ABOUT
Since 2003, Boka has solidified its place as one of Chicago's most iconic restaurants. Chef Lee Wolen’s seasonal American food centers on beautiful ingredients and expertly executed preparations, delivering à la carte dishes and a hyper-seasonal tasting menu with graceful, genuine hospitality. With a distinctive combination of unparalleled service, a visionary chef, and exceptional design, Boka exemplifies Boka Restaurant Group’s core mission to create unique, timeless restaurants.
Since joining Boka as Chef Partner, Wolen has garnered a Michelin star from 2013 to present; “3 Stars” and “Chef of the Year” from the Chicago Tribune; and “Chef of the Year” and “Restaurant of the Year” at the Jean Banchet Awards. In 2023, Chef Wolen launched his inaugural Boka: The Cookbook, celebrating the restaurant and Wolen's tenure as Chef Partner.
TEAM
Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Lee Wolen decided to pursue a career in the kitchen when he was in high school. During his early career, Wolen worked as Sous Chef at Moto and Butter in Chicago before spending time in Europe at Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons and the famed El Bulli.
After his time in Europe, Wolen returned to the States and spent three years as Sous Chef at Eleven Madison Park in New York. During his tenure, Eleven Madison Park achieved The New York Times' coveted four stars, earned multiple Michelin stars, and a Top Ten ranking in San Pellegrino's "World's 50 Best Restaurants."
In 2012, Wolen returned to his midwestern roots, joining The Lobby at The Peninsula Chicago as Chef de Cuisine. Under Wolen, The Lobby received a five-star rating from Time Out Chicago, a four-star review from Chicago Magazine, three stars from the Chicago Tribune, and a Michelin star.
In 2014, Wolen joined Boka Restaurant as Executive Chef/Partner, where he was named "2014 Chef of the Year" by Chicago Tribune and Eater Chicago, one of Plate Magazine's "30 Chefs to Watch," and was nominated as a finalist for a James Beard Award for “Best Chef: Great Lakes” in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020. Boka was named semifinalist in the 2020 James Beard Award for "Outstanding Restaurant." Boka has maintained a Michelin star from 2011 to 2022.
In September of 2021, Wolen debuted Alla Vita, serving a menu of comfortable Italian cuisine in the West Loop. Two years later, he opened the first brick and mortar outpost of GG’s Chicken Shop in Southport Corridor. GG’s, affectionately named for Wolen’s mother, offers family-friendly variations of rotisserie chicken and fried chicken, salads and classic dinner sides. In 2024, GG’s opened an outpost at Soldier Field in Chicago, and a location in Downtown Disney.
Two years later, he opened GG’s Chicken Shop, affectionately named for his mother, which now has locations in Chicago’s Southport Corridor as well as Disneyland in Anaheim. In 2025, Wolen introduced Zarella Pizzeria & Taverna serving tavern-style and artisan pizzas and Italian specialties, in the heart of Chicago’s River North.
In Spring 2025, Wolen expanded his portfolio to include Elliott Aster, an elevated dining experience with a menu that showcases his signature style of innovative, seasonal cuisine at The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club, a historic hotel in St. Petersburg, Florida.
In 2026, Wolen took his concept Alla Vita to Nashville, bringing his signature Italian cuisine in the Wedgewood Houston neighborhood.