks and has become a vibrant TV personality, featuring on shows such asIron Chef AmericaandMade in Spain.A renowned humanitarian, he's also known for foundingWorld Central Kitchen, a non-profit organisation that provides meals in response to natural disasters. Andrés has been honoured with numerous awards, including two Michelin stars and the prestigious National Humanities Medal. His impressive career has earned him an estimated net worth of $50 million (£40m).

Ina Garten: $60 million (£48m)

Surprisingly, Ina Garten began her career as a White House nuclear budget analyst before she became aculinary icon. A self-taught chef, her first venture into the industry was launching herBarefoot Contessa speciality food store in New York in the late 1970s. However, it was her Barefoot Contessashow on the Food Network that made Garten a household name upon its 2002 launch.

Ina Garten: $60 million (£48m)

Beyond TV, Garten is a prolific author with a series of bestselling cookbooks to her name, includingThe Barefoot Contessa CookbookandBarefoot Contessa at Home:Everyday Recipes You'll Make Over and Over Again. Garten is estimated to be worth $60 million (£48m), according to online sources. If you combine that with the wealth of her husband, Jeffrey Garten, who is Dean Emeritus at the Yale School of Management, their total fortune sits at around$120 million (£96m).

Bobby Flay: $60 million (£48m)

American chef Bobby Flay launched his career at Mesa Grill in 1991 and was made a partner inthe business shortly after. That successwas just the start of his foray into food, withFlay opening several restaurants including Bolo, Bar Americain and the fast-casual chain Bobby's Burger Palace.

Bobby Flay: $60 million (£48m)

The charismatic Flay has also carved out a thriving TV career, hosting hit shows such asGrill It! with Bobby FlayandThrowdown! with Bobby Flayon the Food Network.He's also competed onIron Chef America. To top it off, Flay is a successful author, having penned several cookbookson grilling and his love for American-inspired cuisine. All in all, his multi-faceted career has amassed him an estimated fortune of $60 million (£48m).

Emeril Lagasse: $70 million (£55m)

American chef Emeril Lagasse's cooking style is heavily influenced by his Portuguese and French-Canadian heritage. He opened his first restaurant, Emeril's, in New Orleans in 1990, and its success inspired him to launchmore eateries across America. He's also authored numerous cookbooks.

Emeril Lagasse: $70 million (£55m)

Lagasse has achievedcelebrity status thanks to his small-screen career, which has seen him hostFood Network shows such asEssence of EmerilandEmeril Live.But he's also known for establishingthe Emeril Lagasse Foundation, which supports the culinary arts and education.His contributionshave been recognised with several awards, including the prestigious James Beard Foundation Award. Overall, he's estimated to have a net worth of$70 million (£55m).

Guy Fieri: at least $70 million (£55m)

It was recently reported that Guy Fieri hassigned a $100 million (£79m) multi-year deal with Food Network. His relationship with the cable channelstretchesback almost two decades; he won its reality TV competition,The Next Food Network Star, in 2006.

Guy Fieri: at least $70 million (£55m)

This victory led to the launch of his first show,Guy's Big Bite, with his seriesDiners, Drive-Insand Diveslanding the following year. Since then, he's gone on to appear ina number of programmes for the network, includingGuy's Grocery GamesandBeachside Brawl.The shrewd Fieri has usedhis small-screen success to build an off-screen business empire, which includes restaurants, cookbooks and edible items.His total net worth is estimated to be between $70 million (£55m) and $100 million (£79m).

Rachael Ray: $100 million (£79m)

American chef and TV personality Rachael Ray has experiencedabundant fame and fortune thanks toher approachable cooking style and down-to-earth persona. She achieved her big break with her Food Network show30 Minute Meals, which aired for 11 seasons from 2001 to 2012 and wasrebooted in 2019. Her eponymous talk show launchedin 2006 and enjoyed a successful run until 2023.

Rachael Ray: $100 million (£79m)

Ray has also found stardom in the publishing world, having penned numerous hit cookbooks and founded her own magazine,Every Day with Rachael Ray.Meanwhile, her notable philanthropic efforts include establishing the charity Yum-o!, which focuses on educating families and children about healthy eating.The Emmy-award-winning Ray is estimated to be worth a stunning$100 million (£79m).

