My name is Paul Friedman! Over the years, I've had the privilege of owning and operating 58 restaurants across South Africa, Europe, and the United States. I was raised in South Africa, a country shaped by an extraordinary mix of indigenous African cultures and global influences — from Xhosa and Zulu traditions to Dutch, French, British, Indian, Portuguese, and Greek roots. That diversity formed the foundation of my cooking and my deep respect for food as a shared language.
Today, I operate my latest restaurant concept, The Chef's Table, returning to my original home at Vintage Park after retiring from Peli Peli in 2018. Each year, I travel back to South Africa to reconnect with the people, flavors, and traditions of my childhood, continuing my personal mission to collect, preserve, and share recipes from across the region. This is my most meaningful creation yet — a place where heritage, storytelling, and flavor come together — and one I hope will stand as a legacy for my children and grandchildren.
For details on upcoming South Africa culinary experiences with Chef Paul, contact info@chefstablehouston.com
CHEF PAUL & KYLE FRIEDMAN
The Chef's Table is a father-and-son collaboration between Chef Paul Friedman and his son Kyle Friedman. Paul brings decades of culinary experience to the kitchen, while Kyle, a construction contractor, helped design and build the space alongside him. Kyle's journey began early — washing dishes in the kitchen at just five years old — and today their work reflects a shared respect, deep bond, and love for their community.
CHELSEY DE CROSTA & MARVIN NAVALTA
Chelsey and Marvin are longtime partners and key leaders behind The Chef's Table. Having worked alongside Chef Paul for years, they represent the next generation — carrying forward his standards, mentorship, and relentless pursuit of culinary excellence. Guided by Chef Paul's leadership, they continue to raise the bar every day, shaping the future of The Chef's Table with skill, passion, and deep respect for the craft.
ANURA VINEYARDS
Anura Vineyards is an award-winning, globally recognized South African winery known for producing exceptional wines rooted in tradition and craft. The Chef's Table is the only place in the United States where Anura wines can be enjoyed or purchased, including access to exclusive private reserve selections available nowhere else.
