The owners & team at Bucci
look forward to welcoming you

Shaun Malone, executive chef and co-owner, began life in Brisbane before pursuing his career in other parts of the world. He returned in 2012 to open Bucci in James Street, Brisbane, after several years in Port Douglas, where he was the head chef at Bucci’s tropical sibling. Back in the 90s, Shaun began as a chef at Il Centro on Eagle Street Pier, followed by a period as sous chef at the River Canteen in South Bank. Then Shaun went to London in search of experience and adventure, where he contributed to opening Tetsuya Wakuda’s Knightbridge restaurant ‘MJU’. A role in the kitchens of contemporary hotel ‘One Aldwych' added inspiration and a meeting with Tanja, who became Mrs Malone. After nine years in Britain, Shaun was invited to join Shannon Bennett at ‘Vue De Monde'’s 'Bistro Vue' in Melbourne. From there, the Malones went troppo and joined the team in Port Douglas, where the first Bucci came to life.

The rest, as they say, is history. Since 2012, Shaun has shaped Bucci Brisbane with his distinctive approach. It’s most obvious in his respect for the Italian culinary approach of allowing the fresh flavours of natural ingredients to dominate the food. At the same time, Shaun and his team lighten and discreetly modify much-loved traditional dishes to please the eye and suit modern, urban tastes and expectations.

Tanja is Bucci’s general manager and co-owner, and works behind the scenes with managers, staff, suppliers and friends at large to ensure the business runs smoothly and successfully. With a background in hospitality management spanning hotels and restaurants, Tanja attends to Bucci’s operational requirements. 

Shaun and Tanja’s business partners are Melbourne food lovers Mike & Diane Lisle-Williams.  Over five years in Port Douglas and Brisbane, the couple have contributed expertise in design, marketing, management and finance, based on their own earlier careers in the corporate world.

Awards

  • Australian Gourmet Traveller 2017 Restaurant Awards – one star
  • Gourmet Traveller Wine Awards - 2 goblets 2017, ‘16, ‘15, ‘14, ‘13
  • Australian Financial Review – Bucci included in Australia’s Top 100 restaurants 2017, ‘16
  • Courier Mail Good Food Guide Awards 2017, ‘16, ’15, 14 – Bucci featured

JOIN OUR TEAM

We welcome enquiries from hospitality professionals who would like to consider employment with us.   Contact us if you love to serve guests great food and wine in a happy setting. We offer a very friendly and supportive team environment and encourage all staff to improve their skills and knowledge and gain confidence and competence through structured training and feedback. 

Email applications to info@buccijamesstreet.com.au including current CV.