Esther Choi Chef Husband: Life Behind The Kitchen

When public figures build massive brands in the restaurant and television worlds, fans naturally grow curious about their private lives. For acclaimed chef, restaurateur, and Food Network star Esther Choi, public interest often focuses on her family and her partner, Joshua Griffiths. While Choi shares plenty of her professional milestones, culinary philosophy, and dynamic kitchen energy with the world, her domestic life remains grounded away from the relentless media spotlight.

Understanding the balance behind her culinary empire requires looking at how personal stability supports professional drive. Managing multiple restaurant locations, filming television projects, and developing recipes demand immense energy. Having a reliable partner allows high-profile chefs to sustain demanding schedules without burning out.

The Journey Behind the Chef

Before examining the personal dynamics of her life, it helps to contextualize Esther Choi’s rise in the culinary industry. Born in New Jersey and spending part of her childhood in South Korea, Choi developed an early appreciation for traditional flavors. She started working in restaurants at just fourteen years old, laying a gritty foundation in the hospitality sector long before television appearances came calling.

Her formal training took place at the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City, followed by hands-on experience in acclaimed kitchens like ilili and La Esquina. Over the years, she expanded her footprint by opening mŏkbar in Chelsea Market, introducing modern interpretations of everyday Korean fare like ramen and hand-crafted dumplings. Additional locations across New York and New Jersey, alongside ventures like Ms. Yoo, cemented her status as a culinary leader.

Television audiences also recognize her from hit programs like Food Network's 24 in 24: Last Chef Standing and the series Heat Eaters. Balancing television production, recipe writing, and restaurant management requires a rock-solid support system at home.

Joshua Griffiths and Family Life

Esther Choi shares her life in New York City with her partner, Joshua Griffiths, along with their son, Leonardo, and their dog, Persimmon. Unlike chefs who turn their domestic relationships into social media content, Choi keeps details about her partner relatively private. Griffiths operates largely outside the restaurant industry spotlight, allowing the couple to maintain a distinct boundary between public celebrity and private family moments.

Maintaining this boundary isn't easy for modern chefs. Culinary professionals often face grueling 80-hour workweeks, late-night service shifts, and weekend obligations. For Choi, establishing intentional work-life boundaries became essential after experiencing early career burnout. Grounding herself at home in New York City provides the necessary reset away from the high-stress restaurant line.

• Urban Residence: The family lives in a newly renovated apartment in New York City.
• Parenthood: They welcomed their son, Leonardo, in February 2024.
• Companionship: Their dog, Persimmon, is a regular fixture in their home life.

Navigating Demanding Careers and Home Balance

The intersection of high-end hospitality and family life presents unique hurdles. Restaurant operations run heavily during evenings, weekends, and holidays—the exact windows when most families gather. For television personalities who travel for production work, scheduling becomes even more complex.

Chefs who successfully manage both worlds usually rely on structured time management and clear delegation. Choi has spoken openly about learning to switch off her work mind. Turning off mobile devices, setting strict boundaries with culinary teams, and protecting personal downtime help preserve mental health. Having a partner who understands these industry pressures makes a significant difference in sustaining a long-term relationship under public scrutiny.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Esther Choi's partner?

Esther Choi lives with her partner, Joshua Griffiths. They reside in New York City with their son.

Does Esther Choi have children?

Yes, she and Griffiths welcomed a son named Leonardo in February 2024.

What restaurants does Esther Choi own?

She is best known for founding mŏkbar in Chelsea Market and expanding it to multiple locations, alongside her involvement in other ventures like Ms. Yoo.

Where did Esther Choi receive her culinary training?

She trained formally at the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City after beginning her restaurant industry career at age fourteen. You can learn more about her background on the Food Network Profile.