Raul Casillas

Raul Casillas represents a new generation of Mexican-American chefs, elevating Mexico’s regional cuisines through refined technique, cultural storytelling, and deep respect for tradition. Raised between San Diego, San Ysidro, Mexicali, and Tijuana, his culinary roots trace back to his grandmother’s kitchen, a foundation that eventually led him from pre-med ambitions to formal training at Le Cordon Bleu and formative years cooking at Jaleo with José Andrés, followed by six years at L’Atelier under Joël Robuchon. After the pandemic, his collaboration with Roberto Alcocer at Valle reignited his creative voice and helped earn the restaurant its first Michelin star in 2022. Now as Creative Chef at Puesto, Raul channels his mastery into bold, regionally inspired dishes, pairing Mexico’s most expressive flavors with Puesto’s signature handmade blue corn tortillas.