Laura Sharrad Biography – Laura Sharrad Wiki

Laura Sharrad, known previously as Laura Cassai, is a prominent Australian chef and restaurant owner. She gained fame through her appearances on MasterChef Australia, featuring in the 2014, 2020, and 2025 seasons. During her time on the show, Laura secured the runner-up position in both season 6 and season 12 of this popular culinary competition.

Following her stint on season 6, Laura honed her skills as a pastry chef at the esteemed three-hatted restaurant Orana, working under the late Jock Zonfrillo for two years. She then joined Andre Ursini at his establishment, Andre’s Cucina & Polenta Bar, where she remained for three years. In 2018, she expanded her experience at the acclaimed Hently Farm in the Barossa Valley, before launching her own venture, Nido Bar and Pasta, in 2019.

In the same year, Laura became a co-owner of the thriving pasta bar Nido in Adelaide. She continued to expand her culinary empire by opening a second location, Fugazzi Bar & Dining, in 2021. This venue offers a New York-inspired Italo-American dining experience in the heart of Adelaide.

Originally from Templestowe, Victoria, Laura relocated to McLaren Vale in South Australia in 2013. As the middle child of three in a family with deep Italian roots, she was raised under the guidance of her grandmothers Maria and Rosa. Her Italian heritage was further enriched by a two-year stay in Tuscany during her childhood. Laura fondly recalls cooking with her mother, Anita, helping to prepare pasta dough as a young girl.

Laura Sharrad Age

MasterChef Australia star Laura Sharrad was born in 1995. She grew up in Templestowe, Victoria, Australia.

Laura Sharrad Husband

Laura is married to fellow chef Max Sharrad, with the couple tying the knot in 2018. Their paths first crossed in 2015 while working together at Adelaide’s Orana restaurant, which was owned by the late MasterChef judge Jock Zonfrillo.

“It was love at first sight; I realized it right from the start,” Max expressed to The Adelaide Advertiser in 2017, reflecting on their engagement in Tuscany, Italy.

Speaking of the romantic sunset proposal, Laura said: “As soon as he pulled out the little box, I just started crying and blubbering… I cried the whole time. It was simply beautiful, just perfect.”

Max added: “Though she didn’t really say yes, she was just crying and nodding. But I’m stoked. She’s the woman of my dreams.”

Laura Sharrad Wedding

Laura and Max Sharrad tied the knot at a picturesque wedding in the Barossa Valley in 2018 surrounded by family and friends.

“2018, you were the best year of our lives. Can we please do it all again?” Laura wrote in a tribute at the end of the year alongside several wedding photos. “Miss to a Mrs, couldn’t have done it without the ones we love.”

The TV chef continued: “A year that’s left us with memories to last a lifetime, a truly special year we will never forget. Other than my husband Max, the biggest mention of all goes to my best friend @georgiaahughes .. I couldn’t haven’t it without you. X”

Laura Sharrad Children

Laura Sharrad and her husband, Max Sharrad, welcomed their first child together, Florence Rosa Sharrad, in April 2024. The chef took to Instagram to announce the birth of their baby. She wrote: “Our little girl, Florence Rosa Sharrad 🤍 Giving us the most incredible surprise on Tuesday morning 23rd April at 9.24am. We never knew this much love could exist.”

She continued: “We couldn’t haven’t done this without our incredible Obstetrician Dr Sarah Cash at @womankind.health , the midwives at the Women’s & Children’s and our families.”

Pregnancy Loss

Florence was born less than a year after Laura announced in June 2023 she had suffered a miscarriage. The star posted a photo of herself alongside her husband, Max, and their dog, Alfie, to Instagram, alongside a long caption. Laura wrote:

“A lot of you have noticed that I’ve been very quiet on here lately, and to be honest I’ve been avoiding all my platforms .. I share every part of my life with you all, so this feels right to share our heartache …

“I wanted nothing more to share with you that our little family was growing. I don’t think anything can ever prepare you for losing a little one, and although our baby was still so tiny, it doesn’t make it any less hard

“Not a lot of people talk about miscarriage, and I now truly understand how hard it can be, but for me, it’s helped me heal physically and mentally.

“We are feeling very positive about the future & I’m so grateful to have Max by my side. We’ve taken time to process it all, and we cannot wait to be parents one day soon, and of course Alfie is very excited to one day be a big brother.”

Laura Sharrad MasterChef Australia

Laura Sharrad is a three-time MasterChef Australia competitor. She appeared on season 6 of the reality TV show under her maiden name of Laura Cassai, battling it out against eventual winner Brent Owens. Laura was 19-years-old at the time and became the youngest contestant to ever make it to the top three. She narrowly missed out on winning MasterChef: Back to Win in 2020, placing second to champion Emelia Jackson.

Laura returned for the 2025 season of MasterChef Australia: Back To Win, after becoming a mum in 2024. Her decision to re-enter the MasterChef Australia kitchen was influenced by the prospect to make her family proud and inspired not to waste a single moment; to be an example for her daughter of chasing your dreams.

Laura Sharrad Net Worth

Laura Sharrad has an estimated net worth of $3 million. She is the co-owner of Nido Bar and Pasta restaurant, as well as Fugazzi Bar & Dining, in Adelaide, South Australia, with her husband and fellow chef Max Sharrad. She was awarded $30,000 after placing second on MasterChef: Back to Win in 2020.

Laura Sharrad Nationality

Laura Sharrad is of Australian nationality and Italian heritage.

Instagram

Laura Sharrad’s Instagram handle is @laurasharrad.