Executive Chef Justin Carlisle grew up on a small beef farm in rural Wisconsin.

Food has played a major part in Carlisle’s life ever since his humble beginnings on the farm and in small restaurants, where a passion for cooking, a love for local food and a hard work ethic sprouted and thrived. These foundations developed into perennial James Beard Award nominations for Best Chef: Midwest along with countless accolades among the top restaurants in North America.

Justin’s flagship restaurant, Ardent, opened on Milwaukee’s East Side in October of 2013. Since its inception Ardent was named among the nation’s 15 best new restaurants by Condé Nast Traveler; Best Restaurant in the State of Wisconsin by Business Insider; semifinalist for Best New Restaurant by the James Beard Foundation; #1 Restaurant in Milwaukee by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel; The Forward 50: Our Favorite Restaurants Right Now by Wine Enthusiast; 19 Great Restaurants to Work for in Food & Wine; and among the Top North American Restaurants (2021, 2022, 2023) in Opinionated about Dining.

Interested in private events, consulting, or residency? Contact Justin here.