Tasmanian-born Italian-raised chef Massimo Mele has been named as Culinary Director of a new produce-driven diner, set to open within The Tasman hotel in Hobart’s Parliament Square.

Adjacent to Salamanca Place and the Hobart waterfront, Parliament Square is a landmark new development which will house Australia’s first Luxury Collection Hotel, as well as several other specialty food and beverage providers.

“We are proud to be partnering with a local Tasmanian chef to bring Hobart’s rich local character to life. Massimo’s international reputation and passion for local produce is the perfect fit for Australia’s first Luxury Collection Hotel, The Tasman,” said Stephen Morahan, General Manager for The Tasman.

Massimo Mele was born in Tasmania and raised in Naples and his menu is expected to reflect his Italian heritage as well as his love of local Tasmanian produce. Mele had worked across prestigious venues both locally and internationally. More recently, that has included the Hugos Group in Sydney and Grain of the Silos in Launceston where he is currently the Food Director.

“My first ever kitchen job was in Hobart’s northern suburbs at my parent’s restaurant in Glenorchy, and after years spent working in kitchens around the world it feels incredible to return to my roots and be involved in creating something special here,” Mele said.

“Being back in Tasmania for the past couple of years with my family has given me the opportunity to go back to basics and reconnect with the land, educating myself and building strong relationships with some of the best producers in the state. I really want this restaurant to celebrate that in a way that feels authentic to my values and passion as a chef.”

The yet-to-be-named restaurant is slated to open at the same time as The Tasman in early 2021.