Young Chef of the Year

• Exclusive
• Just open

Lamb biryani sausage, ‘Lankan-leaning’ pasta: Young Chef of the Year opens first restaurant

Find it inside a gin distillery in Melbourne’s east that celebrates Sri Lankan food and drink in surprising ways. This is your first look.

• Tomas Telegramma

• Best of

From gelato to BYO: Sydney chefs reveal favourite late-night haunts

Young chefs from Poly, Mister Grotto and more hit up a Korean restaurant open till 6am, another for a $35 feast till 3.30am and a Thai bar that closes at 4am.

• Billy De Luca

• Review
• North Melbourne

Manze

Exuberant bolthole that stands out like the island paradise it represents.

• Good Food Guide

Meet five of Victoria’s best young chefs you’ve never heard of – yet

The Age Good Food Guide 2026 Young Chef of the Year finalists will cook together at a special dinner next month celebrating their different styles.

• Emily Holgate

• Review
• Sydney

Rockpool Bar & Grill

Renowned steakhouse remains a classic in every sense.

• Review
• Sydney

Infinity by Mark Best

One of Australia’s best chefs at the literal top of town.

• Good Food Guide

They’re not household names – yet. Meet five of the state’s best young chefs

The SMH Good Food Guide 2026 Young Chef of the Year finalists reveal their career challenges.

• Bianca Hrovat