Chef Erhan Kostepen, the founding chef of Doya, has recently earned his third Bib Gourmand nod from the Florida Michelin Guide, a testament to the culinary excellence at his Aegean restaurant in Miami’s Wynwood neighborhood. Since its opening in 2021, Doya has gained popularity for its standout dish: grilled octopus.
Born and raised in Izmir, Turkey, Chef Erhan developed a passion for preparing octopus at a young age. His culinary journey began at just eight years old, when he lived above a local seafood restaurant and learned the art of prepping octopus, earning a Coca-Cola for each one he tenderized. Growing up steps from the Mediterranean Sea, he honed his skills, turning his childhood fascination into a professional career.
Today, Chef Erhan’s grilled octopus is celebrated by fellow chefs and patrons alike, who praise it as the best they’ve ever tasted. The dish is simply plated with a lemon wedge, emphasizing the natural flavors that Chef Erhan believes are essential to authentic preparation. With his mastery of octopus, he has rightfully earned the title of “Miami’s Octopus King.”