Italian Long Lunch with Giovanni Pilu

Pilu@Willinga Park

Join us at Willinga Park for an unforgettable Italian long lunch with acclaimed two-hatted chef Giovanni Pilu, part of the Autumn Celebration of Food presented by the Shoalhaven Food Network.

Known for his celebrated Sydney restaurants and deeply authentic Sardinian flair, Giovanni Pilu will present a specially curated menu showcasing seasonal local ingredients and authentic Italian flavours with a contemporary twist.

Giovanni will be joined by renowned Adelaide chef Eugenio Maiale, whose career is dedicated to the craft of homemade pasta, and who both will lead a team from the Shoalhaven Food Network, Chefs Of The Shoalhaven.

Set within the striking surrounds of Willinga Park, this is more than a long lunch. It is a chance to enjoy world class cuisine, explore the beauty of Willinga Park and discover why Willinga Park is one of the South Coast’s most remarkable destinations.

Guests are also invited to make a weekend of it with an exclusive accommodation offer at Willinga Park.

• Sunday 31 May 2026
• From 12:00pm
• $220 + Booking Fee p/p

Meet Giovanni Pilu

Giovanni Pilu is a highly regarded Italian born Australian chef, restaurateur and author, widely recognised for introducing and championing Sardinian cuisine in Australia. Born in Sardinia, he developed an early connection to food and hospitality before moving to Australia in 1992, where he began building his reputation in Sydney kitchens.

He opened Cala Luna in Mosman in 1997, before establishing his flagship restaurant Pilu at Freshwater in 2004 with his wife Marilyn Annecchini. Since then, Pilu has earned major critical acclaim, including Two Hats in the Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide, and is celebrated for a cooking style centred on simplicity, authenticity and exceptional seasonal produce. In December 2025, he opened Flamina at Circular Quay, a restaurant inspired by Italy’s port cities. 

Meet Eugenio Maiale

Joining Giovanni Pilu is renowned chef Eugenio Maiale, whose career has been shaped by a lifelong dedication to handmade pasta and regional Italian cooking. Inspired by his Abruzzese heritage, Eugenio has built a reputation for food that is authentic, generous and grounded in tradition.

With experience across some of Adelaide and Sydney’s most respected Italian kitchens, he brings a depth of knowledge and craftsmanship that complements the event beautifully. His contribution to Pilu@Willinga Park adds another layer of regional Italian flavour, skill and warmth to the long lunch experience.

Stay at Willinga Park

Make it a weekend to remember and stay in one of Willinga Park’s beautiful Pavilions with a special 15% discount on accommodation, giving you even more reason to settle in and enjoy a relaxing, indulgent getaway. To book your stay, visit the Willinga Park website and use the code STAYWP15

• Book your stay