Women Lead Story

Laura Sharrad 

Starting her cooking journey at a very young age, cooking with her Nonna, Laura Sharrad has now taken the Adelaide and Australian culinary scene by storm. In 2014, at the age of 18, Laura finished runner up on Masterchef Australia with an offer to work with Jock Zonfrillo at Orana as a pastry chef. 

Originally from Victoria, Laura and her family relocated to McLaren Vale, after deferring her Bachelor’s of Health Science at Flinders University to apply for Masterchef, she became the youngest contestant ever to make it into the final three. 

Now she runs two very successful and delicious restaurants of her own, right here in Adelaide. The first being NIDO, located in Hyde Park on King William road is inspired by contemporary Italian cuisine and the more recently founded Fugazzi on Leigh Street inspired by a New York Italian style bar and dining room.

Both locations are divine, with exceptionally tasty meals on offer and delicious cocktails from the bar being a popular treat for guests to enjoy. 

Since the show aired she has also released her very own cookbook, My Italian Kitchen, and reappeared in 2020 on the Back to Win season of the show, finishing runners up. 

Laura’s now husband, she met during her time working at Orana thanks to Jock, and we are so thankful this occurred as they make a beautiful couple and seem incredibly happy together. 

If you are in Adelaide and are yet to try either of these restaurants, we highly recommend an experience that will not disappoint.