Recently inducted into Italy’s Albo d’Oro dei Cuochi (Hall of Fame of Chefs), Isabella was honoured for his years of dedication, passion and commitment to both cooking and community service.
Today, though, you’ll find him behind the wheel of a bus, driving routes between Coogee and downtown Sydney. “After thirty years in the restaurant industry,” he explained, “I decided I only want to cook for people who truly need it.”
Originally from Calabria, Isabella trained at the hospitality school in Vibo Valentia and went on to specialise in high-end pastry making. He also earned a qualification in Food Science.
His professional journey took him through Italy and the UK. He ran a restaurant in Abruzzo that was destroyed in the 2009 earthquake.
That tragedy marked a turning point and sparked within him a call to charity. “I was the first official chef working in the camps for displaced people,” he said.
“That’s where it all began. Today, the charity department of the Italian Chefs Federation is a fully structured organisation, and I continue to play my part here in Australia.”
Since 2017, Isabella has been living in Sydney. The early days weren’t easy. “I came from fine dining and suddenly had to explain what cacio e pepe was,” he said with a smile.
Isabella managed to carve out a place for himself in the local food scene, eventually opening a fresh pasta shop. Today, though, he works as a public transport driver and leads a more stable life.
“I earn less, but I sleep at night,” he shared, “I have holidays, rights and, finally - after eight years, I can visit my parents again.
“But most importantly, I still cook for my coworkers at the bus depot and for underprivileged children in Thailand.
Every February, I organise fundraising drives and personally cook in village communities. No organisations, no intermediaries; I bring the money myself and hand it over directly.”
At the depot, he even set up a container to collect bottles and cans. The proceeds go entirely to his charitable projects. “One can might seem like nothing to us, but it can mean a meal for a child.”
Isabella’s story also touches on deeper themes. “Loneliness in Australia is tough,” he admitted, “Life here is work-home, home-work.
“It’s not like Italy, where you meet a friend for coffee, go out, chat. Here, it’s easy to feel isolated.”
Isabella’s Thai-born wife shares his drive to do good. “We found each other because we both feel the need to help others. It’s part of who we are,” he shared.
Today, Isabella continues to support the Italian Chefs Federation in Australia as its vice president.
When asked if he misses professional cooking, he replied, “I carry it in my heart. But now, I want to use it to help those who truly need it.”
