Lucho Martínez is a chef from Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz. He spent part of his formative
years in Nashville, Tennessee, where his passion for cooking was sparked at an early age.
At just 14, he began working in professional kitchens. He later studied gastronomy in
Cancún before moving to Mexico City, where he worked under the guidance of Eduardo
García at Máximo, whom he considers a key mentor in his professional development.
In 2018, Lucho opened Em, his first restaurant, named after his daughter Emilia. The
restaurant quickly established itself as a distinctive and innovative dining destination,
earning major national and international recognition and positioning Lucho as an influential
voice in contemporary Mexican cuisine.
Together with his partner and business associate Fernanda Torres, he has developed
several projects that combine vision, sensitivity and excellence. These include Martínez,
inspired by Parisian bistronomy; Café Tormenta, a specialty coffee project conceived as a
community hub; and Ultramarinos Demar, a tribute to traditional seafood eateries
celebrating the quality of Mexican marine produce.
Lucho continues to innovate while travelling, exploring new influences and creating
opportunities for young culinary talent in Mexico.
