Jump to the page
Private ChefSydney

Mother Nature is a real artist and our job as cooks is to let her shine. - Nature is clearly the biggest source of inspiration for me

How they describe their cooking

I’ve been a chef for over 10 years, and during that time I’ve had the chance to live, work and cook in different parts of the world.

I lived in Portugal for three years and have also worked as a chef in Prague, the UK and Tenerife, Spain. Throughout my career, I’ve gained experience with different cuisines, including fine-dining Japanese cuisine, and I’ve also worked as a Head Chef in a Portuguese restaurant. Being surrounded by so many different cultures and styles of cooking has had a big influence on the food I create today.

I love working with fresh, local ingredients and keeping my food full of flavour without overcomplicating it. I really love the farm-to-table concept, knowing where ingredients come from, supporting local producers and letting beautiful seasonal produce speak for itself. I believe in treating every ingredient with respect, using as much of it as possible and keeping waste to a minimum.

What I love most is creating an experience where you can simply relax, enjoy beautiful food and spend time with the people around you. I can bring the whole dining experience into the comfort of your home, but I also love creating picnics, BBQs, brunches and events outdoors.

Whether it’s a long lunch with an ocean view, dinner while watching the sunset, or a relaxed meal right on the beach, I love making good food part of a beautiful memory

Seafood · Mediterranean · Italian

The menus, priced by number of guests

Coastal Experience Menu

Coastal Experience Menu

Seafood · Mediterranean

A refined sit-down dining experience inspired by the coast, where each course is thoughtfully crafted and beautifully plated. This menu celebrates the finest seasonal ingredients, bringing together fresh seafood, vibrant vegetables, and clean, natural flavours. Each dish is designed to highlight balance, colour, and texture, combining elegance with a relaxed coastal feel. The result is a luxurious and memorable dining experience.

GuestsPer head
3 to 6 guests36A$180 a head
On the menu

Starter

All inclusive

  • Sourdough bread, marinated olives, whipped truffle butter

First Course

Pick 2

  • Heirloom tomato carpaccio, basil oil, stracciatella, pine nuts
  • Whipped Feta, baked beetroot, radicchio, endive, crisps, beetroot dust
  • Grilled peach, tomato, burrata, basil, aged balsamic
  • Ceviche, crispy tortilla, leche de tigre, persimmon, roe, avocado mousse
  • Tuna Tartare, toasted brioche, wasabi crème fraîche, chives, sesame
  • Scampi tartare, citrus oil, green apple, dill
  • Wild salmon gravlax, wasabi mayo, pickled radish, blackberries
  • Pan-Seared scallops, cauliflower purée, crispy pancetta & hazelnut brown butter
  • Grilled prawns, tomato tartare, lime crème fraîche, rice crisps
  • Chicken liver parfait, brioche, cherry gel, pistachio
  • Beef tartare, truffle, capers, confit garlic aioli, chives
  • Venison carpaccio, juniper, blackberry, horseradish cream
  • Beef tataki, ponzu, sesame, spring onion, chili oil
  • Kingfish, citrus dashi, lychee, pickled daikon, shiso

Main Course

Choose 1 dish

  • Beef Fillet, truffle mash, broccolini, jus
  • Fish of the day, beuree blanc sauce, crunchy zucchini tartar, green oil
  • Chicken Supreme, sweet corn purée, charred corn, tarragon chicken jus
  • Crispy skin duck breast, parsnip, cavolo nero, spiced plum red wine reduction
  • Grilled Lamb Rack, lemon, herb potato rösti, charred radicchio, pea shoots
  • Charred asparagus and pea risotto with lemon, parmesan

Dessert

Choose 1 dish

  • Vanilla bean crème brûlée, fresh raspberries, caramelised sugar shard
  • Red wine-poached pear, warm spices, vanilla mascarpone, ginger crumble
  • Chocolate & Orange blossom mousse, coconut crisp, lime gel
  • Raspberry cheesecake, pistachio crunch
  • Berries & Passionfruit Pavlova, basil sugar, lime gel
  • Tiramisu with coffee cream, Madagascar vanilla, mascarpone cloud, chocolate shaves
  • Peach & almond Panna cotta
  • Chocolate tart, olive oil, sea salt
Coastal Summer Menu

