Celebrity chef Curtis Stone is set to open his first restaurant in Australia at the upcoming Waldorf Astoria Sydney. The Melbourne-born chef, known for his Michelin-starred Gwen restaurant in Los Angeles, will bring his culinary vision to the luxury hotel, which is scheduled to open in 2027 at One Circular Quay.
Stone described the venture as "incredibly meaningful" for him, stating that the dining experiences are personal projects inspired by his upbringing in Australia. "To partner with Waldorf Astoria Sydney and bring these ideas to life overlooking one of the world's most spectacular harbours is both an honour and a milestone in my career," he said.
The new restaurant will offer a contemporary interpretation of Australian ingredients, culture, and hospitality in a waterfront setting. This marks a significant moment for both Stone and the city, as it will be his debut restaurant on home soil and Australia's first Waldorf Astoria.
Marlene Poynder, general manager of Waldorf Astoria Sydney, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership. "Waldorf Astoria Sydney represents a defining moment as we introduce the brand to Australia. To work with a chef of Curtis' calibre makes this especially meaningful," she said. "Together, we're creating a destination where exceptional hospitality, world-class dining, and perhaps one of the world's most remarkable harbourfront settings come together to deliver an unforgettable guest experience."
Stone has a notable television career, including appearances on "MasterChef Australia" and the Netflix series "Iron Chef: Quest for an Iron Legend." He trained under chef Marco Pierre White in Europe and previously opened acclaimed restaurants Gwen in Hollywood and Maude in Beverly Hills, both of which received Michelin stars. In 2023, he opened Woodend, a beach resort restaurant in Mexico.
Stone closed his Beverly Hills restaurant Maude in September 2024 after a decade, citing time constraints. "I'm just feeling a little tapped from a time perspective," he told Wine Spectator at the time. "So, I'm like, 'How do I fix that?'... But then, you know, I also have kids that I want to spend time with. And I think sometimes you've got to close the door to be able to open the next one."
Following Maude's closure, Stone opened The Pie Room in its former space, specializing in pies, sausage rolls, quiches, and sweet treats from a small kitchen.