Sydney's Bennelong names Rob Cockerill as new Executive Chef
Bennelong, the Sydney Opera House restaurant that has hosted guests from Russell Crowe to Julie Andrews, has a new leader in the kitchen. Rob Cockerill has stepped into the role of Executive Chef, succeeding Peter Gilmore after his 11-year tenure at the helm.
Cockerill, previously Head Chef under Gilmore, was there for the restaurant's 2015 opening and has worked alongside him ever since. Describing the appointment
"It's pretty surreal, to be honest. Bennelong is one of those restaurants that's recognised around the world, but what makes it special is that it's also incredibly important to so many Australians. People celebrate some of the biggest moments of their lives here, and being trusted to lead the next chapter is something I'm really proud of," Cockerill told The Daily Telegraph.
Cockerill credited Gilmore with shaping his approach to hospitality, noting the importance of relationships built over the years.
"He's also taught me that no matter how successful a restaurant becomes, you can never stop learning. Stay curious, stay humble and always keep looking for ways to improve."
While Cockerill has introduced new dishes to the menu, longstanding signatures remain in place, including the Bennelong Pavlova, styled after the curves of the Opera House sails. His goal, he said, is to broaden the restaurant's appeal beyond special occasions.
"Of course, we'll always be a place where people come to celebrate life's big milestones, but I also want people to think of Bennelong as somewhere they can drop into the bar for a casual bite and a glass of wine, enjoy a long lunch just because, or gather with family and friends for dinner on a Tuesday night."
Cockerill said his measure of success is a broader sense of hospitality and identity for the venue.
"If people leave feeling like they've experienced the best of Australia's produce, hospitality and generosity, then we've done our job. That's what I want Bennelong to be known for, not just as an icon of Australian dining, but as a restaurant people feel belongs to them, whatever the occasion."
Gilmore's exit from Bennelong follows his earlier departure from Quay, another of his flagship restaurants, earlier this year. He served his final service at Bennelong in June before relocating to Tasmania.
Jonathan Jackson, 4th August 2026
