Ari Bokovza

Executive Chef and Partner

Chef Ari Bokovza spent his childhood summers in Israel, where he was introduced to new foods and exotic spices by his Tunisian grandmother, a founding relationship that paved the way to a bountiful culinary career.

Ari went on to train in some of Europe's best restaurants, including Michelin-starred El Racó d’en Freixa in Barcelona, Spain. His move to New York saw him take up positions in some of the city's most renowned kitchens, including Union Square Cafe, Picholine, The Standard Grill, and The Modern, where, during his three-year tenure as chef de cuisine, the restaurant was awarded three stars from The New York Times.

From his role as Culinary Director at Casa Nela Group, Ari joined the Chef Driven Hospitality family, and opened critically acclaimed Dagon as Executive Chef and Partner in 2021. Ari's distinctive cuisine brings together his family's culinary heritage, with inspiration from the Middle East and North Africa, and promises an always vibrant and uplifting dining experience.