Saint Peter: Chapter & Verse: The making of Sydney’s legendary seafood restaurant – in over 100 recipes

Saint Peter: Chapter & Verse: The making of Sydney’s legendary seafood restaurant – in over 100 recipes

In 2026, Saint Peter marks a decade at the forefront of global dining – a restaurant that has quietly but decisively reshaped the way we think about fish. In Saint Peter: Chapter & Verse , Josh Niland brings that world to the page for the first time: a landmark work that captures the philosophy, precision and daily rhythm of one of the most original kitchens of its generation. Structured around three expansive essays and over 100 defining recipes, the book moves between story and craft – tracing the evolution of the restaurant, articulating Niland’s revolutionary whole fish approach, and offering a rare, deeply considered look at the mechanics of service. Recipes are presented as ‘verses’, interwoven through the narrative, spanning everything from foundational preparations to the dishes that have defined Saint Peter’s menus, including its most iconic and unexpected creations. At its core is a singular philosophy: that every fish deserves to be treated with rigour, intelligence and respect. From dry-ageing and butchery to cooking and presentation, Niland’s work expands the possibilities of seafood in ways that are both technically groundbreaking and deeply thoughtful. This is not simply about sustainability, but about unlocking flavour, texture and potential at every stage. Photographed by David Loftus and produced as a richly layered, design-led object, Saint Peter: Chapter & Verse is both a document of a restaurant at its peak and a lasting contribution to the global conversation around cooking. It is a book for chefs, serious home cooks and anyone interested in the intersection of craft, creativity and hospitality – a definitive statement from one of the most important voices in food today. Josh Niland is one of the globe's most innovative and influential chefs, celebrated for his transformative approach to fish cookery. As the founder, owner, and executive chef of Saint Peter in Sydney’s Paddington, Niland has redefined seafood dining. Saint Peter has earned widespread acclaim, including being named “the most exciting place to eat in Australia” by The New York Times and securing a spot on the world’s Top 100 list. Born in Australia, Josh Niland developed a deep passion for seafood early in life, influenced by the rich coastal culinary traditions of his homeland. His career began in esteemed kitchens, where he honed his skills and philosophy. In 2016, he opened Saint Peter, establishing a reputation for his commitment to maximizing every part of the fish and pioneering sustainable seafood practices. In addition to Saint Peter, Josh Niland is the visionary behind The Fish Butchery, a unique concept dedicated to the art of fish preparation and sourcing. This specialty store offers an array of artisanal seafood products and serves as a testament to Niland’s dedication to quality and sustainability. Josh’s culinary achievements have been recognized with numerous awards, including: 4 James Beard awards, including Book of the Year for The Whole Fish Cookbook - The Andre Simon Food Book of The Year for the Whole Fish Cookbook - The Best Chef Innovation Award (2023) - The Good Food Guide Chef of the Year (2023) - The Good Food Guide Two Hat Award (2020-2023)