Nick is the co-chef & co-owner of Playa Provisions in Playa del Rey, California. One of the most important aspects of the restaurant business is being part of a community.
“The kinship and camaraderie among chefs and restaurateurs is something that really shaped me when I was first starting out in the restaurant business.”
From Californian Vineyards to Fine Dining in NYC
Raised on a family-owned vineyard in Carmel Valley, CA, Roberts developed a palate for fine food early on.
His passion for cooking led him to the California Culinary Academy of San Francisco, where he refined his skills while working in the kitchens of Aqua and Masa’s.
After graduating, he moved back to Carmel, CA where he worked at the prestigious Highlands Inn.
After a year or so, he decided to travel to New York City and had the honor of working in the acclaimed kitchens of Union Pacific, Café Boulud, and Bouley.
In 2001, Roberts moved to the Los Angeles where a new chapter of his culinary career—and personal life—began.
From Sous Chef to Restaurateur
As sous chef at Zax in Brentwood, Nick met Brooke Williamson, a talented chef who would soon become his (now ex) wife and business partner. Together, they embarked on an ambitious journey, opening:
- Amuse Café (Venice) – their first restaurant together.
- Beechwood – earning them the prestigious "Rising Star Chefs" title from StarChefs in 2004.
- Hudson House (2009) & The Tripel (2011) – South Bay neighborhood spots serving elevated gastro-pub fare, cocktails, plus craft beer and small production wines.
The Success of Playa Provisions
In 2014, the husband and wife team debuted a unique four in one concept, Playa Provision, in Playa del Rey, CA, featuring:
- King Beach – A casual grab-and-go marketplace.
- Small Batch – An artisanal ice cream shop.
- Dockside – A refined seafood dining spot.
- Grain – An intimate whiskey bar.
Their success continued with Tripli-Kit, a culinary focused retail store, and Da Kikokiko, a Hawaiian-inspired fast casual concept, in October 2016.
In 2017, they expanded Small Batch to to the vibrant neighborhood of Mar Vista.
Although the pandemic led to the closure of many of their ventures, Playa Provisions remains a staple of the Los Angeles dining scene—and Nick is always looking ahead to new culinary adventures.
Beyond the Kitchen
When it’s time to relax, Nick can be found:
- Surfing the California waves.
- Cycling along the coast.
- Practicing yoga
- Building tables and light fixtures for his restaurants in his woodshop.
- Spending time with his son, Hudson, who keeps him busy and endlessly entertained.
Discover Our Chef-Led Bike Tours in Italy
While we don’t currently offer a tour with Nick Roberts, we invite you to experience an unforgettable culinary journey in Italy.
Join our exclusive Chef Bike Tours—a one-of-a-kind experience combining cycling, food, and Italy’s finest cuisine with incredible meals prepared by top chefs.
