Massimo Mele is stepping back from his role at Peppina Restaurant after six years to focus on his SBS Food series The Chef’s Garden and a new line of immersive food experiences.
Mele will leave the Hobart restaurant at The Tasman hotel from September 1.
Peppina’s chef de cuisine Angga Err, who has worked with Mele for the past three years, will take over.
“I’m leaving the restaurant in good hands,” Mele said.
“I am incredibly proud of what we created at Peppina and deeply grateful to The Tasman, the producers and every team member who has been part of that journey.”
“Peppina will always be a very special chapter for me, but this next stage gives me the opportunity to put more energy into The Chef’s Garden and where it can go next.”
The restaurant has been a favourite among locals and visitors since it opened in 2021, earning numerous awards for its hearty seasonal food and service.
Mele said family was also a factor in his decision.
The news comes in a big week for Hobart’s culinary scene, with Christian Ryan named Australia’s Chef of the Year at the 2026 Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Awards.
Ryan, who leads Aløft Restaurant and Restaurant Maria on Hobart’s waterfront, has spent 22 years in kitchens after starting as an apprentice at D’Angelos.
Mele said season three of The Chef’s Garden is now in production and will broaden its focus to explore how food moves from producer to plate.
Alongside the new season, Mele is launching immersive experiences where participants will spend time directly with farmers, growers and producers.
“It is about creating something meaningful where people can participate, ask questions, get their hands dirty and leave with a completely different understanding of food and the people who produce it,” he said.
The first experience will take place in April 2027, with places going on sale at the end of October.
Mele will also remain Food Director at Grain of the Silos and continue working on the new convention centre project at Peppers Silo Hotel in Launceston.
