Born and raised in Australia to proud Italian immigrants from Calabria, Melina Puntoriero grew up with the soulful flavors and vibrant traditions of southern Italy woven into her everyday life.

 

At just 19, alongside her brother, she opened her very first restaurant in Australia—igniting a lifelong love affair with food, family, and the joy of gathering around the table.

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At 22, Melina traveled to Italy for the first time—and she never truly came back. Her heart was captured by the rhythm of Italian life, the richness of its culture, and, of course, its food. In 2009, her passion took shape in a new way when she launched her own cooking school, splitting her time between Australia and Italy before permanently calling Italy home in 2017.

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“Cooking is my biggest love, but sharing is my greatest joy.” – Melina Puntoriero

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From there, her journey evolved into something even more special: curated, escorted food tours that go beyond the plate. For Melina, every dish has a story—and every story deserves to be shared. Her tours are more than just culinary experiences; they’re intimate journeys into the heart of Italian life.

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Spend just five minutes with her, and you’ll feel it—her deep love for Italy, her infectious passion for food, and her joy in welcoming people into her world.

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“In every tour, every class, and every meal served in my kitchen, my goal is always the same: to teach my guests how to live like an Italian, to love like an Italian… to be Italian.” x Melina Puntoriero