Aidan Owens

Black and white illustration of a cleaver pointing downwards
Chef Aidan Owens in a dark apron standing in the dining room at Herb & Sea, Encinitas CA — wine shelves and firewood stacked behind him

Culinary Director of Herb & Wood and Herb & Sea. 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.

Rooted in Local Waters & Farms

With Herb & Sea’s focus on 100% locally sourced seafood and partnerships with local farmers, Chef Aidan has built meaningful relationships with the fishermen and growers who supply the kitchen.

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