Matt Riordan

Associate Partner & Divisional Executive Chef Sushi-san, Ramen-san, Crying Tiger

Matt Riordan is an Associate Partner and Divisional Executive Chef at Lettuce Entertain You, where he oversees the culinary operations of Ramen-san, Sushi-san and the forthcoming Crying Tiger, leading menu development, overseeing back-of-house operations, and mentoring culinary teams. He has also played a pivotal role in the opening of Gus’ Sip & Dip, Lettuce’s newest bar coming soon to River North, and in 2025 will be part of the team spearheading the San portfolio of restaurants’ continued expansion.

Matt joined Lettuce in 2016 as a chef at Quality Oyster Bah, before being tapped as the opening Executive Chef at Sushi-san River North in 2017. He subsequently brought his leadership skills to the successful openings of Sushi-san Willis Tower, Ramen-san Lincoln Park and Sushi-san Lincoln Park, which resulted in his promotion to Divisional Executive Chef and later Associate Partner.

A lifelong foodie, Matt was born and raised on the North side of Chicago. While he initially studied at Loyola University Chicago, a bartending job ignited his passion for food, beverage and hospitality, leading him to pursue formal culinary training at the Cooking & Hospitality Institute of Chicago (CHIC). After graduating in 2005, Matt began his career as a cook at Brasserie Ruhlmann in 2006, followed by roles at Shikago and Pops for Champagne, where he served as Executive Chef. In 2011, he became the Corporate Chef for Saigon Sisters, which broadened his knowledge of Southeast Asian cuisine.

His wife Annie’s Vietnamese heritage has further deepened his appreciation and affinity for Southeast Asian cuisine, and together, they frequently travel to Vietnam and other parts of Southeast Asia to explore the region’s culinary traditions. He finds joy in working with his team to create vibrant, craveable dishes inspired by those he’s experienced during his travels, and fostering a culture of endless growth, curiosity and learning among his team.

When he's not in the kitchen, Matt enjoys traveling and experiencing diverse cuisines. A true Chicagoan, he still resides on the North side, close to his roots and family, including his brother Kevin, who is the General Manager at Shaw's Crab House.