Michael Mina has won many awards—including a Michelin star and a James Beard nod—and boasts a culinary empire spanning dozens of restaurants. Drop in for brunch at Bardot Brasserie, a meat-fest at Stripsteak, a seafood dinner at Michael Mina at Bellagio or modern barbecue at International Smoke at MGM Grand. You’ll know why the crown is his. Michaelmina.net.

Runner-up: Kerry Simon