Chef Nina Compton

Born and raised in St. Lucia, Chef Nina Compton grew up surrounded by the flavors and beauty of the islands. Her culinary journey has taken her from the Caribbean to Jamaica, Miami, and ultimately New Orleans, where she found a home within the city's vibrant culinary community.

Since opening Compère Lapin in 2015, Compton’s cooking has earned widespread recognition for her distinctive culinary perspective, shaped by her Caribbean upbringing, French culinary training, and extensive experience with Italian cuisine. In 2017, she was named one of Food & Wine magazine's Best New Chefs, and in 2018 received one of the industry's highest honors when she was awarded Best Chef: South by The James Beard Foundation.

In 2025, Compton released her first cookbook, KWÉYÒL/CREOLE: Recipes, Stories and Tings from a St. Lucian Chef's Journey, sharing the story of her culinary journey and the people, places, and flavors that have inspired her along the way.

Today, Compton continues to celebrate the cultures, traditions, and ingredients that have shaped her career while sharing them with guests through Compère Lapin.