Danielle Alvarez

Danielle Alvarez is one of Australia’s most celebrated female chefs, gaining her passion for farm-to-table cooking from an impeccable pedigree of restaurants both in the US and Australia.

Born into a food-loving Cuban-American family, Alvarez first learned about cooking from her mother and grandmother before choosing to pursue a professional career in the food industry.

A move to California opened her eyes to the bounty and vast world of fresh produce. Here, she worked at restaurants such as Napa’s The French Laundry and San Francisco’s Boulettes Larder. Most notably, Alvarez spent four years developing her cooking skills at the legendary Chez Panisse in Berkeley, which she credits as the most formative in her career.

Alvarez was the creative visionary behind Fred’s in Paddington, designed around her style of cooking and produce-driven ethos. Upon opening in 2016, the restaurant immediately won multiple accolades. Most notably, Alvarez held two chef's hats for her entire tenure at the helm, and Fred’s quickly became one of the most beloved restaurants in the country.

Alvarez is the author of Always Add Lemon, her first cookbook, published in 2020, and a regular columnist for Good Weekend Magazine, printed nationally in the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age. She is also the co-host, with Adam Liaw, of the TV series The Good Food Kitchen.

In 2022, following six years at the helm of Fred’s, Alvarez decided it was time to press pause on restaurant life.

In September 2023, Alvarez was appointed Culinary Director – House Venues at the Sydney Opera House. Her signature menus are now available within the iconic Yallamundi Rooms, Utzon Room, Joan Sutherland Theatre, and the Concert Hall Northern Foyers.

Her second cookbook, Recipes for a Lifetime of Beautiful Cooking, was published in October 2023.

When not working, Alvarez enjoys exploring Sydney’s dynamic restaurant scene, indulging in simple meals at home with her partner and their dog Ripley, and contemplating culinary projects aligned with her values.