SHANE DELIA

At only 30 years of age, Shane Delia is one of Melbourne’s most innovative young chefs. Opening his much awarded first restaurant Maha Bar and Grill in February 2008, Shane has excited diners with his fresh Mediterranean approach to Middle Eastern cuisine.
Shane prides himself on his original culinary style that stems from the eclectic influences that have surrounded him both personally and professionally.

Shane grew up in a large Maltese family where food was more than just a meal, it was a chance for them to gather around a shared meal table and eat with the comfort and history shared by his family.

Influenced by a number of his ancestors who worked professionally with food, it was not long before Shane realised that he wanted to translate his love for food and hospitality into a working career.  He concluded his apprenticeship at le Restaurant at the Hotel Sofitel and excelled within the traditional kitchen structure. 

At the age of 21 Shane was appointed sous chef of Eleonore’s at Chateau Yering in the Yarra Valley.  In February 2003 Shane was promoted to Executive Chef and Eleonore’s was recognised as one of country Victoria’s finest Hotels and a member of the prestigious Relais Chateaux chain.  

Shane married his Lebanese-Australian wife Maha, with whom his first restaurant shares its name, in 2007.  His new extended family has opened his eyes and heart to the many similarities between his own Maltese upbringing and culture, and those of his Lebanese neighbours across the Mediterranean.  He began to experiment with fusing Middle-Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine and the results planted the seeds for what would become Maha Bar and Grill.

His love for food and family is at the centre of what makes Maha extraordinary. Blending his classical training and his passion for honest, fresh and innovative Middle Eastern cuisine, Shane’s “Maha cooking” is captivating.
Receiving Chef’s Hats in both the 2009 and 2010 editions of the Age Good Food Guide and the Restaurant and Catering Association of Victoria award for the Best New Restaurant 2008, Shane is thrilled to know that the critics are as much in love with his contemporary Middle-Eastern dining room as are the people of Melbourne.

Regularly appearing on popular TV shows like Ready, Steady, Cook! and The Circle on Network 10, Shane warms audiences with his homely flavours and cheeky wit.

Preparing to open his second venue ‘St. Katherine’s’ in early 2011, Shane is laying the foundations to become an Australian dining icon and it seems that Melbourne are ready to share his ideology.

View a presentation by Shane Delia here.