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Private ChefSydney

Nutrition-focused private chef passionate about using food as a means to promote health, sustainability, and empathy.

How they describe their cooking

With over a decade of experience as a professional chef, Francesca bring passion, authenticity, and expertise to every dish she creates.

Born and raised in Sardinia, Italy, Francesca’s passion for food began in her childhood, inspired by her family’s cooking and the ancient, sacred traditions of Sardinian cuisine. The beauty of slow, artisanal food preparation left a lasting impression, shaping her deep respect for ingredients, technique, and tradition.

While studying philosophy at university, Francesca worked in pastry at Pasticceria Laura in Italy, where she fell in love with the craft of baking. It was then that she made a life-changing decision—to leave academia and dedicate herself fully to the culinary arts. She moved to Milan to study professional cookery, soon becoming a second pastry chef and honing her skills in precision and creativity.

Her journey led her to Zafferano Bistrot, a fine dining restaurant in Barzanò, where she immersed herself in the world of gourmet cuisine. From there, she explored diverse kitchens across Italy and Australia, developing expertise in both traditional and modern culinary techniques. She took on leadership roles, including Head Chef in Manly, before launching her own Italian Bakery Boutique Café, Ambrosia Food Creation, where she spent three years creating artisanal, handmade pastries, pastas and creative food including Vegan and Gluten Free cuisine.

Following her time as a business owner, Francesca embarked on a journey around the world, working as a Private Chef, blending her deep knowledge of tradition, innovation, plant-based cooking, and nutrition-conscious cuisine.

Her love for food goes beyond just taste: she focuses on nutrition, sustainability, and zero-waste cooking. After years in the industry, she deepened her knowledge by studying evidence-based nutrition, allowing her to craft menus that are both delicious and health-focused.

Today, Francesca specializes in private dining, event catering, and bespoke meal preparation, offering clients a unique culinary experience rooted in Italian heritage, sustainability, and a deep respect for food as nourishment. Whether crafting a decadent fine dining menu, a rustic Sardinian feast, or a vibrant plant-based spread, she brings passion, skill, and purpose to every dish.

Fusion · Mediterranean · Italian · Seafood

The menus, priced by number of guests

Family Reunion

Mediterranean

Enjoy a fresh first course with a choice of three vibrant salads, followed by a main course where you can select from herb-crusted pork, beef sausages, tenderloin medallions, or a variety of lasagne. Finish with a delightful dessert of vanilla pannacotta or dark chocolate torte.

GuestsPer head
7 to 12 guests712A$160 a head
On the menu

First Course

Choose 1 dish

  • Potato Salad with fresh shallots and sun-dried tomatoes
  • Caprese salad with herloim tomatoes and fresh basil
  • Farro & Heirloom Tomato Salad topped with crumbled feta

Main Course

Choose 1 dish

  • Herb-Crusted Pork Sirloin with fresh herbs, and Parmesan
  • Beef Sausages with Smoked Onion and a creamy mash infused with smoked onions and whole-grain mustard
  • Beef Tenderloin Medallions served with rosemary roasted potatoes
  • Lasagne choice of Traditional Beef / Pumpkin / Pesto / Veggie

Dessert

Choose 1 dish

  • Vanilla Pannacotta with berries coulis
  • Dark chocolate torte with salted caramel

Night

Mediterranean · Fusion

Enjoy a fresh start with a choice of zucchini carpaccio, heirloom tomato bruschetta, or chilled pea and mint soup. For the main course, select from pumpkin sage gnocchi, stuffed bell peppers, or one of three risottos. Finish with a delightful lemon polenta cake or vanilla pannacotta.

GuestsPer head
3 to 6 guests36A$182 a head
On the menu

Starter

All inclusive

  • Fresh Oysters Served with ponzu dressing

First Course

All inclusive

  • Farro & Heirloom Tomato Salad topped with crumbled feta
  • Charred Veggie Platter – with labneh & herb oil

Main Course

Choose 1 dish

  • Braised Lamb Shoulder with Orange & Pomegranate Glaze topped with toasted almonds and pomegranate seeds
  • BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders with homemade coleslaw, apples and signature sauce
  • Beef Tenderloin Medallions served with braised mushrooms and Red wine jus

Dinner Gourmet

Enjoy a refined vegan experience starting with a choice of Avocado Tartare or Vegan Sushi. Savor the vibrant Risotto Primavera, then select from Braised Eggplant & Tofu, vegan meatballs, Massaman curry, or Italian lasagne. Finish with a delightful coconut panna cotta, chocolate torte, or orange almond cake.

GuestsPer head
3 to 6 guests36A$195 a head
On the menu

Starter

All inclusive

  • Fish Ceviche: Lime, coriander, and chili

First Course

All inclusive

  • Risotto Primavera with colourful vegetables brunoise

Main Course

Choose 1 dish

  • Beef Stifado: greek style stew served with greek salad and garlic mashed potatoes
  • Chicken Cacciatore With olives, cherry tomatoes, capers, white wine & herbs – a rustic classic
  • Italian Meatloaf with Roasted Potatoes A classic meatloaf seasoned with herbs and Parmesan
  • Beef Tenderloin Medallions served with braised mushrooms and Red wine jus
  • Flathead lightly crumbed with a beurre noisette, capers and lemon, served with seasonal vegetables and potato purée
  • Flathead pan-fried with garlic butter, fresh herbs, roasted vegetables and crushed baby potatoes
  • Snapper pan-seared with a lemon beurre blanc, seasonal organic vegetables and fondant potatoes
  • Snapper oven-roasted with a Mediterranean herb crust, roasted vegetables and salsa verde
  • Bistecca alla Fiorentina: T-bone with rosemary salt served with Italian style fresh salad

Dessert

All inclusive

  • Raspberry Pannacotta with hazelnut dust and chocolate sauce

Romantic Night

Italian · Fusion

Enjoy a romantic evening with a full selection of appetizers and first courses, including crispy prosciutto-wrapped asparagus and wild mushroom risotto. Choose one exquisite main course from gnocchi to beef tenderloin, and indulge in all desserts, featuring lemon sorbet and dark chocolate torte.

