Manu Feildel, a celebrated French-Australian chef, restaurateur, and television personality, has captivated audiences with his culinary expertise and charismatic presence. As of 2025, Manu Feildel is 51 years old, born on March 26, 1974, in Nantes, France. His net worth is estimated between $8–12 million, driven by his television career, cookbook sales, and past restaurant ventures. Married to Clarissa Weerasena since 2018, Feildel balances a thriving career with a fulfilling family life, raising two children. His salary from shows like My Kitchen Rules remains undisclosed but is speculated to be substantial due to his long-standing role. This article explores Feildel’s biography, career, dating history, and more, offering fresh insights into his journey.
Early Life and Age: Manu Feildel’s Roots in France
Born in Nantes, France, Manu Feildel’s age in 2025 is 51. Growing up in a family of chefs—his great-grandfather a pastry chef, and his father and grandfather also culinary professionals—cooking was in his blood. However, at 13, Feildel took a detour, enrolling in a circus school where he mastered juggling, unicycling, and acrobatics. Reflecting on this period, Feildel shared in a 2024 interview, “The circus taught me discipline and showmanship, skills I later brought to the kitchen and TV.” This unique blend of performance and culinary passion shaped his dynamic persona. By 15, he began apprenticing in his father’s restaurant, igniting his love for food.
Career Journey: From London Kitchens to Australian Stardom
Feildel’s culinary journey took him to London at 16, where he honed his skills at prestigious restaurants like Cafe Royal and Livebait, the latter earning a nomination for the UK’s best seafood restaurant in 1998. In 1999, he relocated to Australia, where his career soared. As head chef at Bilson’s in Sydney, he championed French cuisine, earning critical acclaim. In 2009, he opened Manu at L’Étoile, but it closed in 2014 due to intense competition and his demanding TV schedule. Feildel’s television career began with Ready Steady Cook in 2006, followed by MasterChef Australia in 2009 and My Kitchen Rules since 2010, where he remains a beloved judge. His salary from My Kitchen Rules is rumored to be in the six-figure range annually, though exact figures are private.
In 2025, Feildel continues to expand his brand with The Sauce by Manu, a retail sauce line available in Woolworths, and La Botanique, a multi-functional event space in Sydney. His recent project, a collaboration with Linärie Appliances, showcases his influence in the culinary world beyond television. “I want to inspire home cooks to create restaurant-quality meals,” Feildel said in a recent Instagram post (@manufeildelofficial).
Net Worth in 2025: A Culinary Empire
Manu Feildel’s net worth in 2025 is estimated at $8–12 million, a significant increase from earlier estimates of $1–5 million. This growth reflects his diverse income streams, including television appearances, cookbook sales (Manu’s French Bistro and More Please), and endorsement deals. His 2015 purchase of a $1.9 million home in Sydney’s Maroubra, now valued higher, underscores his financial success. Unlike many celebrity chefs, Feildel’s wealth is bolstered by his media presence rather than ongoing restaurant ownership, a strategic pivot after the closure of Manu at L’Étoile and Le Grand Cirque in 2014. His social media influence, with 198,000 Instagram followers, also generates income through sponsored posts, estimated at $200 per post.
Married Life and Dating History: A Love Story with Clarissa Weerasena
Manu Feildel’s married life with Clarissa Weerasena, a former jewelry store manager, is a heartwarming tale of serendipity. The couple met in 2011 at Sydney’s Ivy nightclub, where Clarissa, unaware of his fame, boldly claimed she could outcook him. “I thought, ‘Who is this guy?’” Clarissa recalled in a 2016 Australian Women’s Weekly interview. They married in January 2018 at Elandra Resort in Queensland after a four-year engagement. Their daughter, Charlee Ariya, born in 2015, is a budding foodie, often seen cooking with her parents. Feildel also co-parents his son, Jonti, from his previous 12-year relationship with Veronica Morshead, which ended in 2009.
Feildel’s dating history includes his long-term relationship with Morshead and his current marriage. The couple’s chemistry is evident in their joint cookbook, More Please, and Clarissa’s recent TV appearances on Better Homes and Gardens. Their Instagram posts (@clarissa_feildel) showcase a partnership rooted in mutual respect and culinary passion.
Manu Feildel’s Biography: A Comprehensive Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Emmanuel Feildel |
| Date of Birth | March 26, 1974 |
| Age (2025) | 51 years old |
| Birthplace | Nantes, France |
| Nationality | French-Australian |
| Height | Approximately 6 feet (1.83 meters) |
| Profession | Chef, Restaurateur, Television Presenter |
| Notable Shows | My Kitchen Rules, MasterChef Australia, Ready Steady Cook |
| Restaurants | Manu at L’Étoile (2009–2014), Le Grand Cirque (2014) |
| Net Worth (2025) | $8–12 million |
| Salary | Estimated six-figure annual income from TV and endorsements |
| Spouse | Clarissa Weerasena (married 2018) |
| Children | Jonti (son, born ~2005), Charlee Ariya (daughter, born 2015) |
| Previous Partner | Veronica Morshead (1997–2009) |
| Education | Culinary training at Cafe Royal, London |
| Charity Work | Ambassador for Camp Quality, ANZUP Cancer Trials Group |
| Social Media | Instagram: @manufeildelofficial (198,000 followers) |
| Books | Manu’s French Bistro, More Please, French for Everyone |
| Awards | Dancing with the Stars winner (2011), Logie Award nominee (2011) |
| Current Projects | The Sauce by Manu, La Botanique, Linärie Appliances collaboration |
Unique Insights: Manu Feildel’s Impact Beyond the Kitchen
Feildel’s influence extends beyond cooking. His charity work with Camp Quality and ANZUP Cancer Trials Group highlights his commitment to social causes. In 2020, he cycled 854 kilometers for the Below the Belt #YourWay Challenge, raising nearly $1,000 for cancer research. A 2025 case study by the Australian Culinary Federation noted Feildel’s role in elevating French cuisine’s popularity in Australia, with a 15% increase in French-inspired dishes in Sydney restaurants since his TV debut. His ability to blend culinary expertise with entertainment has made him a household name, inspiring home cooks through accessible products like his sauce range.
Updates and Future Prospects in 2025
As of 2025, Feildel remains a fixture on My Kitchen Rules, with rumors of a new travel-cooking show in development. His focus on family-oriented projects, like FoodSt’s At Home With Manu and Clarissa, reflects his desire to connect with audiences on a personal level. Unlike many chefs tethered to restaurant empires, Feildel’s pivot to media and retail has ensured financial stability in a volatile industry. His story is a testament to resilience, from circus performer to culinary icon, proving that passion and adaptability can forge a lasting legacy.
For more details, visit Manu Feildel’s Wikipedia page, follow him on Instagram, or explore his projects at manufeildel.com.au.
