Anima
CONTEMPORARY ITALIAN KITCHEN
Surya Bernardini is a chef whose path was clear from the very beginning.
From washing dishes in a local café at just 11 years old to leaving high school at 16 to pursue a restaurant management traineeship, his career in hospitality was chosen early and pursued with purpose.
At 18, Surya travelled to Tokyo to study at the Tokyo Sushi Academy, where he developed the foundations that would shape his career: discipline, precision, cleanliness, and respect for ingredients.
In 2019, he joined the launch team of Oni Japanese Restaurant as a consultant, gaining his first experience in opening a restaurant from the ground up. He later continued his culinary education at Food Genius Academy, Milan, where he refined the technical skills required for Italian fine dining.
His journey then led him to Michelin-recognised Joia Alta Cucina Naturale and Al Convento, where he deepened his understanding of Italian cuisine and elevated his craft.
Returning to Australia, Surya accepted the role of Head Chef at Tish Faco Cantina, where he developed a Mexican fusion offering built around local farmers and regional producers.
In 2022, Surya relocated to Melbourne, working in senior roles across some of the hospitality industry’s largest groups and contributing to major events including the Australian Open, Australian Grand Prix, and the Melbourne Cup.
Throughout this journey, he has built strong connections across Melbourne’s hospitality scene while refining a diverse and highly disciplined culinary style.
Now, Surya begins his next chapter with Anima Q Contemporary Italian Kitchen – a restaurant that brings together the global influences, technical expertise, and experiences that have shaped his career. The result is a modern expression of Italian cuisine, centred on fresh local produce and crafted using techniques gathered from a lifetime spent in kitchens around the world.
