Adelaide chef and restaurateur Andre Ursini to star on 2025 season of MasterChef Australia

Sixteen years after he starred on MasterChef’s debut season, this Adelaide restaurateur is learning how to cook again as he makes a triumphant return to the TV kitchen.

Andre Ursini is learning how to cook again as he makes a long-awaited return to MasterChef Australia.

One of Adelaide’s leading restaurateurs, Ursini starred on the show’s inaugural season in 2009.

After turning down MasterChef producers in 2020, he said the time was now right to make a comeback to the TV kitchen.

But the man behind successful hospitality ventures including Orso on Kensington Road and Lost Phoenix in Hindmarsh Valley, admitted he could be a “little rusty”.

“I haven’t cooked in a long time,” the 44-year-old told The Sunday Mail.

“As I developed these businesses, it took me away from the kitchen. I delegate a lot, it’s been less hands-on. It’s more about managing people and numbers.

“Now I just want to concentrate on cooking again and have some fun – that’s my main agenda.”

Returning MasterChef contestant Andre Ursini. Picture: Supplied by Ten.

Andre Ursini as a MasterChef contestant in 2009.

The new season of Ten’s cooking competition, which premieres on Monday, has revived the Back to Win concept featuring former contestants looking for their taste of MasterChef glory.

Ursini was 28 and had been dating his now-wife Hana for only two months when he featured on MasterChef’s debut series in 2009.

A young chef with a passion for Italian cuisine, he finished seventh behind Julie Goodwin, and became the first contestant to launch a restaurant off the back of the show. He opened the hugely popular Andre’s Cucina & Polenta Bar on Frome Street in the city in 2010.

That’s long gone but he now owns Willmott’s Gastronomica deli in Rose Park, and Villetta Porcini, an agriturismo-style culinary experience in Mylor, among four businesses.

Ursini and Hana also have a growing family, with three young, food-mad children including Rafael, 11, Isla, 9, and Luca, 6.

“They didn’t exist 16 years ago when I was on the first series and now they’re at a wonderful age to enjoy this,” he said.

Ursini and his family, including wife Hana, and children Rafael, Isla and Luca. Picture: Andre Ursini.

Andre Ursini. Picture: Supplied by Ten.

“I really wanted to create some entertainment for my children. They’re stoked that I’ve done it. When they see an ad of me on TV, their eyes just light up. It’s pretty spectacular.”

Fellow South Aussies Laura Sharrad, Callum Hann and Savindri Perera are also among the cast this year.

“I haven’t really watched the show in recent years so I don’t understand a lot of the challenges. A lot of them didn’t exist in my season,” Ursini said.

“But this is going to be a great celebration of SA, with Poh (Ling Yeow) as one of the judges as well. I’m really proud to do it and be a part of that.”

MasterChef Australia: Back To Win premieres at 7.30pm on April 28 on Network 10 and 10Play.