Coastal Summer Menu

Seafood

Celebrate the vibrant spirit of summer with a menu that captures the season’s freshness and light. Each dish is thoughtfully crafted to showcase the best of local produce. Bright vegetables, fresh herbs, and ocean-inspired flavours - all prepared with creativity and balance. This sit-down dining experience highlights the beauty of simplicity, where clean flavours, colour, and texture come togethe. Perfect for warm evenings and shared moments around the table.

GuestsPer head
3 to 6 guests36A$180 a head
On the menu

Starter

All inclusive

  • Freshly baked foccacia served with Sicilian olives and whipped lemon & truffle butter

First Course

Choose 1 dish

  • Whipped Feta & Crème Fraîche with grilled beatroot, radicchio, crispy chips and beetroot dust
  • Green pea, mint & whipped ricotta tartlets
  • Heirloom tomato carpaccio, basil oil, stracciatella & pine nuts
  • Mushroom ceviche with fresh chilli and coriander
  • Mushroom arancini with decadent truffle aioli.
  • Homemade ravioli filled with ricotta and spinach, caramelised pomodoro sauce, walnuts, Parmesan, tarragon oil
  • Grilled asparagus, prosecco-hollandaisse sauce, tomato dust, pickled mustard seeds, poached egg

Main Course

Choose 1 dish

  • Cheesy Mushroom Truffle - White base, mushrooms, mozzarella, truffle oil
  • Eggplant schnitzel, confit garlic salsa, tomato sauce, roasted potatoes
  • Potato Gnocchi, burnt butter, roasted pumpkin, hazelnut, crispy sage
  • Rice with spices and nuts
  • Homemade ravioli filled with ricotta and spinach, pomodoro sauce, peanuts, Parmesan, tarragon oil
  • Charred Asparagus and Pea Risotto with lemon and Parmesan

Dessert

Choose 1 dish

  • Chocolate & Orange Blossom Mousse, coconut crisp and lime gel
  • Raspberry Cheesecake with pistachio crunch
  • Mango & Passionfruit Pavlova with basil sugar and and lime gel
  • Red wine-poached pear, warm spices, vanilla mascarpone & ginger crumble
  • Chocolate mousse with cinnamon and chilli
GRILL & THRILL

GRILL & THRILL

Mediterranean · Seafood

Bring the relaxed spirit of summer together with the flavour and theatre of open-fire cooking. This BBQ menu celebrates the art of grilling — showcasing premium meats, market-fresh seafood, and vibrant seasonal sides, all kissed by smoke and flame. Designed for outdoor gatherings and shared dining, each dish balances rustic charm with refined presentation. It’s the perfect blend of casual elegance and bold flavour — a true celebration of summer, best enjoyed under the open sky.

GuestsPer head
6 guests66A$160 a head
7 to 20 guests720A$150 a head
On the menu

Starter

All inclusive

  • Charred Flatbread - Brushed with herb oil and sumac, finished on the grill
  • Sticky Spiced Chicken Wings - Glazed with honey, chilli, and smoked paprika, served with a creamy garlic dressing
  • Crisp Garden Salad - Crunchy cucumber, pickled onion, sweet truss tomatoes, and lemon dressing

First Course

Pick 2

  • Grass-Fed Beef Steak - Grilled medium-rare, thinly sliced and finished with a roasted garlic & herb salsa
  • Glazed Pork Skewers - Marinated with ginger, honey and lime, threaded with pineapple, charred peppers and onion
  • Charcoal-Grilled Chicken - Tender cuts basted with smoked paprika and lemon, topped with a fresh herb salsa
  • Chargrilled Squid with Chilli, Garlic & Lemon
  • Grilled Market Fish with Herb Butter - Served with roasted cherry tomatoes & caper dressing

