Aidan Owens

"Headshot of Chef Aidan Owens, executive chef at Herb & Wood in San Diego."
"Aidan Owens engaging with guests at Herb & Wood, providing a personalized dining experience in San Diego."

Culinary Director of Herb & Wood and Herb & Sea, he leads the culinary vision across the Puffer Malarkey Collective. His approach is grounded in whole-animal butchery, fermentation, and thoughtful, whole-ingredient sourcing.

Our Chef

Raised on a small farm outside Byron Bay, Australia, Chef Aidan Owens learned to grow, raise, and butcher his own food, developing a lifelong respect for ingredients and sustainability. That ethos followed him to San Diego, where he honed his craft at standout restaurants including Kettner Exchange, Fort Oak, and Trust.

Today, his cooking highlights the best of the region, from sustainably sourced seafood to seasonal produce. He teaches his team proper butchery techniques to reduce waste and honor every part of the product, and his close relationships with local farms and independent fishermen connect the entire food chain, bringing peak flavors from the city straight to the plate.

Aidan Owens expertly filleting fresh fish at Herb & Wood and Herb & Sea in San Diego, showcasing his culinary skill and commitment to local seafood.
Aidan Owens teaching his culinary team how to butcher a pig at Herb & Wood and Herb & Sea in San Diego, demonstrating expert technique and leadership.

PRESS


Let’s Work Together

Interested in having Chef Aidan at your event, connecting for press, or exploring a collaboration?