Josh Emett: Remarkable Career, Restaurants, Wife, Age and Success

Introduction

Josh Emett is a famous New Zealand chef, restaurant owner, cookbook writer and television personality. He is best known for working with world-famous chef Gordon Ramsay and appearing as a judge on MasterChef New Zealand.

During his international career, Josh worked in leading kitchens in London, New York, Los Angeles and Melbourne. He later returned to New Zealand and built a successful restaurant business with his wife, Helen Emett.

As of July 2026, Josh and Helen are connected with three well-known dining venues: Onslow, Gilt Brasserie and The Oyster Inn. Josh has also become Air New Zealand’s Culinary Ambassador, helping the airline create premium meals inspired by New Zealand ingredients.

Josh Emett Quick Profile

Detail	Information
Full name	Josh Emett
Profession	Chef, restaurateur, author and television personality
Birth date	6 July 1973
Age	53 years old as of July 2026
Birthplace	Hamilton, New Zealand
Nationality	New Zealander
Wife	Helen Emett
Children	Finn and Louis
Famous for	Gordon Ramsay restaurants and MasterChef New Zealand
Current restaurants	Onslow, Gilt Brasserie and The Oyster Inn
Current role	Air New Zealand Culinary Ambassador
Books	Cut, Josh’s Backyard BBQ and The Recipe

Who Is Josh Emett?

Josh Emett is one of New Zealand’s most recognised professional chefs. He became successful by combining classical European cooking skills with high-quality New Zealand ingredients.

He spent more than ten years working with Gordon Ramsay’s restaurant group. During this period, he helped lead important restaurants in several major cities.

Josh later became a familiar television face when he joined MasterChef New Zealand. His calm personality, clear advice and deep knowledge of food helped him connect with viewers.

Today, he works as a chef, business owner, recipe creator and ambassador for New Zealand food.

Josh Emett’s Age and Birthplace

Public reference sources list Josh Emett’s birth date as 6 July 1973. This means he turned 53 years old in July 2026.

He was born in Hamilton, a city in the Waikato region of New Zealand. He grew up on a farm outside Hamilton in an area called Ngāhinapōuri.

Growing up on a farm helped Josh understand where food comes from. Fresh produce, meat, baking and home-cooked meals were normal parts of his childhood.

This early experience later influenced his cooking style. Even after working in luxury restaurants, he continued to believe that good food should begin with fresh and carefully selected ingredients.

Early Life and Education

Josh became interested in cooking when he was young. He especially enjoyed baking cakes, biscuits, slices and pavlova.

After finishing school, he studied professional cookery at Waikato Polytechnic, which later became part of Wintec.

His training taught him the practical skills needed to work in a professional kitchen. After completing his studies, he began working at Cin Cin on Quay in Auckland.

Josh understood that he needed international experience to reach the highest level of the food industry. He therefore left New Zealand and travelled overseas to develop his skills.

International Cooking Career

Josh worked in restaurants in London and Melbourne before joining Gordon Ramsay’s organisation.

His early international roles included work at Coast in London and Est Est Est in Melbourne. These jobs introduced him to demanding professional kitchens and experienced chefs.

He later spent time working on luxury yachts in southern France. This gave him another type of cooking experience because yacht chefs must prepare excellent meals in smaller and more challenging spaces.

The biggest turning point came when he joined Gordon Ramsay’s restaurant group.

Working With Gordon Ramsay

Josh Emett worked with Gordon Ramsay for more than a decade.

He gained experience at respected London restaurants, including Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, Gordon Ramsay at Claridge’s and the Savoy Grill.

His responsibilities grew as his experience increased. He was later trusted to help lead Gordon Ramsay restaurants in New York and Los Angeles.

According to Penguin Random House, Josh oversaw the opening of Gordon Ramsay at The London NYC in 2006. The restaurant received two Michelin stars within ten months. He was also involved with Gordon Ramsay at The London West Hollywood, which received a Michelin star.

Michelin stars are officially awarded to restaurants rather than directly to individual chefs. However, Josh’s leadership in these kitchens made him widely known as a Michelin-starred chef.

