Award-winning Chef, Justin James, is set to open his first restaurant in early 2025, in his highly anticipated return to Australia’s culinary scene.
Restaurant Aptos will be in the iconic Adelaide Hills region of Stirling at the former Aptos Cruz Galleries. Confirmation of the highly lauded Chef staying in South Australia will delight many loyal diners and the new venture is set to bring more dedicated foodies from around the world to experience his exceptional, diverse culinary ideas.
Raised in the USA, Justin has built an illustrious career that spans the globe, working in the kitchens of some of the world's most renowned restaurants. Notably, he served as the founding Executive Chef and creator at AGFG 19-hatted Restaurant Botanic and Melbourne's acclaimed 14-hatted Vue de Monde. His journey also included stints at culinary landmarks such as Eleven Madison Park, Noma and Blue Hill at Stone Barns.
Justin says: "Over the last three months I have been busy working on my first restaurant. Early on in life I committed to the lifelong journey of being a Chef, that was 22 years ago. For those 22 years I have been an employee and now I am stepping into the entrepreneurial space as a Chef patron.
"Over two decades of dedicating a life to food and hospitality, I am now ready to show what I believe a meal could be and I am excited to be staying in South Australia in the Adelaide Hills.”
It has been a rewarding journey for Justin ahead of opening his own establishment. Full creative control after years of success, trial and error, observation and study of his surroundings has naturally fallen into place.
Restaurant Aptos will offer a global, ambitious dining experience that is as much a reflection of Justin’s culinary prowess as it is of the space it inhabits, bringing to life his unique essence through a menu that mirrors a dedication to artistry and authenticity. Guests will move through different spaces over the course of the degustation, with each space setting a mood for that part of the menu.
His unique approach to culinary design revolves around sourcing seasonal produce from local farmers and ingredients only found in Australia, treating each ingredient equally irrespective of their place as humble or luxury goods. This all collides with service, design and atmosphere, where Justin views himself not just as a Chef but as a hospitality professional and now, entrepreneur.
Deeply involved in every aspect and detail of the dining experience from the first interaction with guests to the final course, he ensures it all aligns with his culinary vision but now, as an owner-operator. The 156-year-old historic church, which served as a gallery for contemporary art and furniture for the past 35 years, will now be the home to Restaurant Aptos, opening in early 2025.
