Kim Alter
chef/owner
Chef Kim Alter is the visionary chef and owner behind Nightbird, EarlyBird Hospitality, and the intimate cocktail haven Linden Room, located in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant Hayes Valley. With a career spanning some of the Bay Area’s most acclaimed kitchens—including Manresa, Ubuntu, Aqua, and Acquerello—Alter brings a wealth of experience and a distinctly modern perspective to California cuisine.
At Nightbird, Alter delivers a refined, seasonally driven tasting menu that fuses impeccable technique with bold creativity. Her culinary philosophy centers on whole-animal cookery, sustainability, and strong partnerships with local farms—resulting in dishes that are as thoughtful as they are innovative. She has a gift for reimagining familiar flavors in unexpected ways, creating an elevated, unforgettable dining experience.
A James Beard Award nominee and Sustainable Chef of the Year (StarChefs), Alter has also earned a spot on the San Francisco Chronicle’s prestigious Top 100 Restaurants list. Her work continues to push boundaries while championing the values of sustainability, community, and craftsmanship.
