About Us

At Chez Lama Haitian Cuisine, we don’t just serve food — we serve heritage. Founded by Lamartine Alvarez, a passionate culinary artist with deep roots in Haitian tradition, our restaurant is a celebration of culture, flavor, and authenticity. Every dish is made from scratch with fresh, vibrant ingredients and a generous helping of love — just like it’s done back home.

We believe in honoring the soul of Haitian cooking: bold spices, slow-simmered stews, and time-honored techniques passed down through generations. From our signature legim to crispy plantains and aromatic rice and beans, each plate tells a story — one of resilience, joy, and community.

But Chez Lama is more than a restaurant. It’s a movement to share the richness of Haitian culture with Nashville and beyond. Whether you're a first-time guest or a longtime fan, we invite you to experience the warmth of our kitchen and the pride behind every bite.

Come hungry. Leave inspired.

 About Lamartine Alvarez

I’m Lamartine Alvarez, founder and executive chef of Chez Lama Haitian Cuisine—and a proud son of Haiti. My story begins in the vibrant streets of Port-au-Prince, where the aroma of simmering epis and the rhythm of konpa music shaped my earliest memories. At thirteen, I left my homeland during a time of political unrest, arriving in Miami with my brother and a suitcase full of hope. Life wasn’t easy, but the values my family instilled—resilience, faith, and love—became my compass.

My passion for cooking was born in my mother’s kitchen. She taught culinary arts, and I was her eager apprentice. Her food wasn’t just delicious—it was soulful, healing, and deeply rooted in tradition. That spirit lives on in every dish I create.

After college in Tallahassee and years of honing my craft, I moved to Nashville and saw a gap: no Haitian cuisine in sight. That’s when Chez Lama was born—from humble beginnings in my garage to launching the city’s first Haitian food truck in 2016. Through every challenge, including the heartbreaking theft of that truck, I’ve stayed committed to my mission: to share the beauty of Haitian culture through food.

Cooking, for me, is more than a profession—it’s a ministry. It’s how I connect, uplift, and serve. Whether I’m catering a wedding, feeding a church community, or preparing a pop-up meal, I aim to nourish both body and soul. My son is my daily inspiration, and I strive to show him that love, perseverance, and purpose can overcome any obstacle.

I believe food is a universal language. It breaks barriers, builds bridges, and tells stories that words alone cannot. My dream is to be a blessing to others—one plate at a time.