Chef Angel Barreto is the executive chef and partner of Anju, a contemporary Korean restaurant in Washington, DC’s Dupont Circle. With over a decade of experience, Chef Barreto has earned national recognition for his innovative approach to both French and Korean cuisine.

Barreto refined his skills at Vermilion under Anthony Chittum and at Wolfgang Puck’s The Source, where he rose to executive sous chef. His passion for Korean cuisine led him to be recruited to lead Anju, where he helped shape the restaurant’s acclaimed menu, a gateway to Korean flavors. His dedication to the craft earned Anju critical acclaim, including a three-star review from The Washington Post and recognition as the #1 restaurant in DC by Washingtonian in 2020.

Barreto’s accolades include serving as a US Culinary Ambassador, the 2020 RAMMY Award for Rising Culinary Star and James Beard Rising Star Chef of the Year Nominee, and a 2021 Food & Wine Best New Chef. He was a 2022 James Beard Emerging Chef nominee, a James Beard Taste Twenty Chef, and received the prestigious RAMMY Award for Chef of the Year in 2024. Additionally, he was named one of the 14 Best Chefs in DC by Modern Luxury DC.

Known for blending tradition with innovation, Chef Barreto is one of the most celebrated culinary talents in the Mid-Atlantic. He pushes the boundaries of Korean cuisine while honoring its rich roots.