Bringing together emerging culinary talent, the seventh edition of the program invites chefs aged 30 and under to apply to take part before 9 June.
Each chef must submit a signature dish that reflects their individual technical skill, creativity and personal approach to cooking with The International School of Italian Culinary Arts (ALMA) then producing a short list of entrants to progress to the regional finals.
This year’s jury features a line up of chefs, including Paul Ainsworth, Nieves Barragán Mohacho, Chantelle Nicholson, Angelo Sato, Emily Roux, Stuart Ralston, and Will Murray.
The group will select a UK winner who will go on to represent the region at the Grand Finale in Milan in 2027, competing alongside leading young chefs from around the world.
Previous winners include Mark Moriarty, now a prominent TV chef and leading voice in modern Irish cooking, and Killian Crowley, who was previously at Michelin-starred Aniar in Galway.
Most recently, UK winner Ben Miller has just been promoted to Head Chef at Alex Dilling at Hotel Café Royal. “Taking part in the competition was a turning point for me,” he says. “It pushed me to reflect on who I am as a chef - not just what I cook every day, but what I want to communicate through my food.
“Presenting to chefs you admire pushes you in a different way, and the level of learning is hard to match. It gave me a much clearer sense of my cooking.”
Additional awards include the S.Pellegrino Social Responsibility Award, judged by the Sustainable Restaurant Association, the Acqua Panna Connection in Gastronomy Award, and the Fine Dining Lovers Food for Thought Award.
“It’s a privilege to be involved in something that genuinely supports young chefs at such an important stage in their careers,” says Paul Ainsworth.
“What’s exciting about this competition is that it’s not just about technical ability, it’s about seeing personality on the plate. You’re looking for chefs who understand flavour and craft, but who also have a point of view and a clear sense of where they’re heading. The UK has an incredible pool of talent coming through, and it’s always inspiring to see that first hand.”