Meet Andrew Ponce | Chef/Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Andrew Ponce and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Andrew, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Honestly, my thought process wasn’t some formal business plan—it came from a deep need to express myself through food. I’ve always believed that food is a powerful way to communicate identity and emotion. I wanted to create something that was mine, something that could reflect my story and the flavors that raised me.

My family didn’t come from much, and ownership wasn’t something we saw often. I wanted to change that. I wanted to show my family—and myself—that we could be more than workers, that we could be owners. The only way I knew how was to work relentlessly and lead with passion. Starting my own business was about carving out space for that dream and making it real.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’ve been cooking professionally since 2012, right out of culinary school. My first job was at a corporate steakhouse, but I always felt like something was missing. For my birthday one year, I went to Animal off Fairfax, and that dinner changed everything. It answered the question I didn’t even know I was asking—I realized I wanted the freedom to express myself through food.

What I’m most proud of is simply being here. I was born and raised in Los Angeles, and there aren’t many people who look like me, from where I’m from, owning their own restaurant. People who look like me are usually “the help,” not the guy. That reality fuels me.

This journey hasn’t been easy. I worked two jobs for most of my early career—5am starts and 1am finishes. It was a grind. But I always thought of my dad—working two jobs, squeezing in naps in between, and still showing up to my baseball games. That kind of sacrifice sticks with you, and it pushes you to go harder.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is not to focus on what others have or what opportunities you feel were taken from you. Keep your head down, stay prepared, and believe that the right moment will come. Self-belief is everything. Lowering that negative self-talk and trusting in your own path is probably the most important thing you can do.

For me, success isn’t about money. It’s about being surrounded by people who love you and doing something you truly love. It’s about creating a space where people can celebrate, connect, and be inspired—by a dish, a flavor, or a moment they never expected.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m a big food guy, so showing off Los Angeles always starts with food. LA is one of the most multicultural cities in the world—you can experience everything from incredible regional Mexican food to standout Japanese cuisine to classic smash burgers, all in the same day.

If it’s spring or summer, I’d definitely kick things off by taking them to a beach lounge—catch some sun, relax, maybe grab a drink. After that, a Dodger game is a must. There’s nothing like the energy of the crowd and eating a Dodger Dog under the lights. I’d also throw in a hike at Griffith Park. I haven’t done one in a while, but that sounds like something I need to get back into—it’s the perfect way to slow things down and catch your breath in a city that moves fast.

For nights out, I’d take them to Thunderbolt for drinks and a cool, creative cocktail bar. For dinner, we’d hit spots like Bavel for modern Middle Eastern, Barra Santos for great vibes and Portuguese flavors, or classic Korean BBQ in K-Town. LA has layers, and I’d want them to feel every bit of it—fun, culture, and amazing food.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There’s no way I’m here without the people who’ve poured into me along the way. My older brother Jeremy has always been a huge support system in my life—someone who believed in me even when I didn’t fully believe in myself.

At Bestia, Chef Ori Menashe shaped the way I cook and carry myself in the kitchen. He’s someone I deeply respect, and even now, he checks in on me from time to time, making sure I’m good. That kind of mentorship means everything.

And most of all, my partner Anna. For the past four years, she’s been my biggest support—through every high and low. Her selflessness and sacrifice are the reason I’m standing here today. She’s also the one holding it down at the front of house, making sure the energy and experience of our space matches the heart we put into the food. This journey hasn’t been mine alone—it’s been built on the love and strength of the people around me.

Website: https://www.atilosangeles.com

Instagram: atilosangeles

Image Credits
photo by Joseph Duarte