Top Adelaide chef Leonardo Moreira Loureiro facing assault, choking charges

A popular Adelaide chef who worked with culinary icons such as Jock Zonfrillo and Massimo Bottura has faced court on domestic violence charges relating to his food influencer ex-girlfriend.

A top Adelaide chef has been charged with domestic violence offences relating to his food-influencer ex-partner

A top Adelaide chef, who co-owns popular city restaurant Nina, has been charged with domestic violence offences relating to his food-influencer ex-partner.

Leonardo Moreira Loureiro, 32, of Seaton, is yet to plead to charges of aggravated assault without a weapon and choking, suffocating or strangling a person in a domestic setting.

The court has heard Mr Moreira Loureiro is accused of choking Brenda Loveday with one hand to the right side of her throat, causing her to feel dizzy and struggle to breathe.

Ms Loveday said Mr Moreira Loureiro eventually released his grip and she remained in pain as a result of the alleged attack for about eight days, the court was told.

Ms Loveday also part-owns Nina restaurant and is responsible for the eatery’s marketing and social media.

Mr Moreira Loureiro’s lawyer has indicated to the court his client will be contesting the charges.

He appeared in the Adelaide Magistrates Court last week and was granted bail.

Mr Moreira Loureiro and Ms Loveday were together for 18 months but split soon after the incident, and have since removed each other from their social media accounts.

The former couple remain business partners in the restaurant, alongside venue manager Jessica Purcell.

Adelaide chef Leonardo Moreira Loureiro and ex-partner Brenda Loveday. Pics: Instagram.

Mr Moreira Loureiro has previously worked with industry icons including Jock Zonfrillo, Matt Moran and Italian legend Massimo Bottura.

Starting out as a lawyer in his homeland, the Brazilian-born chef switched careers after three years, eventually emigrating to Australia to study at Le Cordon Bleu in Sydney.

He spent time at Moran’s acclaimed venue, Aria, before moving to Adelaide where he worked at Zonfrillo’s Rundle St fine diner, Orana, as a Commis Chef and Chef de Parti, and at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre.

Mr Moreira Loureiro launched his own home delivery business, Basque By Leo, during Covid, offering his specialty basque cheesecakes.

In 2023, he teamed up with his partner Ms Loveday, a marketing guru, and Ms Purcell (Africola, Leigh St Wine Room) to open his first venue, a tapas-style Spanish restaurant called Nina in Adelaide’s CBD.

Adelaide chef Leonardo Moreira Loureiro and ex-partner Brenda Loveday teamed up to open Nina restaurant in Adelaide’s CBD. Pics: Instagram.

The restaurant has earned rave reviews for its menu, which serves up traditional dishes with a creative twist.

Ms Loveday started her food blog, Freaky Feeds, in 2016, becoming a big success on Instagram and TikTok, earning tens of thousands of followers across both platforms.

She works in social media full-time, managing over 10 venues in Adelaide as well as overseeing her own accounts.

Mr Moreira Loureiro did not wish to comment.

Ms Loveday also declined to comment when contacted by The Advertiser.

Mr Moreira Loureiro will next appear in court in December.