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BEN DEVLIN

Ben Devlin is the award-winning executive chef and owner of Pipit.

Born and raised in Byron Bay, Ben has a deep connection to the Northern Rivers, earning national recognition for his work with coastal produce, sustainable seafood, and modern wood-fired cooking.

Under his leadership, Pipit Restaurant has earned consecutive Two Chef Hats, Regional Restaurant of the Year and a Chef of the Year finalist with SMH Good Food Guide. In 2025, was named to the global Best Chef List, becoming 1 of only 15 Australian chefs and the only NSW regional chef outside Sydney to be included.

Ben’s experience includes formative roles at internationally acclaimed restaurants such as 2 years at Michelin-starred Noma in Copenhagen, 3-hatted Esquire in Brisbane, and Paper Daisy / Halcyon House Hotel in Cabarita Beach, and a ski-season in Japan. These kitchens shaped his hyper-local, produce-driven approach and creative focus on flavour, technique, and sustainability.

Ben’s culinary ethos is rooted in the landscapes, seasons, and producers of the Northern Rivers. His menus highlight local fruits, vegetables, and sustainable seafood, all prepared over wood fire in Pipit’s open kitchen.

He is also an artist in the traditional Japanese method of Gyotaku fish printing, integrating this craft into Pipit through artworks, classes, and unique dining experiences. This blend of food, art, and place further defines Pipit as an immersive experience and destination.

Guided by sustainability and a strong sense of regional identity, Ben creates food that reflects the Northern Rivers — its people, produce, coastline, and community.

Awards

INDIVIDUAL AWARDS

  • 2025 - Finalist - Chef of the Year - SMH Good Food Guide

  • 2025 - “1 Knife” *Excellent in Best Chef List (Milan)

  • 2021 - Finalist - Eat Easy Awards Chef of the Year (Sustainability)

  • 2020 - Runner Up - Patron Craftsmanship Grant

  • 2020 - 100 Emerging Chefs - Phaidon Books

  • 2017 - FoodService's 50 Next Generation Top Aussie Chefs

  • 2014 - Young Chef of the Year - QLD Good Food Guide

FOR PIPIT

  • 2022-2025 - 2 Chef Hats, Top 10 NSW, 17/20 - SMH Good Food Guide

  • 2023 - Finalist - Restaurant of the Year - SMH Good Food Guide

  • 2023 - Finalist - Regional Restaurant of the Year - SMH Good Food Guide

  • 2022-2025 - Top 20 NSW - Gourmet Traveller

  • 2022 - NSW Regional Restaurant of the Year - SMH Good Food Guide

  • 2019 - National Regional Restaurant of the Year — SMH Good Food Guide

FOR PAPER DAISY (Executive Chef)

  • 2017 & 2019 - 2 Chef Hats - Good Food Guide

  • 2017 Regional Restaurant of the Year — Good Food Guide

Collaborations

Pipit Guest Chef events have included:

  • 2025 - Dewaken (Malaysia), Wild Food Expeditions,

  • 2024 - Ritz Carlton Melbourne, Kita Food Festival (Malaysia), Muse’s 15th Birthday (Hunter Valley)

  • 2022 - The Cook Up, SBS TV

  • 2022 - Amaru and Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, Tasting Australia Festival, Adelaide

  • 2021- Snackmasters, Channel 9 TV

  • 2021- Hartsyard, Sydney

  • 2020 - Palisa’s Farm (Thailand)

Charity Events

  • 2022 Northern Rivers Flood Relief

  • 2020 Australian Hospitality Relief Fund

  • 2020 Tweed Coast Youth Mental Health & Mentoring

  • 2019, 2020 Bushfire Relief

  • 2019 Empty Bowls Gold Coast

  • 2019 Surfing Chefs for SurfAid

  • 2017 OzHarvest - Kitchen Table Dinner & CEO Challenge

  • 2012 WAW Gathering, Attica

Listen (Podcasts)