Meltem Conant: Scott Conant’s Wife, Entrepreneur, and Mother of Two

Meltem Bozkurt Conant is best known as the wife of celebrity chef Scott Conant, the acclaimed restaurateur and longtime Chopped judge on Food Network. Born in Turkey, Meltem has built a life that extends well beyond her husband’s fame — she’s an entrepreneur and dedicated mother to their two daughters, Ayla and Karya. While Scott commands attention in kitchens and on television screens, Meltem has largely kept her personal life out of the spotlight. Still, what we do know about her paints a picture of a driven, independent woman who’s carved out her own identity alongside one of America’s most recognized chefs. Here’s what we’ve been able to piece together about Meltem Conant’s life, background, and family.

Who Is Meltem Conant?

Meltem Conant is a Turkish-born entrepreneur and businesswoman who married Scott Conant in 2007. She’s maintained a relatively low profile compared to her husband, who regularly appears on national television and runs high-profile restaurants. Despite being married to a public figure, Meltem hasn’t sought out media attention for herself. What’s clear is that she’s more than just a celebrity spouse — she’s pursued her own professional interests in fashion and beauty, and she’s played a central role in raising the couple’s two daughters. Her full name before marriage was Meltem Bozkurt, and she stands at approximately 5 feet 3 inches (160 cm).

Meltem’s Background and Early Life

Meltem was born and raised in Turkey, though the specific city and year of her birth haven’t been made public. Her maiden name, Bozkurt, is a common Turkish surname. Beyond that, details about her childhood, education, and family back in Turkey are scarce. She hasn’t shared much about her upbringing in interviews, and Scott has been similarly private when it comes to his wife’s personal history.

What we can say is that Meltem eventually made her way to the United States, where she met Scott Conant. Her Turkish heritage is something the family embraces — it’s reflected in the names they chose for their daughters, Ayla and Karya, both of which have Turkish origins. Turkey has a strong tradition of entrepreneurship, particularly among women in fashion and beauty, and Meltem appears to have carried that spirit with her to the U.S.

Meltem and Scott Conant’s Relationship

Meltem and Scott Conant tied the knot in 2007. The exact details of how they met aren’t widely documented, but by the time they married, Scott was already an established name in the culinary world. He’d earned critical praise for his restaurant L’Impero in New York City and was building a reputation as one of the country’s top Italian-cuisine chefs.

Their marriage has lasted nearly two decades now, which is notable in an industry where long hours and constant travel can strain relationships. Scott has occasionally mentioned Meltem in interviews, typically with warmth and appreciation for the stability she brings to their family. The couple has kept their relationship largely private, avoiding the tabloid circuit that some celebrity families attract. They’ve been based in the New York area for much of their marriage, fitting given Scott’s deep roots in the city’s restaurant scene.

Their Daughters — Ayla and Karya

Meltem and Scott have two daughters together: Ayla and Karya Conant. Both names carry Turkish significance, a nod to Meltem’s heritage. The girls have grown up with a father whose career revolves around food, which likely means dinner at the Conant household is a cut above average.

Scott has spoken in past interviews about how fatherhood changed his priorities. He’s talked about wanting to be present for his kids, even as his career demands kept him busy with restaurant openings and television commitments. Meltem, for her part, has been the consistent presence at home. The family keeps the girls out of the public eye for the most part, and neither Meltem nor Scott regularly shares photos or details about their children on social media.

Career and Professional Life

Meltem isn’t just known as Scott Conant’s wife — she’s an entrepreneur in her own right. She’s been involved in the fashion and beauty space, reportedly founding a venture related to those industries. However, specific details about her business — its name, scope, and current status — aren’t readily available in public sources.

This lack of information isn’t unusual. Many spouses of public figures choose to keep their professional lives separate from their partner’s celebrity. What’s evident is that Meltem has an independent streak and hasn’t relied solely on her husband’s name to define her career. If more details about her business ventures emerge, we’ll be sure to update this profile.

Scott Conant’s Career

To understand Meltem’s public-facing life, it helps to know a bit about Scott’s career. Scott Conant is an award-winning chef, restaurateur, and television personality. He first gained widespread attention with L’Impero, his Italian restaurant in New York City, which earned a three-star review from The New York Times shortly after opening.

He went on to open Scarpetta, which became one of New York’s most celebrated Italian restaurants — the spaghetti dish there became legendary in foodie circles. Scott has also opened locations in other cities, including Las Vegas and Miami.

On television, Scott is best known as a judge on Chopped, the long-running Food Network competition show. He’s appeared on the series for years and has become one of its most recognizable faces. His particular dislike of raw red onions on the show became something of a running joke among fans. He’s also appeared on other Food Network programs and has authored cookbooks.

Throughout all of this, Meltem has been by his side — supporting his career while maintaining her own identity and raising their family.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Scott Conant’s wife?

Scott Conant’s wife is Meltem Bozkurt Conant, a Turkish-born entrepreneur. They’ve been married since 2007 and have two daughters together, Ayla and Karya.

Where is Meltem Conant from?

Meltem was born in Turkey. Her maiden name is Bozkurt. The specific city and details of her early life in Turkey haven’t been publicly disclosed.

How many children do Meltem and Scott Conant have?

They have two daughters — Ayla and Karya Conant. Both names have Turkish origins, reflecting Meltem’s heritage.

What does Meltem Conant do for a living?

Meltem is an entrepreneur who has worked in the fashion and beauty industry. She’s kept the specifics of her business ventures relatively private.