About Massimo
Massimo Mele grew up between Hobart and Naples, where family and food were always at the heart of life. Returning to Tasmania as a child, he watched his parents share their love of honest Italian cooking with locals, a passion that would shape his future. Today, after working in top kitchens from Melbourne to London, Massimo continues to celebrate Tasmanian produce through his restaurants and projects across the island.
From the family table to the restaurant pass, Massimo’s food reflects generosity, simplicity, and a deep respect for the seasons. Through his Tasmanian ventures, he brings people together to share local stories, ingredients, and the warmth of true hospitality, food that’s as honest as the place it comes from.
- Shows and videos
The Chef’s Garden – S2, EP1
The Chef’s Garden – S2, EP2
The Chef’s Garden – S2, EP3
The Chef’s Garden – S2, EP4
The Chef’s Garden – S2, EP5
Mission Statement
Quality Over Quantity
For Massimo, the best food is often the simplest, a dish where quality ingredients speak for themselves. He knows that one tomato, grown with love and patience, can outshine a dozen without flavour. That’s why you’ll often find him side by side with local growers and makers, celebrating their craft and letting their produce take centre stage on the plate.
Sustainability & Stewardship
Good food starts long before it hits the plate. It’s in the soil, the sea, and the hands that tend to them. Massimo believes every tomato, every fish, every loaf of bread carries a story, and it’s our job to respect it. By caring for the land and the waters, we make sure the next generation can gather around the table and enjoy it too.
Family & Community
Food, for Massimo, is a language of love. It’s the laughter around a kitchen table, the bustle of a farmers’ market, the smoky joy of a backyard barbecue. Every meal is a chance to bring people closer, to honour the hands that grow and cook, and to celebrate the culture that turns simple ingredients into moments of connection.
Humility & Heritage
Massimo’s story is woven between two worlds: the fertile soils of Tasmania and the sun-soaked traditions of southern Italy. These roots ground him, but they never hold him still. With humility, curiosity, and creativity, he honours where he comes from while always learning, always evolving — carrying the flavours of his heritage into each new dish.
Collaboration & Contribution
Massimo believes food is at its best when shared. Beyond the kitchen, he pours this belief into his community, from collaborating with local producers and mentoring young chefs, to supporting charities and creating spaces where people come together. For him, every contribution is a way of giving back to the place and people who have given him so much.
More than 20 years in some of Australia’s busiest kitchens, and Massimo still grins at the chaos of a Saturday night service.
A trusted partner to Australian growers and brands who believe, like he does, in quality and sustainability.
A familiar face on TV, including as host of The Chef’s Garden, where he takes you beyond the farm gate to meet the people behind the produce.
A proud mentor to the next generation of chefs, because good food is even better when we rise together.
Upcoming Events / News
Orchestrated at Grain
Fire, Food, Winter Frivolity
The Lexus Long Lunch
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