Chef Ben Robinson is back in the “Below Deck” universe. After serving as the executive chef in early seasons of “Below Deck” and later on “Below Deck Mediterranean,” Robinson has returned for “Below Deck Down Under” season 4, marking his first appearance on the Bravo franchise since 2019.
Ben Robinson’s Culinary Training and Michelin-Star Background
Robinson trained under Italian chefs in Florence and later secured an apprenticeship at the three-Michelin-star restaurant The Fat Duck in the United Kingdom, according to his official website. The experience helped establish his reputation as a classically trained chef capable of high-end fine dining.
On “Below Deck,” Robinson’s role as executive chef placed him at the center of demanding charter seasons in the Caribbean and Mediterranean. Robinson’s culinary skills became a staple of the franchise during his tenure.
Beyond television, Robinson operates a global catering business. He travels internationally to provide private dining, instruction and guest appearances. He also films cooking tutorials from his home kitchen and has partnered with Emerald Cruises to deliver live cooking demonstrations for guests in the Caribbean. Robinson sells custom merchandise through his website as well.
Since his last appearance on the franchise, Robinson relocated to Florida. His waterfront home features an open-concept kitchen that doubles as a filming space for cooking videos.
Kate Chastain, Robinson’s longtime colleague from “Below Deck,” commented on his design preferences in a January interview with The Daily Dish. “Ben, for example, loves modern [interior design],” Chastain said. “I feel like it’s a little too cold and perfect.”
Chef Ben Returns for ‘Below Deck Down Under’ Season 4
Robinson joins chief stew Daisy Kelliher and Captain Jason Chambers for the new season of “Below Deck Down Under.”
In the premiere confessional, Robinson explained how his return came together. He said he ran into Chambers one week before the first charter and took him to lunch at Outback Steakhouse “because he’s Australian.” Chambers told cameras, “My chef just dropped out just before the season, and Ben was the first solution that came to mind.”
Robinson described the timing as mutual opportunity. “He needed a chef, and I needed an escape, and I thought, ‘Why not?’ In essence, we saved each other.”
According to Bravo’s season description, Robinson “demands perfection.” The announcement teases tension between Robinson and sous chef Alesia Harris, who questions whether she can meet his standards. Robinson will also face challenges with Kelliher that could impact his dynamic with second officer João Franco.
Robinson first appeared on “Below Deck” season 1 in July 2013. He returned for season 2, worked partial season 3, and completed season 4 before later joining “Below Deck Mediterranean” seasons 1 and 4.
New episodes of “Below Deck Down Under” air Monday nights on Bravo.
