I bring the warmth of an authentic Italian meal to your home—with fresh pasta, honest flavors, and the feeling of being truly hosted.

Simona Marini

I bring Italy to your table with fresh pasta, heartfelt hospitality, and simple, high-quality ingredients.

I was born and raised in Lombardia in northern Italy, in a family of restaurateurs—so hospitality and food have shaped my whole life. In my home kitchen and in our family restaurant, I learned that a great Italian meal is about feeling at home as much as it is about what’s on the plate.

I’m driven by passion and I love making fresh pasta—ravioli, gnocchi, and all the authentic Italian goodness—and sharing that knowledge through a memorable dining experience. Let me host you in the comfort of your home and I’ll bring Italy to your table.

Contact me

My secret in the kitchen is definitely using fresh ingredients—simplicity.

What I focus on when I cook for you

Cooking is my lifestyle

For me, cooking is a lifestyle. It’s more than a passion—it’s how I live and how I create an experience around the table.

I learned in a real family kitchen

I studied accounting, but my true culinary school was at home. My mum and dad ran different restaurants, and I grew up in a kitchen—learning the rhythm of service, the value of hospitality, and the importance of doing things properly.

Fresh ingredients, simple ideas

I believe in fresh ingredients and simplicity. When the produce is great and the technique is right, Italian food doesn’t need to be complicated—it needs to be honest.

Simona’s Menus

I offer curated Italian dining experiences, from classic and refined courses to modern Italian creations. I tailor the flow of the meal to your occasion, focusing on fresh pasta, balanced flavors, and a warm, hosted feeling at your table.

Request a menu

Reviews

What an amazing night we had! We were surprising our mother for her and her twins 60th birthday and Simona took that seriously and came in quietly and started working away without anyone knowing she was in the house! The food was absolutely incredible! She went through each dish and answered any questions we had. She was engaging and took photos and videos of us all. She even organised to have a couple of menus to printed for the birthday girls as a keepsake of the night. We all can't stop talking about what a perfect night and food was and how seamlessly it all ran. Was so so special and worth every penny! Thank you so much chef!!

Saara Myers22 agosto 2024

We booked Chef Simona for our intimate wedding celebration on the coast & we feel truly blessed to have come across Simona. We can not recommend Chef Simona enough! Simona was an absolute pleasure to work with from start to finish. Communication was 10/10. The food was beyond delicious and our guests are still raving about the entire menu. To top off the incredible food. Simona is a beautiful & warm person and was just as excited as we were for our big day! We look forward to booking with Chef Simona for all our future events!

Danielle Woodfine30 abril 2024

Chef Simo treated us to an amazing dinner for our girls weekend away. The quality of her dishes were of the highest standards of a high end restaurant and we were delighted by the delicate flavours of her dishes and the level of detail and attention she paid to our requests. She was so lovely and professional, we would definitely request her again.

Kailin6 junio 2023

Chef Simo was absolutely amazing... we all had the most amazing experience. Her food was some of the best we have ever eaten and would definitely hire her again..

Kristie Hughes7 noviembre 2022

It really was amazing. Our Chef and her helper were lovely. We had a great night. 100% recommendation to anyone

Graham Hart8 marzo 2021

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of food do I specialise in?

I cook Italian, Mediterranean and Chef's special. I build my menus around ingredients that are in season and bought locally, because that's where the flavour is. And if anyone at your table has a dietary restriction, just tell me and I'll adjust the dishes so no one misses out.

Can the menus accommodate food allergies or dietary restrictions?

Choose a menu, share your event details, and the Private Chef Manager team will help confirm the experience with the chef.

Let’s plan your Italian meal at home—write to me and I’ll take care of the details.

[email protected]
+61 457069706

Newcastle NSW

Chef Simona Marini