Adam Swanson
Adelaide-born Adam Swanson is the Owner of Ocean Bar & Kitchen in Adelaide.
At the age of 17, Adam realised he had a deep fascination and passion for food. He invested 6 years of training with Majero’s restaurant, but always knew his ambitions would lead him to even greater culinary heights. Now, with over 20 years of experience, his devoted love affair with food has become a personal and professional success!
Often described as an “old soul” by those who know him, Adam draws his inspiration from the much-loved traditional home-style cooking that was a major part of his upbringing.
Adam’s culinary achievements are a testament to his dedication and love for food. His first restaurant, Zucca Greek Mezze, was established in Holdfast Shores in late 2003, with Adam a Founding Owner and Executive Chef at Esca, also at Holdfast Shores, until February 2010. From late 2015 to 2017, Adam was the Executive Chef of Lot.1 Sydney in the heart of the CBD, which boasted a combination of traditional and modern Italian cuisine.
Adam’s latest culinary venture is Ocean Bar & Kitchen which opened in early 2024 and showcases a fresh and lively Italian menu with seaside views nestled in the heart of Henley Beach.
Extending his passion for food, Adam is also a regular chef on Australian television series Everyday Gourmet, Good Chef Bad Chef, and Farm To Fork.
Awards and Recognitions:
- Best Mediterranean Greek Restaurant (2003, 2004, 2005) – Zucca Greek Mezze
- Best New Restaurant (2005) – Esca
- Best Greek Restaurant (2009, 2010, 2012, 2014) – Zucca Greek Mezze
- National Best Greek Restaurant (2010) – Zucca Greek Mezze, recognised by the Restaurant and Catering Industry’s National Awards for Excellence
- Hall of Fame – Zucca Greek Mezze, recognised by the Restaurant and Catering Association of South Australia
- Young Achiever of the Year (2015) – Adam Swanson, recognised by Restaurant & Catering Australia
