The Sydney Morning Herald logo
Advertisement

Young Chef of the Year

Cleansing gelato from Cow & the Moon.

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
Manze serves contemporary takes on Mauritian food.
Good Food hat15.5/20

Manze

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

From left to right: Asela Uduwara Arachchi, Viveik Vinoharan, Angela Prajogo, Jack Huxtable, Laura Skvor.

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
Chateaubriand at Rockpool Bar & Grill.
Good Food hatGood Food hat16/20

Rockpool Bar & Grill

Renowned steakhouse remains a classic in every sense.

Winter salad with cheddar custard.
Good Food hat15.5/20

Infinity by Mark Best

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

Advertisement
The Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide 2026 Young Chef of the Year finalists.

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