Stefano Manfredi is a renowned figure in Sydney's culinary scene, celebrated for his influence on the city's dining culture since the opening of The Restaurant in 1983, later renamed The Restaurant Manfredi. His culinary prowess was recognized early on when the restaurant earned the coveted Sydney Morning Herald three-hat award in 1994.
Following this success, Bel Mondo, launched in 1996, quickly garnered acclaim, including the prestigious Insegna del Ristorante from the Italian Government. It further solidified its reputation by winning the American Express Best Sydney City Restaurant in 1998 and 1999, along with Best NSW Restaurant in 1999.
Stefano's expertise extends beyond Sydney's shores, where he is frequently invited to cook, teach, and speak on food at various international events. His engagements have included appearances at The International Olive Oil Council in New Zealand, the Mediterranean Gastronomy Conference in Stresa, Italy, and culinary demonstrations in Jakarta, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Rome.
In 2002, Stefano represented The Taste of Australia in New York alongside Neil Perry and Kylie Kwong. Later that year, he was honoured with the inaugural International ICIF award in Italy, recognizing his contributions to global gastronomy.
In addition to his culinary achievements, Stefano is a sought-after speaker in corporate settings, where he shares insights on his culinary journey, Italian cuisine, the evolution of modern Australian gastronomy, and kitchen life. He also conducts engaging olive oil, coffee, and wine tastings, as well as hands-on cooking classes tailored to individual preferences or groups of up to 40 people. His approach blends expertise with a passion for food, ensuring memorable experiences for all participants.
