Renowned chef Massimo Mele will head up the culinary team as Culinary Director at a new restaurant in the heart of Hobart. A native Tasmanian with both international status and homegrown Italian roots, Massimo will bring his signature Italian warmth with a local Tasmanian twist, to Parliament Square when the restaurant opens early next year.
Born in Tasmania and raised in Naples, Massimo’s passion for food was born out of being surrounded by incredible Italian produce from a young age. He was closely mentored by Gail and Kevin Donovan as a young apprentice at the prestigious Donovan’s Restaurant in St Kilda, then returning to Tasmania to open Mud Bar in Launceston.
From here Massimo travelled the globe to hone his craft before joining Hugo’s Group and La Scala on Jersey back in Australia. Now residing permanently in his home state, Massimo is passionate about championing the legendary local produce.
Massimo says, “My first ever kitchen job was in Hobart’s northern suburbs at my parent’s restaurant in Glenorchy, and after years spent working in kitchens around the world it feels incredible to return to my roots and be involved in creating something special here.
Being back in Tasmania for the past couple of years with my family has given me the opportunity to go back to basics and reconnect with the land, educating myself and building strong relationships with some of the best producers in the state. I really want this restaurant to celebrate that in a way that feels authentic to my values and passion as a chef.”
The yet-to-be-named restaurant will be located within the landmark Parliament Square project, also home to The Tasman, a Luxury Collection Hotel. This stunning heritage redevelopment is situated in the most enthralling part of the city, connecting Murray Street with Salamanca Place.
“We are proud to be partnering with a local Tasmanian Chef to bring Hobart’s rich local character to life. Massimo’s international reputation and passion for local produce is the perfect fit for Australia’s first Luxury Collection Hotel, The Tasman,” says Stephen Morahan, General Manager for The Tasman.
The restaurant will open when The Tasman officially opens its door in 2021, offering a new cultural centre for Tasmania’s capital city.
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