LOCATION: MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA

Adam D’Sylva’s Indian-Italian heritage has given him a foundation in contrasting cuisines. With his cultural background and his formal training, Adam has established an enviable reputation as one of Australia’s best and most innovative chefs.

Adam’s interest in cooking began as a child and his mother was a major influence on his decision to follow his passion for cooking. He began his career as an apprentice at Hilton on the Park in Melbourne before working as a chef at Cosi in South Yarra. Adam then explored his love of food, travelling through Europe and Asia and working in restaurants in the Marche region of Italy and Hong Kong.

On his return to Australia, Adam became Head Chef under Geoff Lindsay at Pearl and then Head Chef at Longrain Melbourne for Martin Boetz.

In 2008, Adam won The Age Good Food Guide's Young Chef of the Year and as part of his award travelled to New York to work with Thomas Keller at Per Se, arguably one of America's best restaurants. Adam was also twice awarded Lexus Young Chef of the Year award for Victoria.

In 2009, Adam opened Coda in Melbourne’s Flinders Lane. His menu drew inspiration from across the globe, blending Asian and European tastes and techniques. Tonka opened in 2013, and Adam’s menu looked more to his paternal heritage celebrating the vibrancy of Indian techniques and flavours. Coda and Tonka were both awarded, and have maintained, One Chef’s Hat in The Age Good Food Guide since opening. Moving on from Tonka & Coda in 2023, Adam has launched his collaboration with Monika Frkovic, Bocca Gelato, and in 2021 was announced his role as Creative Director for Lolla at the W Melbourne Hotel.

Adam has appeared on all of Australia’s major television networks on shows including, MasterChef Australia, Asia Unplated, Everyday Gourmet, The Chef’s Line and Ready Steady Cook. In 2021 Adam will host his first TV series for SBS Food, India Unplated, due to air in September 2021.