Former Masterchef star to reopen Italian inspired Sheffield restaurant “with a twist”

Former Masterchef The Professionals contestant Reece Elliott has partnered with an established Sheffield restaurant to launch Raffina by Reece Elliott.

Reece Elliott, 24, originally from Sheffield, impressed judges on the BBC TV show Masterchef: The Professionals in 2020, having previously scooped second place in Junior Masterchef of Great Britain at 19 years old.

The new phase of the restaurant comes at an exciting time for Raffina as it marks almost a year in business since its launch in May 2021.

Situated on Ecclesall Road in one of the most iconic buildings in the area, Raffina by Reece Elliott will offer a “relaxed, refined dining experience and a vibrant atmosphere for people to enjoy”. Raffina by Reece Elliott’s new menu will launch in March and offer Italian inspired food, delivered with a “modern twist”.

The restaurant will be offering its new lunch and dinner menus Wednesday through Saturday. It will also be open for drinks and Italian inspired sweet and savoury treats from the bar throughout the day Monday to Saturday.

Reece has over eight years of culinary experience, including Chef at the three-rosette Cavendish Hotel in Baslow, Derbyshire, which has been his home for the past three years. He has cooked alongside a highly regarded line-up of Michelin starred chefs including Marcus Wareing, Monica Galetti, Raymond Blanc, Tom Kerridge and James Martin.

Reece said: “I am delighted to be announcing Raffina by Reece Elliott – it is an absolute dream come true. Running my own kitchen, designing my own menu, and having my own team is now a reality, and I couldn’t think of a better location to start this new venture.

“Raffina is a beautiful restaurant, and being on Ecclesall Road, just up from Endcliffe Park, is in the perfect location. Our menu will bring a range of Italian inspired tastes. We are confident everyone will love our take on some of the classics and our new combinations.

“From wild mushroom and truffle arancini and sea bream ceviche for starters; to pan-fried cod fillet and pork loin and belly for the main course, we will be providing diners with an exceptional experience.

“Growing up in Sheffield, I would often admire the building that now houses Raffina. It’s an iconic building on Ecclesall Road, and I am looking forward to putting it back on the map. As a Sheffield-based chef, this is a real landmark opportunity for me and my team to deliver the best culinary expertise within the area.”