2026 Australian Professional Chef of the Year is crowned!
Congratulations to Oliver Garrioch, Chef de Partie at Gimlet!
Finalists: Giuseppe Morabito from Ollie’s Italian, Allen Varghese from Sheraton Grand Hyde Park and Peter Sheldon from The European
ABOUT THE COMPETITION
Australian Professional Chef of the Year is one of the industry’s toughest and most prestigious competitions, testing chefs’ creativity, skill, and precision under intense time pressure. Cooking live before an audience, competitors must showcase flawless technique and a deep understanding of flavour.
A highlight is the mystery box challenge, where 20 finalists receive a set of ingredients and must prepare four servings each of an entrée and main. Judges score taste, presentation, and execution — rewarding balance, visual appeal, and technical mastery.
Only the most innovative chefs rise to the top, earning national recognition and the coveted title of Chef of the Year.
Taking place at the Restaurant & Foodservice Show, ICC Sydney, 25–27 May 2026
CATEGORIES
The competition begins with 20 of Australia’s top chefs, selected to compete in a series of high-pressure heats.
Across each round, competitors will be tested on technical skill, creativity, precision and innovation under strict time constraints. Following each heat, chefs will be eliminated based on judges’ scores, narrowing the field as the stakes continue to rise.
Round by round, the competition intensifies until only one chef remains — crowned Australian Professional Chef of the Year.
2026 Judges & Hosts
2026 Competitors
Finalists
Australian Professional Chef of the Year 2026 is proudly brought to you by
FAQs
Key Dates
Applications Closed — for any enquiries, please email customercare@nationalmedia.com.au
Competitors Notification: 17th April, 2026
Competition Dates: 25th-26th May, 2026, ICC Sydney
Prizes
- The Australian Professional Chef of the Year title and the trophy
- $6,000 in cash for the winner
- $500 cash for all heat winners
- A UNOX XFT133 Ariana Oven for the 4 finalists
How to Apply
Applications for this competition are now closed. To watch it live, please visit our registration page to secure your pass to attend.
How it Works
Step 1 – Online Submission: Applications Closed.
Step 2 – Selection: Finalists announced 17 April.
Step 3 – Competition Time: Finalists compete at the show – 25 & 26 May.