Antonio Ruggerino

Head Chef

To Antonio Ruggerino, food is more than a passion – it’s a philosophy of life. It represents laughter, celebrations and feasts, and it’s this spirit of generosity that sets him apart from other chefs. 
 
As both owner and Head Chef at Verde, Ruggerino is passionate about bringing his knowledge and flavours of Southern Italy to the rest of the world. Widely acknowledged as one of the most exciting chefs to emerge in Australia, his extensive knowledge of Southern Italian food has seen his menus praised for their intelligent fusion of traditional and contemporary ingredients, with passed-down family recipes mixed with modern culinary technique.
 
As a child, Ruggerino was immersed in the smells, tastes and culture of Southern Italy, despite growing up in the suburbs of Sydney. He spent hours in the kitchen preparing Italian feasts with his mother and watching his father create homemade vinegar and salami.
 
Ruggerino’s actual culinary education began at the age of 10 when he spent 3 months in San Giovanni di Gerace – a village that lies in the mountains of Calabria, Southern Italy, where both his parents were born. Here, he both learned and became inspired by the surroundings of the Italian landscape and the various fresh and raw produce available each season.
 
Ruggerino has been working as a professional chef since the age of 16. He represented Australia at the Berlin Culinary Olympics and in 2007 graduated from the Italian Institute for Advanced Culinary and Pastry Arts. But it wasn’t all about the education he received that made him the chef he is today: “I’ve learnt the ways of the Italian cuisine through looking, tasting, experiencing and travelling” – Antonio Ruggerino.
 
Over the past five years, Ruggerino has set himself apart from other Italian chefs by remaining true to his heritage. For centuries, Ruggerino’s ancestors have created food that is famous for its honesty, simplicity and authenticity, and he is committed to keeping these traditions alive for generations to come. 

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