Main Course

Pick 3

  • Summer Watermelon Salad with cucumber, feta, mint and a drizzle of lime
  • Rosemary Potato Wedges - Oven-crisped with garlic and thyme
  • Charred Greens - Broccolini and beans tossed with lemon, almonds and olive oil
  • Smoky Corn Ribs - Sweet corn quarters brushed with paprika butter and parsley
  • Creamy Beetroot Slaw - Shredded cabbage, carrot and beetroot mixed in a smooth, tangy yoghurt-mayo dressing with a hint of fresh herbs
  • Mediterranean Summer Pasta Salad - Fusilli with olives, zucchini, capsicum, and a lemon- oregano vinaigrette

Dessert

All inclusive

  • Classic New York Vanilla Cheesecake with fresh fruits
A Taste of Greece – Shared Feast

A Taste of Greece – Shared Feast

Mediterranean · Seafood

Savor the authentic flavors of Greece with a carefully crafted menu designed for sharing. From savory mains to vibrant sides and a sweet finish, each dish brings friends and family together to enjoy a true Mediterranean experience.

GuestsPer head
6 guests66A$180 a head
7 to 20 guests720A$140 a head
On the menu

Starter

All inclusive

  • Garlic-oregano grilled pita bread
  • Warm mixed marinated olives

First Course

All inclusive

  • Pan-seared saganaki with honey, thyme and lemon

Main Course

All inclusive

  • Greek Beef Stifado – Slow-cooked beef with onions, red wine, and aromatic spices
  • Roasted Chicken Souvlaki Skewers with garlic, lemon, oregano, and olive oil, served with tzatziki
  • Ellinikos Lemoni Patatas: Greek-style lemony potatoes braised in a lemon-garlic broth and topped with oregano
  • Salata Me Fasolakia: Green bean salad with chopped tomatoes, dried oregano and garlic, topped with crusty bread pieces
  • Marouli Salata: Classic Greek salad of cos lettuce, dill, parsley and lemon oregano dressing
  • Spanakorizo: Fluffy rice pilaf with spinach, lemon, mint and dill

Dessert

All inclusive

  • Flakey filo pull-apart with sweet syrup drizzle and candied pistachios

Winter Harvest Menu

Seafood

Curated with fresh Australian produce, native flavours, and warm, comforting dishes for the cooler months. Designed to be both elegant and inviting, this winter menu highlights rich textures, seasonal

GuestsPer head
2 guests22A$280 a head
3 to 6 guests36A$220 a head
7 to 20 guests720A$160 a head
On the menu

Starter

Choose 1 dish

  • Celeriac & Pear Soup with Hazelnut Gremolata
  • Roasted Beetroot Tartare with Whipped Goat Cheese, Candied Walnuts & Tahini Sauce
  • Mushroom Tart with Truffle Ricotta, Thyme & Caramelized Leek, served with Salad

First Course

Choose 1 dish

  • Pan-Seared Scallops with Cauliflower Purée, Crispy Pancetta & Hazelnut Brown Butter
  • Jervis Bay Mussels in Creamy Wine Sauce with Shallots, Chilli & Lemon Dust, served with Sourdough bread
  • Duck Breast Slices with Caramelised Apple, Red Cabbage Slaw & Fried Shallots

Main Course

Choose 1 dish

  • Crispy Skin Duck Breast, Parsnip Purée, Sautéed Cavolo Nero & Spiced Plum Red Wine Reduction
  • Market Grilled Fish with Winter Ratatouille & Tomato Coulis
  • Confit Chicken Thigh with Broccoli Pesto Crust, Celeriac Purée & Winter Vegetables
  • Pork Chop with Rosemary & Roasted Corn Succotash
  • Pan-Seared Eye Fillet with Truffle Butter, Crispy Potatoes, Exotic Mushroom Mix & English Spinach
  • Slow-Cooked Osso Buco in Red Wine with Cinnamon & Cardamom, Potato Purée & Winter Spice Jus

