Chef Reina Montenegro
Chef Reina Montenegro's cooking reflects a lifetime of curiosity, resilience, and connection. Known for pairing warm hospitality with imaginative cooking, she honors tradition while inviting people to discover something unexpected.
Born and raised in Dumaguete City on the Philippine island of Negros, Chef Reina moved to the Bay Area in 1997. After a decade in the corporate world, she followed her passion for cooking, teaching herself the craft and building a career as a personal chef and caterer. Her approach quickly earned the trust of civic leaders, leading global companies, and private clients throughout the Bay Area.
In 2016, Chef Reina opened her first restaurant, beginning a culinary journey that would span multiple acclaimed Bay Area restaurants and establish her reputation for bringing a fresh perspective to Filipino cuisine. Today, she brings that same spirit of creativity to Laughing Monk NOPA, where her cooking reflects the people, places, and experiences that have shaped her journey.
"Food should bring people together, spark curiosity, and create joy."
Whether she's reimagining a childhood favorite or exploring an entirely new idea, Chef Reina approaches every menu with the same intention: to create food that brings people joy.
