George Calombaris

George Calombaris, 2016 (cropped)

George Calombaris (born 4 October 1978) is an Australian chef and restaurateur. He is best known for his role as a judge on the television show MasterChef Australia. Calombaris has been a prominent figure in the Australian culinary scene, known for his innovative approach to Greek cuisine.

Early Life and Education[edit | edit source]

Calombaris was born in Melbourne, Victoria, to Greek-Egyptian parents. He attended Mazenod College in Mulgrave, and later studied at the Box Hill Institute of TAFE, where he completed a diploma in hospitality.

Career[edit | edit source]

Calombaris began his career working at various restaurants in Melbourne. He gained significant recognition when he was awarded the Young Chef of the Year by The Age Good Food Guide in 2004. He went on to open several successful restaurants, including The Press Club, Gazi, and Hellenic Republic.

Television Career[edit | edit source]

In 2009, Calombaris became a household name when he joined the judging panel of MasterChef Australia alongside Gary Mehigan and Matt Preston. The show became a massive hit, and Calombaris's popularity soared. He remained a judge on the show until 2019.

Controversies[edit | edit source]

Calombaris has faced several controversies throughout his career. In 2017, it was revealed that his restaurant group had underpaid staff by nearly $8 million. Calombaris publicly apologized and repaid the owed wages. Despite this, the scandal affected his reputation and led to increased scrutiny of his business practices.

Personal Life[edit | edit source]

Calombaris is married to Natalie Tricarico, and the couple has two children. He is known for his passion for Greek cuisine and often draws inspiration from his heritage in his culinary creations.