Gregory Leon

Chef Gregory León was born in Tulsa, OK, and raised in Venezuela, where his family built a life centered around the kitchen table. In 1989, they returned to Oklahoma, and by 1994, Gregory moved to San Francisco to pursue a culinary career. He spent 18 years cooking at restaurants like Poesia, Mirtille, and Horatius, while deepening his love for Iberian Peninsulas cuisine through travel and work in Spain and Portugal.

In 2012, Gregory arrived in Milwaukee, launching Amilinda as a pop-up in 2013 before opening its brick-and-mortar location in 2015. The restaurant quickly gained acclaim, earning three stars from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and a spot on Thrillist’s 21 Best New Restaurants in America. Amilinda has been recognized as one of Milwaukee’s quintessential restaurants and a fixture on Eater’s must-visit list for nearly a decade.

Chef Gregory has been a James Beard Award finalist for Best Chef Midwest (2022, 2023) and a semifinalist for Outstanding Chef (2024, 2025). Beyond his restaurant, he is deeply committed to mentoring emerging chefs and cooks, providing opportunities for them to grow in the industry. Through Amilinda, he has helped launch the careers of numerous up-and-coming culinary talents. He also actively supports Vivent Health, HRC, and many other local and national organizations.

In 2019, he co-founded Tables Across Borders, a collaborative dining series that gives refugee chefs a platform to share their cuisine, with 100% of ticket sales going to the guest cooks. During the pandemic, he helped launch Hungry Hearts, a community-driven initiative that kept restaurants afloat while feeding those in need. To pay forward the support he’s received, Gregory regularly opens Amilinda’s doors to chefs hosting pop-ups, fostering a culture of inclusivity and collaboration in Milwaukee’s food scene.

A proud advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, Gregory uses his platform to elevate queer voices in the culinary world. Amilinda is designated as a safe space, where inclusivity is at the forefront, and he actively works to highlight and support LGBTQ+ chefs, restaurateurs, and food professionals.

With an ever-evolving menu and a deep passion for food and community, Chef Leon continues to leave a lasting impact on Milwaukee’s culinary landscape.