Darren Robertson

Darren Robertson is one of Australia’s most influential and beloved chefs, known for his championing of local produce, sustainable food culture and boundary-pushing creativity. His culinary journey began in the UK under Michelin-starred chef Mark Raffan, before moving to Australia at 24 to work under the legendary Tetsuya Wakuda. Darren spent eight years at Tetsuya’s—three of those as Head Chef—honing the precision, technique and respect for produce that now define his style.

In 2010, Darren launched The Table Sessions, a pioneering ‘guerrilla dining’ concept that staged immersive pop-up dinners across Sydney. The project won Best Event 2011 from Australian Gourmet Pages and cemented his reputation as one of the country’s most innovative young chefs.

A founding member of Taste of Young Sydney (TOYS), Darren helped shape a new movement of collaboration and experimentation in the Australian food scene. TOYS received the Innovation Award in the Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide 2010, marking a cultural shift in the way young chefs connected and created.

Darren then joined forces with friends to create Three Blue Ducks—a now-iconic brand synonymous with ethical, seasonal cooking and relaxed, produce-led dining. What began in Bronte has grown into a celebrated collection of venues in Byron Bay, Rosebery, Brisbane and Melbourne, each holding a SMH Chef’s Hat during multiple years (2011–2014). He also owns The Rocker in Bondi, continuing his passion for coastal, ingredient-driven food.

A respected voice within the industry, Darren is the co-author of three cookbooks, a long-time contributor to Delicious., and a sought-after media talent with appearances on MasterChef, Iron Chef USA, The Great Australian Cookbook and My Kitchen Rules. He is an ambassador for the Australian Cancer Council, OzHarvest, and a judge for the Delicious Produce Awards, reflecting his deep commitment to community and sustainability.

When he’s not foraging, surfing or exploring new flavours, Darren can be found cooking, fermenting and recipe-testing at home in Byron Bay with fiancée Magdalena Roze—meteorologist, journalist, TV presenter and fellow food author—and their sons Archie and Charlie.

Most recently, Darren launched The Pretty Good Feed, his YouTube series celebrating local producers, coastal living and the joy of unfussy, honest cooking—filmed around his beautiful Byron Bay community.