The Sebel Reef House & Spa Palm Cove

Having left his native London to travel the world, Phil's adventures took him to the kitchens of the Channel Islands throughout Europe and North Africa. He first came to Australia on a working holiday, and after a short time in Sydney he left to explore Morocco.

However, Australia left a lasting impression on Phil, the country to which he soon migrated. He first worked as Executive Chef on Bedarra Island, and then travelled to Queensland's Sunshine Coast, where he stayed for nine years as Executive Chef at Palmers, Filligans and Two Chef's.

The opportunity to explore his personal style brought Phil to The Sebel Reef House & Spa Palm Cove where he has certainly made his mark, leading the restaurant to an internationally renowned reputation. Philip's philosophy is to showcase the pure and wonderful flavours of Queensland, in simple yet elegant dishes.

"Many of our patrons are international visitors, and it's important that the restaurant retains a cosmopolitan feel while demonstrating the best features of modern Australian cuisine", he says. This ideology has won him a large and loyal following of discerning ‘foodies', both locally and internationally. Focusing on prime local produce, the menu has an eclectic feel with Mediterranean, Asian and traditional influences.

Philip is a regular presenter at master classes throughout Australia and has been a guest chef at the BBC Good Food Show in Sydney for the last 2 years.

Both he and his food have been the subject of much media attention recently, enjoying rave reviews in Qantas Magazine, Melbourne Weekly Magazine, Canberra Times, Sunday Herald Sun and Gourmet Traveller and many more. Some of these reviews are below.

Vogue Australia, Entertainment & Travel

'From the restaurant's idyllic beachfront location, overlooking the crystal blue waters of the Coral Sea and the Great Barrier Reef beyond, Philip showcases the pure flavours of North Queensland in his selection of simple yet elegant dishes. Enjoying this wonderful dining experience is an integral element of staying at The Sebel Reef House & Spa - a charming and decadent boutique hotel with a rich history.'

Cairns Eye 

'..."Cooking is a way of giving to people. Food nourishes the soul," Philip says. "It's so pleasurable to cook for someone and know they enjoy it, that they will go away happier for the experience."

It's that king of job satisfaction that keep his feet firmly on the ground. Having started his career in some of Britain's top restaurants, he moved to Australia and took up prestigious jobs at Bedarra Island and Noosa, eventually owning his own Sunshine Coast restaurant. Almost a decade ago, he found himself at Palm Cove and the wanderlush vanished. "I knew this was where I wanted to be," he says. So, instead of chasing fame and fortune, the gentle giant now has the rich and famous seeking him out. Philip and his Reef House team have featured on television programs from Sunrise to Getaway and he is called on for appearances at food and wine shows, as well as guest chef spots around the country...'

Cairns Eye

'...And then, there's Reef House, out there on its own like a secluded coral cay, perfect in its simplicity. With all the warmth of an old friend, it's a place to return to when you know what you want and are unwilling to compromise.

Never a gamble, there's no full or financial risk involved. Executive chef Philip Mitchell always delivers. From his helm in the ocean-view kitchen, he runs a tight ship, dispatching superior nosh which arrives at tables with congenial ease...'

To make a booking or to find out more about Reef House Restaurant call 07 4055 3633 or email us.