Dessert

Choose 1 dish

  • Chocolate & Wattleseed Mousse with Macadamia Crumble
  • Vanilla Panna Cotta with Coffee Caramel
  • Classic Red Wine Poached Pear with Cinnamon, Star Anise & Mascarpone, ginger Crumble

Aussie Christmas feast

Enjoy an Aussie Christmas feast featuring a cheesy delights board to start, followed by freshly cooked prawns, maple peach glazed ham, and rock oysters. Main courses include baked salmon, rosemary garlic lamb, and fresh salads. Finish with a Pavlova Paradise topped with rosewater cream and berries.

GuestsPer head
6 guests66A$240 a head
7 to 20 guests720A$185 a head
On the menu

Starter

All inclusive

  • Sourdough bread, Warm marinated olives, Truffle butter

First Course

All inclusive

  • Freshly cooked prawns served with three tantalizing dipping sauces
  • Maple peach glazed ham, slow-cooked to perfection
  • Freshly shucked rock oysters paired with oxheart tomato, chives and a squeeze of lemon

Main Course

All inclusive

  • Christmas baked salmon with Parmesan crust, flaky and flavorful
  • Slow-roasted rosemary garlic lamb shoulder, served with rich gravy and roasted vegetables
  • Creamy potato salad, a classic Aussie favorite
  • Roasted pumpkin, spinach, and feta salad, a refreshing twist
  • Fresh lettuce, dill, and a hint of magic salad

Dessert

All inclusive

  • Pavlova Paradise - Crispy meringue, topped with rosewater cream, and an abundance of juicy berry fruit

Italian-Inspired Shared Feast

Italian · Mediterranean

Rustic Italian flavors served family-style—fresh, seasonal dishes, vibrant salads, and savory sides made to share and enjoy together.

GuestsPer head
6 guests66A$180 a head
7 to 20 guests720A$160 a head
On the menu

Starter

All inclusive

  • Freshly baked foccacia served with Sicilian olives and whipped lemon & truffle butter

First Course

Pick 2

  • Creamy Risoni salad with prawn and sage butter
  • Tuscan Panzanela salad, buratta, fried capers, prosciutto
  • Fagioli all'uccelletto - cannellini beans stewed with garlic, sage, and tomato served warm with crusty bread
  • Watermelon & Feta Salad – With fresh mint, cucumber, chili flakes & lime vinaigrette
  • Pasta with pesto alla Genovese topped with Parmigiano and fresh basil

Main Course

All inclusive

  • Australian slowly cook beef in red wine with vegetables
  • Charcoal-grilled chicken skewers with smoked paprika, charred lemon, green herb salsa, garlic yoghurt & chilli oil
  • Potatoes with parsley and butter
  • Grilled vegetables with roasted almonds
  • Rocket salad with Parmesan and apple, balsamic

Dessert

Choose 1 dish

  • Classic New York Baked Cheesecake
  • Mousse de chocolate with sea salt
  • Tiramisù Italiano - Creamy mascarpone, espresso, ladyfingers

In their guests' words

Absolutely amazing experience! Super nice and amazing taste. I loved the choice in the menu that we had
Sophia T.October 2026
Jela was an excellent chef and made the night memorable. I would recommend.
Blake S.September 2026
Jela was excellent. Food was great. Highly recommend her.
Nick Y.September 2026
Chef Jela provided us with a delicious menu and overall wonderful experience. Very responsive to questions leading up to the event and left the kitchen so clean it was like she was never there. I would definitely use Chef Jela again and couldn’t recommend her enough
Kobie B.August 2026
Jela was very friendly, attentive and an excellent cook. Would highly recommend.
Robert S.August 2026
We had a wonderful evening with friends. The whole evening went well and everyone enjoyed it The food tasted great and was well presented. The meal was not rushed and the clean up was seamless. It was a great pleasure and a beautiful way to celebrate Thank you
Ralph G.June 2026

Pages this chef appears on

The chefs who fit

Lemon Soul Private Chef