His time with Gordon Ramsay gave him experience in:

• Fine dining
• Restaurant openings
• Menu development
• Kitchen leadership
• Staff training
• International hospitality
• High-pressure food service

Josh has explained that these years helped build his discipline, confidence and attention to detail.

MasterChef New Zealand Career

Josh Emett became a judge on MasterChef New Zealand in 2011.

He joined the programme during its second season and continued as a judge through its sixth season. His television role made him known to people who had never visited his restaurants.

On the programme, Josh tasted dishes, judged contestants and shared professional cooking advice. He was known for being direct but helpful.

His television success made him one of New Zealand’s best-known celebrity chefs. It also gave him an opportunity to encourage home cooks and young people who wanted to enter the food industry.

Readers interested in other familiar New Zealand television personalities can also explore the story of Hayley Sproull.

Return to New Zealand

After many years overseas, Josh returned to New Zealand and began creating restaurant businesses.

He opened Rātā in Queenstown with business partner Fleur Caulton. The restaurant focused on local ingredients and modern New Zealand cooking.

Josh and his business partners later developed Madam Woo, a restaurant concept inspired by Malaysian and Chinese flavours. They also created Hawker & Roll as a faster and more casual dining brand.

These businesses helped Josh move from being mainly a restaurant chef to becoming an experienced hospitality entrepreneur.

For another story about business success and leadership in New Zealand, read about Anna Mowbray.

Josh Emett’s Current Restaurants

Josh and Helen Emett currently operate restaurants in Auckland and on Waiheke Island.

Onslow

Onslow is a modern Auckland restaurant offering relaxed fine dining.

The restaurant combines classical cooking techniques with seasonal New Zealand produce. It is led by Josh and Helen and focuses on quality food, welcoming service and a comfortable dining experience.

Gilt Brasserie

Gilt Brasserie is an all-day restaurant in Auckland’s historic Chancery Chambers building.

Its food is inspired by European brasseries but includes a modern New Zealand point of view. The restaurant reflects Josh’s international cooking experience and Helen’s love of European dining culture.

The Oyster Inn

The Oyster Inn is a restaurant and small luxury hotel on Waiheke Island.

Josh and Helen became its owners in 2020 after visiting the property for many years. Its menu focuses on seafood, oysters, seasonal ingredients and relaxed coastal food.

The couple often visited The Oyster Inn with their sons before becoming its owners.

Josh Emett’s Wife

Josh Emett is married to Helen Emett.

Helen was born in Britain and has experience in business, finance, design and hospitality. She has worked closely with Josh in building their current restaurant group.

Their relationship is also a professional partnership. Josh usually brings his cooking and kitchen experience, while Helen contributes to restaurant design, service, planning and the overall guest experience.

Together, they have created restaurants that combine food, art, design and warm hospitality.

Josh Emett’s Children

Josh and Helen have two sons named Finn and Louis.

The family has generally kept its private life away from unnecessary public attention. However, Josh and Helen have discussed balancing restaurant work with family responsibilities in public interviews.

The official history of The Oyster Inn also mentions that the couple regularly visited the venue with Finn and Louis before buying it.

Josh Emett’s Cookbooks

Josh has written books designed to help people improve their cooking at home.

Cut

Cut was published in 2013.

The book focuses on cooking meat. It contains recipes and guidance for preparing duck, chicken, lamb, beef, pork, venison, rabbit, veal and other ingredients.

Josh’s Backyard BBQ

Josh’s Backyard BBQ was published in 2014.

It offers recipes and ideas for outdoor cooking. The book was created for home cooks who wanted to prepare tasty barbecue meals without using overly complicated methods.

The Recipe

The Recipe was published in 2019.

It brings together hundreds of classic dishes from respected chefs around the world. Josh studied, tested and presented the recipes in a way that makes them easier for home cooks to understand.

His books reflect the same idea seen in his online videos: professional food can be explained through clear and manageable steps.

Air New Zealand Culinary Ambassador

In May 2026, Josh Emett was announced as Air New Zealand’s Culinary Ambassador.

In this role, he is helping to create dishes for the airline’s Premium Economy, Business Premier and Business Premier Luxe cabins.

