Marilyn Annecchini’s dedication to culinary excellence alongside her husband and business partner, Giovanni Pilu, has earned her acclaim as one of Australia’s foremost restaurateurs.
Together, they helm two esteemed establishments on Sydney’s Northern Beaches: Pilu at Freshwater and the Pilu Baretto. With over two decades of dedication, their ‘Sardinian’ inspired venues have become beloved destinations for locals and tourists alike, offering exceptional hospitality and memorable experiences.
In 2004, they opened the stunning Pilu at Freshwater, recognised in its opening year by the Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide as ‘Best New Restaurant’, it has secured two, coveted chef’s hats every year since then. The restaurant continues to receive numerous, prestigious accolades.
Marilyn masterfully oversees operations across venues, from Reservations to Finance, with a blend of grace and strength. Her extensive role underlines her multifaceted expertise and her vision for modernizing Italian dining in Australia.
She is a respected figure and mentor, admired for her role-model presence and her advocacy for the hospitality industry. Marilyn’s commitment extends to mentorship, supporting career growth in hospitality, and championing women’s roles in the industry.
Her contributions to the field include judging for the Appetite for Excellence Restaurateur of the Year Awards and founding the Council of W.A.R., a network supporting female restaurateurs.
Whatever hat she wears, Marilyn is fully committed to developing and mentoring young people in hospitality and is particularly committed to championing women in the industry.
Marilyn holds a Bachelor of Arts degree (Leisure Studies) and is mother to Martino and Sofia and two Russian Blue Cats called Enzo and Gino.