Melbourne-born chef Curtis Stone is returning home to open his first restaurant on Australian soil at Waldorf Astoria Sydney, the luxury brand’s first hotel in Australia.
The partnership brings together two firsts: the debut of Hilton’s luxury Waldorf Astoria brand in Australia, opening in 2027, and the first restaurant project in his home country for the internationally based chef.
There will be two original dining experiences created exclusively for the hotel, drawing on Australian produce and hospitality.
Hilton vice president, Luxury Brands, Asia Pacific Candice D’Cruz says partnering with Stone for the Australian debut reflects the brand’s approach of connecting guests to each destination through its dining.
“Culinary excellence has always been integral to Waldorf Astoria, bringing together exceptional talent, iconic destinations, and a deep sense of place. Working closely with our owners, we curate collaborations that connect guests to each destination.
“Partnering with a globally renowned Australian chef like Curtis Stone for our Australian debut reflects our commitment to creating unforgettable dining experiences that are unmistakably Waldorf Astoria.”
“Coming to Australia to create something of this scale is incredibly meaningful for me,” says Stone.
“These dining experiences are deeply personal projects, inspired by the producers, seasons, and hospitality culture I grew up with.
“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.”
Waldorf Astoria Sydney general manager Marlene Poynder, who returns to Australia for the debut of the hotel brand, says, “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.
“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.”
The move follows a broader Waldorf Astoria pattern of pairing new hotels with high-profile chefs: Clare Smyth and Daniel Boulud are behind the signature restaurants at the coming Waldorf Astoria London at Admiralty Arch, while Garima Arora and Jean-Georges Vongerichten are attached to Waldorf Astoria Kuala Lumpur.
For more information, visit Waldorf Astoria.
KARRYON UNPACKS: Waldorf Astoria has built its recent openings around name chefs, and anchoring its Australian debut to a home-grown one gives advisors a clear story to sell well ahead of a 2027 opening. A harbourfront address at Circular Quay paired with Curtis Stone’s first local restaurant is the kind of destination-dining hook that travels beyond hotel guests, and worth flagging now to clients who book Sydney for the milestone stays.
