Nina’s top chef Leonardo Loureiro no longer running Adelaide restaurant after pleading guilty to domestic violence charge

The top chef has stepped away from leading the top Adelaide restaurant that he help build, his co-founder has announced.

A celebrity chef who admitted to violently abusing his ex-partner is no longer running the top Adelaide restaurant he co-founded.

Nina restaurant co-founder Jessica Purcell released a statement this evening announcing that she had become the sole owner of the popular city eatery.

In October 2023, Ms Purcell teamed up with Leonardo Loureiro and food influencer Brenda Loveday, to open the tapas-style Spanish restaurant located in Adelaide’s CBD.

Mr Loureiro faced court in January over choking allegations made by his ex-girlfriend, Ms Loveday.

Earlier this month, the Seaton chef admitted that he was violent to Ms Loveday, however the allegations he choked her were not proceeded with.

“I want to acknowledge the seriousness of the situation, whilst also affirming my commitment to the team, our guests, and the values we uphold at Niña,” Ms Purcell wrote in the statement, that was also shared to Instagram.

Former business partners Jessica Purcell (L), Leonardo Moreira Loureiro and Brenda Loveday (R). Ms Purcell announced that she is now the sole business operator of Adelaide restaurant Nina, after Mr Loureiro pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated assault against his ex-girlfriend, Ms Loveday. Picture: File

“[I] will support our staff as we focus on fostering a respectful, professional and inclusive culture.

“I’ve taken steps to ensure our operations reflect those values, and I remain dedicated to providing an outstanding experience for our guests.”

Ms Purcell thanked the community for their support, as the team begins to “navigate the future with an invigorated purpose”.

“Our team is passionate about what we do, and we are looking ahead with strength,” she wrote.

Brenda Loveday at Nina restaurant. Picture: Keryn Stevens

Celebrity chef Leonardo Moreira Loureiro leaves court. Picture: NewsWire / Dean Martin

Mr Loureiro pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated assault without a weapon in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on April 17.

A second count of the charge, and one of choking, suffocating or strangling a person in a domestic setting has been withdrawn by prosecutors.

The court heard Mr Loureiro assaulted Ms Loveday on July 21, 2024 and the offence was aggravated by the fact he was knowingly in or previously in a relationship with her.

Moreira Loureiro was remanded on continuing bail, and the matter will return to court in June, where Ms Loveday will have the opportunity to provide a victim impact statement.

Ms Loveday parted ways with the restaurant in March.

Following Ms Loureiro’s guilty plea, Ms Loveday, who runs food blog and social media page Freaky Feeds, shared a message to her Instagram thanking the “hundreds of messages filled with love and support” she’s received since speaking out.

Originally published as Nina’s top chef Leonardo Loureiro no longer running Adelaide restaurant after pleading guilty to domestic violence charge