GuestsPer head
2 guests22A$289 a head
On the menu

Starter

All inclusive

  • Asparagus spears wrapped in crispy prosciutto, roasted until golden and served with a parmesan aioli
  • Vegetable Sushi Platter with soy sauce and pickled ginger

First Course

All inclusive

  • Wild Mushroom Risotto topped with shaved parmesan and a hint of truffle oil
  • Asian-Style Green Salad Mixed greens, shredded carrot, cucumber, and a ginger-sesame dressing

Main Course

Choose 1 dish

  • Handmade Gnocchi in light fresh tomatoes sauce and homegrown basil
  • Grilled Miso-Glazed Salmon served with seasonal asian greens and sesame
  • Barramundi Fillet – with saffron potatoes & lemon beurre blanc
  • Beef Tenderloin Medallions served with braised mushrooms and Red wine jus

Dessert

Choose 1 dish

  • Lemon Sorbet
  • Dark chocolate torte with salted caramel sauce

Seafood

Seafood

Enjoy a full seafood experience starting with grilled scallops and a fresh farro & heirloom tomato salad. Choose one main from delicate barramundi, seafood pasta, risotto, or basa fish. Finish with a refreshing dessert like passionfruit panna cotta, lemon semifreddo, or sorbet.

GuestsPer head
2 guests22A$285 a head
On the menu

Starter

All inclusive

  • Grilled scallops with cauliflower vellutee and Pumpkin seeds

First Course

All inclusive

  • Farro & Heirloom Tomato Salad with colourful vegetablestopped with crumbled feta

Main Course

Choose 1 dish

  • Barramundi Fillet – with saffron potatoes & lemon beurre blanc
  • Seafood fresh pasta tossed in a white wine, garlic and chilli
  • Seafood Risotto served with lemon infused olive oil and fresh chives
  • Basa fish filled with cherry tomatoes and onions served with roasted rosemary potatoes and pea puree

Dessert

Choose 1 dish

  • Passionfruit & Coconut Panna Cotta
  • Lemon and Almond Semifreddo with fresh berries
  • Lemon Sorbet

Vegan Gourmet

Vegan

GuestsPer head
2 guests22A$250 a head
On the menu

Starter

Choose 1 dish

  • Avocado Tartare with diced cucumber, delicately seasoned and paired with tangy pickled radish, microgreens, and a citrus vinaigrette, served on a crispy rice cracker
  • Vegan Sushi Platter with soy sauce and pickled ginger

First Course

All inclusive

  • Risotto Primavera with colourful vegetables brunoise

Main Course

Choose 1 dish

  • Braised Eggplant & Tofu with garlic, ginger & black bean sauce
  • Handmade vegan "meatballs" in red sauce and fresh basil served with sourdough
  • Vegan Massaman curry with beans and potatoes
  • Italian style Vegan lasagne

Dessert

Choose 1 dish

  • Coconut Panna Cotta with berries coulis
  • Dark Chocolate torte with fresh strawberries
  • Orange and Almond cake with chocolate sauce

Dinner

Mediterranean · Fusion

GuestsPer head
2 guests22A$230 a head
On the menu

Starter

Choose 1 dish

  • Grilled scallops with cauliflower vellutee and Pumpkin seeds

First Course

All inclusive

  • Borlotti Bean Velouté – Creamy borlotti beans with olive oil and rosemary focaccia

Main Course

Choose 1 dish

  • Chicken or Beef Thai Green Curry Coconut curry with seasonal vegetables, and basil, served with jasmine rice
  • Vegan Thai Green Curry Coconut curry with seasonal vegetables, tofu, and basil, served with jasmine rice

Dessert

All inclusive

  • Matcha Panna Cotta: Creamy matcha-infused panna cotta topped with fresh berries and a hint of honey

Friends Gathering

Fusion

Enjoy a Friends Gathering menu featuring a grazing platter to start, followed by your choice of a fresh Asian-style green salad or a vibrant risotto primavera. For the main course, select from grilled chicken, tagliata, slow-cooked beef brisket, or traditional beef lasagne. Desserts are included to complete your meal.

GuestsPer head
3 to 6 guests36A$160 a head
On the menu

Starter

All inclusive

  • Grazing Platter (meats, cheeses, breads & crackers)

First Course

Choose 1 dish

  • Asian-Style Green Salad Mixed greens, shredded carrot, cucumber, and a ginger-sesame dressing
  • Risotto Primavera with colourful vegetables brunoise

Main Course

Choose 1 dish

  • Grilled chicken thighs with Mash potatoes and seasonal greens
  • Tagliata with parmesan flakes, fresh parsley and rocket served with garlic mashed potatoes
  • Slow cooked Beef brisket and Gravy with Roasted Potatoes tossed in paprika
  • Traditional Beef lasagne

In their guests' words

Francesca was awesome, and the food was delicious!! Thank you!
Jason A.December 2025
Francesca was great. Lovely food, well presented and our family was super happy with her service.
David S.August 2025
Absolutely the best experience. Francesca was brilliant and the food was 5 star. We will definitely be booking her again when the opportunity comes up. Nothing beats restaurant quality food where you can still wear your slippers to the table.
Brandy A.May 2025

Plates from their menus

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