Chef Rishi Naleendra was born into a family of food professionals, growing up immersed in the rhythm and creativity of the kitchen. With an intuitive understanding of flavour, texture and visual balance, he has developed a distinctive culinary style that blends innovation with a deep respect for ingredients.
His first restaurant, Cheek by Jowl, quickly gained widespread recognition before evolving into Cheek Bistro, a modern Australian concept celebrated for its bold yet approachable cooking. During this time, Rishi also launched Cloudstreet, a progressive and highly acclaimed restaurant that reflects his curiosity, cultural influences, and commitment to seasonality, craft and warm hospitality.
Honouring his Sri Lankan heritage, he later opened Kotuwa, a vibrant and expressive tribute to the flavours of Sri Lanka’s bustling streets and rich culinary traditions. Its menu showcases his ability to reinterpret heritage dishes with creativity while remaining grounded in authenticity.
His most recent venture, FOOL, is a modern wine bar created to break the rules of traditional wine culture, offering a playful, engaging atmosphere supported by thoughtful cooking.
Across all his projects, Rishi continues to push boundaries while staying true to his philosophy of refined, ingredient-led and culturally expressive dining.
