LAURA SHARRAD
MasterChef champion, hospo icon, mum and all-round Adelaide treasure—Laura Sharrad wears many hats.
Laura recently took home the crown in the 2025 MasterChef Australia: Back to Win against tough competition from fellow local Callum Hann. Beyond the screen, she’s a leader in SA’s hospitality world as co-owner of Italian-inspired favourites Fugazzi Bar & Dining Room and Nido.
For Laura, creativity is a thread that ties it all together—connecting food, fashion and self-expression.
We caught up with Laura to chat her favourite dumpling joint, the best advice she’s ever received and the dish that will never leave the Fugazzi menu.
Laura, you bring so much joy to people through food. What connection do you see from fashion to food?
Fashion and food definitely share this huge creative flair. I don’t think there’s many rules when it comes to food and fashion: make it your own, whatever your personality is—let it shine.
Throughout your career in Adelaide, tell us about your most memorable moment.
It would have to be the opening of our two restaurants. Co-opening Fugazzi and Nido a few years back was an incredible opportunity to have at such a young age and to see those businesses really thrive in Adelaide itself, and everyone loving them so much, has been a huge successful achievement for us.
Is there one spot in the city you like to introduce people to?
It would have to be a little Korean place called Mandoo. It's on Bank Street in the city, and they make the best dumplings ever.
How would you describe Adelaide’s creative energy?
I think Adelaide’s creative energy is very fun, very youthful, and definitely very supportive. The city itself is about supporting each other, whether you're in the same game or a different one. I think that Adelaideans are really good at rallying behind other people.
When you want to feel your most confident, what is your-go to look?
I think for me, it's probably hair down. I'm a hair-up kind of girl pretty much every day of the week—it's just mum life. So when I want to feel confident it's hair down, curled, a bit of lippy, and I’m ready to go!
How does dressing up and self-expression show up in your daily life?
My self-expression day-to-day would have to be through colour. I just love a little pop of colour—whether it's a handbag, a shoe, or even a really bright jumper to lift my mood. Especially in winter, when you want something that really pops.
You’ve built some of the city's most iconic dining spots. What's one item you'd never take off one of your menus?
The one item I can never take off the menus at either restaurant would have to be the gnocco fritto. It's a classic. It's fried focaccia with ricotta and honey. It's naughty, decadent, and so goddamn good!
Would you be able to share the best piece of advice you've received?
It was actually from my husband: never give up. Simple words I've used throughout my career, and it's definitely helped.
If you could only wear one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Definitely a pair of trackies sitting on the couch. Very different from this!
STEAL THEIR STYLE
*Adelaide City is your style destination—shop these pieces and more in-store at leading Rundle Mall retailers David Jones, Shades Shop and Myer.
