![](https://images.nymag.com/restaurants/wheretoeat/2013/eats121224_bestchefs_560.jpg)
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Matthew Lightner
Atera
When most of his colleagues are hunkered down, playing it safe, it’s refreshing to see a cook shoot for the stars and succeed.
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Carlo Mirarchi
Blanca
With his own high-profile kitchen, this former outer-borough underground legend enters the big time.
![](https://images.nymag.com/restaurants/wheretoeat/2013/eats121224_bestchefs_3_198.jpg)
Justin Smillie
Il Buco Alimentari e Vineria
There are pasta wizards in this town, and there are accomplished meat cooks. Smillie is that rare young chef who is both.
![](https://images.nymag.com/restaurants/wheretoeat/2013/eats121224_bestchefs_4_198.jpg)
Joseph Ogrodnek and Walker Stern
Battersby
This inspired Brooklyn tag team proves that every once in a while, two cooks in the kitchen are better than one.
![](https://images.nymag.com/restaurants/wheretoeat/2013/eats121224_bestchefs_5_198.jpg)
Andy Ricker
Pok Pok Ny
The James Beard winner isn’t really a New York chef, or new. But we’re glad to have him in town.