Chef Alex Southwick
Chef At Home in Lake Hayes Estate
Get to know me better
I'm all about the flavour, local and seasonal ingredients and keeping it simple
Hi, I’m Alex, director, chef, glass polisher, napkin folder, and dishwasher at Milton Dining, Queenstown's best private chef service ([email protected]) www.dinemilton.co.nz
The name Milton comes from the street I grew up on the place where I first learned to cook, forage, and savour the kind of food memories that shape a lifetime. That foundation continues to inspire everything I create today.
I’ve worked in some of New Zealand’s most celebrated kitchens, including Aosta Arrowtown (2 hat), Sidart Restaurant (1 hats), Blanket Bay (Relais & Châteaux), and Amisfield Restaurant (3 hats, Restaurant of the Year).
Now, I bring that experience into your home offering private dining for intimate gatherings in and around Queenstown.
My cooking draws deeply from the land with ingredients sourced locally, foraged thoughtfully, or grown in my backyard in Central Otago. Each menu is tailored to your tastes and the occasion, ensuring a unique and personal experience every time.
At Milton, I combine creativity with classic technique to serve up one-of-a-kind meals that linger in memory. No matter the occasion, my small, professional team is committed to delivering not just a meal, but an experience. From thoughtful planning to flawless execution, we ensure your experience is truly unforgettable.

More about me
For me, cooking is...
What i was born to do
I learned to cook at...
I learnt to cook while i was young and then went into my apprenticeship at the age of 16.
A cooking secret...
Flavor first and keeping it 'simple' and letting the ingredients speak!




Book your experience with Chef Alex
Specify the details of your requests and the chef will send you a custom menu just for you.








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