Luciana, co-chef and owner of Miami Michelin Awarded One Star restaurant Boia De and chef/partner in Walrus Rodeo, is a Miami native who earned her culinary stripes elsewhere before returning to the Magic City to open a restaurant in her hometown. Bringing her career full circle, Luciana returned to Miami with now husband Alex Meyer and together they opened La Pollita; a beloved Mexican food truck formerly stationed in Miami Midtown Garden Center before its final outpost in the Design District.

In June 2019, the two closed up the taco shop and opened Boia De, a 24-seat restaurant and bar in a strip mall in Miami’s Little Haiti neighborhood. From day one, Alex Meyer and Luciana Giangrandi set out to create a welcoming and inclusive environment at Boia De. More than 50 percent of the restaurant staff identifies as female, 35% BIPOC, and top-level management is 70% female. Creating a safe, positive space has attracted talented minorities, members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies of these communities.

Luci works hard to create a positive environment based on respect where staff is encouraged to excel, share ideas and subsequently develop a sense of ownership in the restaurants. At the root of it all is passion; that is what is responsible for turning a 900-square-foot space with no storage, or room for a “real” kitchen into a Michelin-starred, nationally renowned restaurant. But it’s the passion for the team and their well-being that inspires everyone on staff to excel that translates into an incredible restaurant experience. Boia De has held its Michelin Star for two years now and has been a semi-finalist for a James Beard Award.

Contact Luciana Giangrandi

Instagram: @stinkyfishtales

PHOTO CREDIT: Luciana Giangrandi

DATE POSTED: March 5, 2024