The meals are designed to present New Zealand food and ingredients to international passengers. Announced dishes include New Zealand lamb, venison, salmon, kūmara, kawakawa and kiwifruit.

The new menu items are expected to begin appearing on long-haul flights from October 2026.

More details are available through the official Air New Zealand announcement.

Josh Emett’s Cooking Style

Josh’s cooking style is based on classical European methods, modern presentation and premium New Zealand produce.

He prefers food that looks refined but is still easy for diners to understand. His meals often allow the main ingredient to remain the centre of attention.

His cooking commonly includes:

• Seasonal vegetables
• New Zealand lamb and venison
• Fresh fish and seafood
• European sauces and techniques
• Simple but careful presentation
• Locally sourced produce

At The Oyster Inn, for example, his approach is described as honest and uncomplicated. Ingredients are allowed to shine without being covered by too many flavours.

Josh Emett’s Net Worth

Josh Emett earns income through restaurants, cookbooks, television appearances, recipes, public events and commercial partnerships.

However, his exact net worth has not been officially disclosed.

Some websites may publish estimated figures, but these numbers are not supported by verified financial documents. For this reason, a precise net-worth amount should not be presented as a confirmed fact.

His known business interests include Onslow, Gilt Brasserie and The Oyster Inn.

Social Media and Online Recipes

Josh shares cooking ideas, recipes and short instructional videos online.

His content is designed to help ordinary people become more confident in the kitchen. He often explains professional techniques in simple steps that can be followed at home.

His official website also presents recipes, cooking guides and videos for people who want to improve their food skills.

Interesting Facts About Josh Emett

• Josh grew up on a farm outside Hamilton.
• Baking was one of his earliest food interests.
• He left New Zealand to gain international cooking experience.
• He worked with Gordon Ramsay for more than ten years.
• He worked in London, New York, Los Angeles and Melbourne.
• He became a judge on MasterChef New Zealand in 2011.
• He has written several cookbooks.
• His wife, Helen, is also his restaurant business partner.
• They have two sons, Finn and Louis.
• He became Air New Zealand’s Culinary Ambassador in 2026.
• His restaurants focus strongly on New Zealand produce.
• He creates online recipes for home cooks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Josh Emett famous for?

Josh Emett is famous for being a New Zealand chef, working with Gordon Ramsay, leading Michelin-starred restaurants and judging MasterChef New Zealand.

How old is Josh Emett?

Josh Emett was born on 6 July 1973. He is 53 years old as of July 2026.

Where was Josh Emett born?

He was born in Hamilton, New Zealand, and grew up on a farm outside the city.

Who is Josh Emett’s wife?

His wife is Helen Emett. She is also his business partner and helps operate their restaurants.

Does Josh Emett have children?

Yes. Josh and Helen have two sons named Finn and Louis.

Which restaurants does Josh Emett own?

As of July 2026, Josh and Helen are associated with Onslow, Gilt Brasserie and The Oyster Inn.

Did Josh Emett work with Gordon Ramsay?

Yes. Josh worked with Gordon Ramsay’s restaurant group for more than ten years in cities including London, New York, Los Angeles and Melbourne.

Was Josh Emett a MasterChef judge?

Yes. He judged five seasons of MasterChef New Zealand, beginning with the second season in 2011.

How many Michelin stars does Josh Emett have?

Michelin stars are awarded to restaurants, not personally to chefs. Josh held senior roles in several Gordon Ramsay restaurants that earned Michelin stars during his time there.

What is Josh Emett doing now?

As of July 2026, he is operating restaurants with Helen Emett, producing cooking content and working as Air New Zealand’s Culinary Ambassador.

Conclusion

Josh Emett’s career shows how skill, hard work and international experience can create long-term success.

He started as a young cook from a New Zealand farming community and went on to work in some of the world’s most respected kitchens. His years with Gordon Ramsay helped him learn the discipline required at the highest level of professional cooking.

Josh later returned home, became a popular television judge and built a restaurant group with his wife. His work now combines fine dining, business leadership, family life, cookbooks and simple online cooking lessons.

His appointment as Air New Zealand’s Culinary Ambassador gives him a new opportunity to introduce New Zealand food to travellers from around the world.