Fernando Navas

Balvanera - Philadelphia

Chef Fernando Navas brings over 20 years of culinary experience, beginning in Argentina and with progressive roles at world-renowned Nobu restaurant in Miami and Paradise Island, Bahamas. 

With the energy and experience he garnered at Nobu, Fernando’s culinary career took flight. He joined the SUSHISAMBA team in New York City and, just months later, was awarded a prestigious externship opportunity at elBulli, Ferran Adria’s world-famous restaurant in Spain. Upon return to SUSHISAMBA in NYC, Fernando’s talent propelled him from Executive Chef to Corporate Chef in just three years. Fernando served as a culinary creative director, gaining inspiration for the menu from research trips to Japan, Brazil and Peru, In 2013, Fernando left the SUSHISAMBA family and founded El Fuego Sagrado consulting. With his heart still split between New York and Buenos Aires, he began developing a vision for his own restaurant and returned to New York. Balvanera, his first project, came to life in August 2014 on Manhattan's Lower East Side. A tribute to his culinary roots, Balvanera is the cuisine and spirit of Buenos Aires and the dynamic regions of Argentina. Since opening it has received acclaim from top NYC publications and food critics, with 4.5 stars across all review platforms.