Celebrity chef George Calombaris is taking his ventures to South Australia, with reports of a new venue coming to Norwood later this year.
Calombaris won’t be taking on the feat alone, he’ll be teaming up with longtime friend and Adelaide restaurateur George Kasimatis. The announcement comes after Calombaris reportedly revealed plans at The Garden Feast event at the Garden of Unearthly Delights, which Kasimatis was a guest of.
For Calombaris, the move marks another chapter in a career, after first appearing on MasterChef Australia in 2009, he became one of the most recognisable faces in Australian food television. Following his departure from the program in 2019, he has gradually returned to hospitality projects with a renewed focus on smaller, more personal ventures.
This year he launched Auto Greek, a vibrant Greek pop-up at Ovolo Melbourne South Yarra, leaning into his heritage with bold, generous flavours and a more relaxed, community-driven dining style. His recent appearance on I’m a Celebrity! Get Me Out of Here! saw him get towards the end before being eliminated in a trivia challenge.
The new venue, will be located in Norwoods, on the corner of The Parade and Osmond Terrace according to reports. Calombaris recently visited South Australia for the GOUD, Garden Feast event, along side iconic celebrity chefs like Matt Stone, Enrico Sgarbossa and Annita Potter.
Partnering with him, Kasimatis is well known in the Adelaide food scene already with his venue, George’s on Waymouth. Since it’s establishment in 2002, it has been an undeniable crowd favourite amongst locals and visitors alike.
In 2023 the restaurant undertook a major glow up, to better match their first-class service and Mediterranean menu. The food features homemade prawn ravioli, fried zucchini flowers and even chargrilled South Australian octopus.
Kasimatis also owns acclaimed, upscale Mediterranean dining venue, HNLY. The venue, which opened in 2021, is located in Henley Square and best known for its ocean views, fresh seafood and curated cocktail offering.
With both restaurant owners bringing great knowledge and skill, the venue is set to be one of culinary luxury. Calombaris brings national profile, deep experience in large-scale hospitality operations and a strong Greek culinary identity. Kasimatis brings intimate knowledge of the Adelaide market, supplier relationships and a proven ability to create venues that resonate with Adelaide.
While details about the concept are still under wraps, the shared Greek heritage of both chefs may raise some speculation about whether the venue will lean Mediterranean or take a completely fresh direction.
Only time will tell, with reports of the restaurant opening late 2026.
