About me

The story behind By Izzy Ross

I’m Izzy Ross — a Melbourne-based plant-based private chef, retreat caterer and yoga practitioner offering thoughtfully curated food and wellness experiences.

I grew up in northern Italy, in a region where cultures meet and food is deeply woven into daily life. My relationship with cooking was shaped early on by my mother’s emphasis on seasonal ingredients — baking bread, preserving produce, and preparing simple vegetable-based meals that centred nourishment and care.

In my early twenties, I transitioned to a fully plant-based lifestyle. What began as a personal decision quickly became the foundation for my professional path, allowing cooking to evolve into a form of creative expression and a way of offering care through food. My commitment to plant-based cooking is rooted not only in nutrition and sustainability, but also in a deep respect for animals and the broader environmental impact of our food systems.

After completing multiple culinary trainings with individuals at the forefront of plant-based innovation, and working across restaurants and cafés, I was invited to cook for my first yoga retreat — an experience that clarified the direction of my work. Since then, I’ve catered for retreats across Australia, worked closely with private clients, and developed a reputation for food that is both nourishing and refined.

My work is informed by formal training in plant-based nutrition, allowing me to create menus that are not only beautiful and satisfying, but also thoughtfully balanced and supportive of wellbeing.

Today, my work is grounded in:

• Seasonal, high-quality ingredients

• A strong commitment to sustainability

• Thoughtful presentation and detail

• Menus that support both body and atmosphere

My approach draws inspiration from my Italian roots, extensive travel, and ongoing engagement with wellness and movement. By Izzy Ross is a boutique, personal offering for those who value quality, intention and considered experiences.