Josh and Julie Niland are marking a decade of Saint Peter with a global chef series that is currently the hottest ticket in the Southern Hemisphere. While the official anniversary lands on 1st September 2026, the party is already in full swing, reaching a new crescendo with the arrival of Peru’s visionary, Virgilio Martínez.
A Meeting of Minds with Virgilio Martínez
On Tuesday, 12th May, the Grand National Hotel will play host to a gastronomic collision of epic proportions as Virgilio Martínez (of Lima’s Central, formerly the World’s No. 1 The World's 50 Best Restaurant, 2023) joins Niland in the kitchen. Two of the most influential minds in modern gastronomy will collaborate.
Martínez, famous for his "Mater" research initiative and altitude-based culinary philosophy, will team up with Central's Head Chef Sang Jung to collaborate with Saint Peter's team in Paddington. Expect a one-night-only collaborative menu, a revolutionary fusion of Martínez’s high-altitude Peruvian ingredients and Niland’s ground-breaking seafood techniques.
Tickets for this prestigious sitting were released on 24th April, and as expected, the hospitality world is in a frenzy.
A Decade of Defiance: The Saint Peter Story
Let's look back at the journey of Josh and Julie Niland. When they first opened the doors of Saint Peter on Paddington’s Oxford Street in 2016, their mission was deceptively simple: to celebrate the persity and quality of Australian fish.
However, Josh Niland did more than just cook fish; he redefined it. By pioneering a "nose-to-tail" (or fin-to-tail) philosophy, he introduced the world to his version of fish butchery, dry-ageing, and inventive charcuterie that used parts of the animal previously destined for the bin—from yellowfin tuna heart to Murray cod fat caramels.
The industry took note. Saint Peter quickly secured 3 Chef's Hats and a litany of awards, including Gourmet Traveller’s Restaurant of the Year in 2025. In 2024, the restaurant made a high-profile move to its current home at the Grand National Hotel, allowing the team to scale their ambition and ultimately debut at number 66 on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants extended list.
A Series of Gratitude: 10 Dinners, 10 Icons
To honour their official anniversary on 1st September 2026, the Nilands have curated a year-long series of exclusive, one-night-only dinners. Each guest chef has been chosen for their role in shaping the Nilands’ journey, whether as mentors, peers, or inspirations.
The series began with a high-concept bang on 15th April with Rasmus Munk of Copenhagen’s Alchemist (ranked #5 in the World's 50 Best Restaurants 2025). Munk, known for his multi-sensory "holistic cuisine," set a daring tone for the celebrations to follow.
The momentum continued on 4th May with a deeply personal retrospective alongside the legendary Peter Doyle. As the man who trained both Josh and Julie at the hallowed est., Doyle is a founding father of Australian fine dining. The evening offered a rare chance to taste a menu spanning his extraordinary 44-year career, a fitting tribute from his most successful protégés.
What’s Next?
The star-studded lineup doesn't end in May. Fine dining fans all over the world can look forward to upcoming appearances from Joan Roca (El Celler de Can Roca), Wylie Dufresne, Kylie Kwong, Pascal Barbot, and Steve Hodges.
Industry at the Heart
In a move that has won praise across social media, the Nilands are ensuring this anniversary gives back to the industry. For every collaborative dinner, two complimentary tickets are reserved for deserving hospitality professionals. Awarded via a nomination process on Instagram, it’s a rare chance for the next generation of chefs to learn directly from global masters like Martínez and Munk.
Practicalities
- Location: 161 Underwood St, Paddington, NSW
- Next Sitting: Virgilio Martínez – Tuesday, 12th May
- Bookings: Saint Perer Website
Photo: Chef Martinez / Central, Main photo