MICHELIN TO MATAKANA

Alex Aitken has cooked in some of the world's most demanding kitchens. Now he's brought that experience somewhere more personal.

Classically trained chef Alex Aitken is now based in Matakana, offering bespoke private dining experiences that bring fine dining direct to local homes. With over a decade spent in some of Auckland's leading kitchens – including The Grove under Ben Bayly, Molten in Mt Eden as Head Chef, and more recently leading the kitchen at The Farmer's Daughter in Omaha – Alex has built a foundation in refined, produce-driven cuisine.

Having spent several years in the UK working in Michelin-starred restaurants, including one-Michelin-starred 21212 in Edinburgh and the three-Michelin-starred L'Enclume in Cumbria under renowned chef Simon Rogan, his cooking was shaped by a strong emphasis on seasonality, precision, and a deep respect for ingredients.

His career has taken him far beyond traditional restaurant kitchens. Alex has worked as a private chef on superyachts in the Mediterranean and for Sir Michael Fay on Mercury Island, refining his ability to deliver high-end, tailored dining experiences in unique and often remote environments – a skill set that translates naturally into his private chef work today.

A consistent thread throughout has been a close connection to produce. Many of the kitchens Alex has worked in either grew their own ingredients or sourced directly from small-scale local producers, a philosophy that continues to underpin his cooking with a strong focus on farm-to-table principles. From Michelin-starred kitchens to produce-driven local restaurants, he has developed an approach that balances technical precision with simplicity, allowing ingredients to speak for themselves.

Passionate about the ocean, he particularly enjoys working with seafood – creating dishes that let natural flavour lead while maintaining a refined edge. He is also a qualified personal trainer, bringing a broader understanding of nutrition and well-being to his approach to food.

Now settled in Matakana and excited to be part of its growing food culture, Alex offers tailored experiences ranging from fine dining degustations to relaxed, family-style meals designed to suit any occasion. He also has plans for a permanent hospitality offering in the area with an exciting new concept currently in development – watch this space.

www.instagram.com/alexaitkenchefnz | alexaitkenchefnz@gmail.com