Former Press Food and Wine chef Tom Tilbury to revive Central Market food icon Aces in Chinatown

Pasta lovers, rejoice! The ex chef of one Adelaide’s best restaurants has revealed his new project – a revamped Central Market favourite.

You’ve heard of ‘yum cha’ – now a top Adelaide chef is looking to bring ‘yum ciao’ to Chinatown as he helps revive a Central Market food favourite.

Six months after leaving Press Food and Wine, executive chef Tom Tilbury has announced his next project as culinary director at the revamped Aces, formerly known as Italian diner Aces Pizza.

After more than three decades in the markets, the new venue will be located on a two-storey site on the corner of Gouger and Moonta streets, right in the middle of Chinatown.

“It’s (Aces) got a lot of history in the markets … I’m super excited to build a restaurant attached to that culture and contributes to it,” Tilbury said.

And gone is the pizza, replaced with a traditional Italian menu of handmade pasta, fish and protein dishes.

There’s also a range of small Italian plates and snacks, which will be showcased during a unique ‘yum ciao’ lunchtime service, paying homage to the Cantonese tradition of brunch involving roving Chinese tea and dim sum.

“It’s a different style of eating, a new spin on that yum cha offering,” Tilbury said.

“It’s taking inspiration from where we are (located) and what’s around us. But there’s no Chinese flavours, it’s just a nod to Chinatown.

“The menu is pasta-focused, with six to eight mains including a lobster ravioli along with the smaller dishes. It’s all designed to be fun, welcoming and inviting for everyone.”

Chef Tom Tilbury at the newly renovated Press* ]restaurant, on April 10th, 2022, in Adelaide. Picture: Tom Huntley

Adelaide Central Market icon Aces Pizza & Liquor had a makeover in 2019 bringing on board superstar chef Duncan Welgemoed and Josh Lansley. It eventually closed its doors in early 2022. Picture: Brad Fleet

In February, Tilbury announced he was leaving popular Waymouth St restaurant Press Food and Wine, less than a year after the venue’s reopening following a major makeover and fresh menu.

Tilbury, who also works under his own brand, Gather, said at the time that he wanted to pursue “other challenges”.

His new project is “very different” to his previous venues, Tilbury said, which was part of the appeal.

“We want to bring back that classic, nostalgic dining which people of all age groups know and love,” the award-winning chef said.

“It’s also very close to my childhood loves of Italian, wholesome food. I grew up in McLaren Vale surrounded by Italians.”

Press Food and Wine shot to number 4 on the 2022 delicious. 100 list of SA’s best restaurants, mere months after reopening under new owner, Jay Patel, and restaurant group manager Meira Harel.

Tilbury, who ran former delicious. 100 number 1 restaurant Gather at Coriole before taking up the city post, transformed the “old” Press menu with more plant-driven fare and a farm-to-table ethos.

The new Aces is scheduled to open in November.