Nic Wood

Renowned for his culinary craft in showcasing the brilliance of quality ingredients, Nic Wood, Executive Chef of QT Melbourne, confidently embraces the power of simplicity. Drawing inspiration from his Western Australian roots, Wood embraces a profound appreciation for quality ingredients, emphasising values of humility, respect, and honesty in the kitchen. 

Influenced by his grandmother’s cooking and the vibrant flavours of his hometown, Wood’s culinary creations are dedicated to highlighting exceptional ingredients, paddock-to-plate philosophy, and remarkable partnerships with local producers and growers. 

Wood’s journey began in renowned Perth restaurants, before propelling to Executive Chef roles at prestigious signature restaurants within the QT Hotels & Resorts group. Notably, he led QT Sydney’s Gowings and opened the award-winning Santini Bar & Grill at QT Perth. Santini quickly became a Perth institution, receiving accolades in the esteemed WA Good Food Guide Awards as Best New Restaurant in 2018 during the hotel’s opening, and later earning the title of Restaurant of the Year in 2019, alongside four prestigious chef hats. 

With an international perspective, Wood’s expertise reached new heights as he ventured into the United States. He took on the role of Executive Chef at NeueHouse in Hollywood, where he brought his creative flair to the vibrant Los Angeles dining scene.  

Now, back on home soil as Executive Chef of QT Melbourne, Wood is poised to elevate the dining scene to unprecedented heights, transforming the dining landscape and further elevating his success.