Mat Mclean

Mat McLean has established a reputation as one of New Zealand's leading chefs and Palate is regarded as one of New Zealand's best restaurants.

After gaining professional qualifications from Waikato Polytechnic Mat was awarded a scholarship to work in the UK, where he gained invaluable work experience at two of London’s most prestigious restaurants; Leith (1 Michelin star) and The Capital Hotel (2 Michelin stars). Following a stint in Melbourne he returned to New Zealand to establish Palate in 2005.

He is a chef with highly developed technical skills, who's committed to cooking with seasonal, local product and is not afraid to experiment with flavours and textures. He strives to keep the restaurant’s carbon footprint down with thought and action going into sustainable fishing in particular, recycling and awareness of what we need to do ethically to keep our planet green and clean.