Sheldon Simeon

Tiffany's Restaurant & Bar - Wailuku, HI

Born and raised in Hilo on the Island of Hawaii, Sheldon Simeon discovered his love for cooking through his parents, whose home kitchen first sparked his passion for food. After graduating from Hilo High School, Simeon began his culinary journey at the Culinary Institute of the Pacific, later gaining valuable experience through an internship at Walt Disney World. He eventually returned to Hawaii to continue his education at UH Maui College – Maui Culinary Academy, setting the stage for what would become a celebrated career.

Simeon first captivated national audiences on Season 10 of Bravo’s Top Chef: Seattle, where he advanced to the finals and won the hearts of viewers as Fan Favorite. He returned to the show for Season 14 in Charleston, again reaching the finals and earning a second Fan Favorite title—making him one of the most beloved contestants in the show’s history.

In 2016, Simeon and his wife Janice opened Tin Roof in Kahului, a humble yet wildly popular eatery serving up local-style comfort food in take-out bowls. His inventive yet nostalgic take on dishes like poke, kau kau tins, and garlic noodles has earned him a loyal following and critical acclaim. That creativity was recognized with a James Beard Award nomination in 2022, where he was named a finalist for Best Chef: Pacific Northwest.

Simeon’s culinary career is defined by a commitment to local flavors and a deep respect for Hawai‘i’s multicultural food heritage. In 2022, he and Janice purchased Tiffany’s Restaurant & Bar, a beloved Maui institution, which they revitalized with a menu that reflects the melting pot of Hawaii’s cuisine—highlighting Korean, Chinese, Japanese, Filipino, and Portuguese influences. In 2025, Simeon earned another James Beard Award semi-finalist nomination for Best Chef-Pacific Northwest, reinforcing his role as a steward of true local food.

Previously, Simeon helmed Lineage, earning him a James Beard Award semi-finalist nomination for Best New Restaurant in 2019 and subsequent recognition as a semi-finalist for Best Chef: Pacific Northwest in 2020. He has also been honored with accolades from FOOD & WINE, Hawaii Magazine, and Maui No Ka Oi, and was named Chef of the Year by his peers in the Aipono Awards.

With every dish, Sheldon Simeon blends innovation and tradition, offering an authentic taste of Hawai‘i that continues to resonate both locally and nationally.