Meet Our Guides

Hi everyone, I’m Raffaela, the founder of Flavourhood Tours. I grew up in an Italian family where I spent countless hours alongside my nonna making homemade pasta — always by eye, never by measure. That’s where my passion for food began.

Years later, I landed my dream role at the prestigious Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, hosting masterclasses with world-renowned chefs. My experiences — from local neighbourhood kitchens to celebrity chefs — inspired me to start Flavourhood Tours. It’s my way of sharing insider knowledge and opening the doors to Melbourne’s most iconic food destinations, the latest hot spots, and the hidden neighbourhood gems that make this city special.

After returning from European travels in 2006, I combined my love of food, wine and travel into a career. Over the past 15 years, I’ve worked with incredible brands and talented people across media, advertising and events — including Gourmet Traveller, BBC Australian Good Food, and Food & Wine Victoria, the creators of Melbourne Food and Wine Festival.

I love discovering new foods, meeting new people and, like most Melbournians, I’m always chasing that perfect coffee. Becoming a Flavourhood Tours guide allows me to share that passion every day.