Steve Phelps is an award-winning Sarasota-based chef, avid recreational fisherman and strong advocate for sustainable seafood policy.
Phelps honed his craft as a chef in top Cleveland restaurants before moving to Sarasota over 10 years ago. The exciting transition from freshwater to saltwater introduced him to the expansive resources within the ocean, igniting his mission to focus on sustainable seafood.
Phelps concentrates on sourcing fresh food while also respecting and conserving the environment. His work in the kitchen and out on the water has earned him impressive culinary and conservation accolades, including multiple recognitions as a James Beard “Best Chef” semifinalist, a Seafood Watch Blue Ribbon Task Force member, and a Niman Ranch Scholarship Award Winner.
He serves his local community as a Chef’s Collaborative community leader and a Chefs Move to Schools Volunteer, and has been recognized with Edible Sarasota’s Local Hero Award in 2013 and 2014, and Edible Community’s National Sustainability Award in 2020.
Currently, Phelps co-owns Indigenous, an award-winning restaurant in Sarasota where he continues to create delicious and unique dishes while advocating for the ocean and educating his guests, staff and community. Indigenous was awarded as one of America’s Top Restaurants in 2013, and has received numerous Florida Trend Golden Spoon Awards (2012-2019) while consistently achieving top Zagat ratings.
