Karen Martini is a renowned chef, restaurateur, and television personality celebrated for her culinary prowess and rich Tunisian-Italian heritage.
In 2021, Karen co-founded Hero restaurant in Melbourne’s iconic ACMI building alongside Michael Gebran, where she serves as Founding Partner and Creative Food Director. Prior to this venture, she gained acclaim as the founding chef of Melbourne Wine Room and Sydney’s Icebergs Dining Room and Bar, earning prestigious chef’s hats and accolades, including The Sydney Morning Herald's 2004 Best New Restaurant Award.
Karen has made significant contributions to print media, serving as a food editor for Fairfax’s Sunday Life Magazine and Epicure/Good Living lift-out. Returning in 2019 as a food columnist for Good Weekend magazine, she shares her culinary wisdom and insights.
As a prolific cookbook author, Karen has penned several titles, including her latest opus 'COOK: The Only Book You Need in the Kitchen'. This comprehensive collection of over 1000 recipes reflects her lifelong passion for cooking and food exploration.
On television, Karen has been a mainstay on Australia’s Better Homes and Gardens for over a decade, earning multiple Logie Awards. She has also judged on My Kitchen Rules and co-hosted The Intolerant Cooks, showcasing her expertise and warm personality to audiences nationwide.
Beyond her media engagements, Karen actively participates in charity events, cooking demonstrations, and prominent food festivals such as The Melbourne Food & Wine Festivals and Sydney International Food Festivals. She engages audiences with live cooking demonstrations and insightful discussions on culinary trends and techniques.
Karen Martini continues to inspire through her diverse culinary career, leaving an enduring impact on Australia’s gastronomic landscape.
