Restaurant: Maha Bar and Grill

At only 31 years of age, Shane Delia is one of Melbourne’s most innovative and interesting young chefs.

Opening his much awarded restaurant Maha in February 2008, Shane has excited diners with his fresh Mediterranean approach to Middle Eastern cuisine.

Shane prides himself on his entirely original culinary style, indicative of the eclectic influences that have surrounded him both professionally and personally for much of his life.

A brief chat to Shane reveals that his cooking style has been influenced by classical training as well as the people with whom he shares his life.

His early years perpetuated a love for food and family, on the importance of sharing meals.

Shane grew up within a large Maltese family where food was more than just a meal, it is a chance for people to gather and eat with the comfort of love and a shared history.

Influenced by a number of his ancestors who worked professionally with food, it was not long before Shane realised that he may be able to translate his love for food and hospitality to a career.

He concluded his apprenticeship at le Restaurant at the Hotel Sofitel, and excelled within the structure of a traditional kitchen. At the age of 21 Shane was appointed sous chef of Eleonore’s at Chateau Yering in the Yarra Valley.

In February 2003 Shane was promoted to Executive Chef of what is one of country Victoria’s finest Hotels and a member of the prestigious Relais Chateaux chain.

Opening his first restaurant with long time friend and business partner George Calombaris, Shane has certainly captivated diners with his new Middle Eastern cuisine and hospitality.

Blending his classical training and his passion for honest, fresh and innovative Middle Eastern cuisine, Shane’s “maha cooking” excites dinners and welcomes them in the warm manner a gracious Arabic host would.

His love for food and family is at the centre of what makes Maha Bar and Grill extraordinary.

Receiving chef’s hats in both the 2009 and 2010 editions of the Age Good Food Guide and the Restaurant and Catering Association of Victoria award for the Best New Restaurant 2008, Shane is thrilled to know that the critics are as much in love with his contemporary Middle-Eastern dining room as are the people of Melbourne.

Regularly appearing on popular TV shows like Ready Steady Cook and popular early morning show 9am with David & Kim, Shane warms audiences with his homely flavours and cheeky wit.