Wolfgang Puck: $120 million (£95m)

After completing his culinary training, Austrian chef Wolfgang Puck relocated to the United States, where he began his career at LA restaurant Ma Maison in the 1970s. Puck found fame with the publication of his first cookbook, Modern French Cooking for the American Kitchen, in 1981. Its success led to him opening his first restaurant, Spagoon the Sunset Strip, the following year. Over the years, he's launched threebrands:the Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining Group, Wolfgang Puck Worldwide, Inc., and Wolfgang Puck Catering. His lucrativeportfolio includessuccessful restaurants, catering services, cookbooks, kitchenware, and packaged foods.

Wolfgang Puck: $120 million (£95m)

Beyond his money-spinning business ventures, Puck is a dedicatedphilanthropist. In 1982, he co-founded the Puck-Lazaroff Charitable Foundation, which organisesthe annual American Wine & Food Festival, which in turn supports the LA branches of Meals-on-Wheels. He's since receivednumerous accolades, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2017 and recognition on theInternational Hospitality Institute's100 Most Powerful People in Global Hospitalityranking in 2022. His estimated net worth is around $120 million (£95m).

Nobu Matsuhisa: $200 million (£157m)

Japanese chef Nobuyuki 'Nobu'Matsuhisa is renowned for blending traditional Japanese dishes with Peruvian ingredients. Matsuhisa, who started as a sushi master in Tokyo before opening a short-livedrestaurant in Peru, relocated to Los Angeles and opened ahigh-end sushi restaurantin 1987. His friendship with actor Robert De Niro led to their collaboration in launching the first Nobu restaurant in New York, a move that laterinspired a worldwide chain of restaurants and hotels.

Nobu Matsuhisa: $200 million (£157m)

Matsuhisa's empire now includes prestigious venues in major cities around the world, includingMalibu, Barcelona and Doha. He's furtherboosted his fortune by publishing successful cookbooks. More surprisingly, Matsuhisa has also featured in a trio of big-namemovies. He acted alongside his buddy and business partner, De Niro, in the 1995 crime movieCasino. Healsolanded minor roles in the comedyAustin Powers in Goldmember(2002) and the period dramaMemoirs of a Geisha(2005). Today, he's worthan impressive $200 million (£157m).

Jamie Oliver: $200 million (£157m)

British chef Jamie Oliver soared to fame thanks to his BBC show The Naked Chef,which premiered in 1999 and led to a bestselling cookbook of the same name. Oliver has since hosted several popular TV series for the BBC and Channel 4, including Return of the Naked Chef and Jamie's Kitchen.As the second-bestselling British author after J.K. Rowling, Oliver has sold over 14 million cookbooks worldwide, with popular titles includingJamie at Home: Cook Your Way to the Good Lifeand Jamie's 30-Minute Meals.

Jamie Oliver: $200 million (£157m)

He's also known for his public health campaigns. His workpromoting healthy eating earned him the title of 'Most Inspiring Political Figure of 2005'by Channel 4 News, while a 2010 nutrition-relatedTED talk he delivered earned him that year's TED Prize. Expanding his restaurant business, Oliver opened Jamie's Italian in Oxford in 2008. Despite its initial success and expansion, the 25-branch chain went into administration in 2019, leading to over 1,000 job losses. In November 2023he launched his latest restaurant, Catherine St, in London.Oliver's net worth is estimated at around $200 million (£157m).

Gordon Ramsay: $220 million (£173m)

British chef Gordon Ramsay initially pursued a career in football but shifted his focus to cooking after sustaining an injury. He honed his skills under the likes of Marco Pierre White before becominghead chef at Aubergine in London, where he earned two Michelin stars. In 1998, Ramsay openedRestaurantGordon Ramsay on London's Royal Hospital Road, quickly achieving three Michelin stars.

Gordon Ramsay: $220 million (£173m)

Today, he's perhaps best known as a fiery television personality, starring in programmessuch asHell's KitchenandKitchen Nightmares. These shows debuted in the UK in 2004 and reached American audiences a few years later. With additional showsGordon Ramsay's Future Food StarsandGordon Ramsay: Uncharted Showdownunder his belt, Ramsayhas also authored several successful cookbooks and oversees a global restaurant empire with locations in Dubai, London and Las Vegas. Theseendeavours have contributed toa staggering $220 million (£173m) fortune, making him the world's second-richest celebrity chef.

Alan Wong: $1.1 billion (£862m)

Alan Wong takes the top spot as the world's wealthiest chefby a long shot, with a jaw-dropping estimated net worth of $1.1 billion (£862m). Wong is best known as the co-founder of Hawaii Regional Cuisine, a company set upto showcase Hawaii’s locally grown ingredients and diverse culinary styles.

Alan Wong: $1.1 billion (£862m)