Jun Tanaka

Executive Chef Pearl Restaurant & Bar 

Born in the US to Japanese parents, Jun Tanaka has headed up the kitchen at Pearl since its opening in June 2004.  During this time, the restaurant has gained an excellent reputation for its modern French cuisine, served in the beautiful surroundings of the historic Pearl Assurance building.  

Having started at Le Gavroche at the age of 19, Jun spent the next ten years working with some of London’s best chefs in seven top Michelin star restaurants, where he perfected the art of fine French cuisine.  

Prior to Pearl, Jun worked and trained at Le Gavroche, Chez Nico, The Capital, The Square and Les Saveurs.  He also worked under Marco Pierre White at both The Restaurant Marco Pierre White and The Oak Room.  This refinement and high standard of cooking is now evident throughout the dishes at Pearl, where the menus are changed regularly to incorporate the best seasonal produce and ingredients.   

Jun is a firm believer in using the best ingredients in season and ensuring that all ingredients used are not masked or over complicated, but enhanced to bring out their natural flavours, producing a clean and distinct taste. 

In May 2009, Jun launched his first recipe book, “Simple to Sensational”.  The book demonstrates easy, everyday recipes and then shows how these recipes can be transformed into spectacular dinner party dishes in just a few simple steps.

Jun has been an ambassador for Action Against Hunger since 2010.