Meet Márcia – Chef, Owner, and the Heart of Our Kitchen

Amarelo is the culmination of a culinary journey by owner and chef Márcia Harvey. For her, good food is an essential ingredient for a happy life. It brings friends and family together around a table sharing meals and creating memories.

Born and raised in North eastern Brazil, Márcia learnt to cook in the most natural way — by being immersed in it from a young age. Food was always a shared, joyful experience, and that spirit lives on in everything she creates today.

After years of intuitive home cooking, Márcia deepened her craft with professional training at the Ashburton Chefs’ academy, blending traditional knowledge with modern technique. Her cooking is vibrant, personal, and full of depth, drawing inspiration from her roots while embracing the freedom to experiment.

Amarelo Bistro is her vision come to life: a place that’s welcoming and unpretentious, where the flavours shine, and every dish tells a story. Whether you're here for a quick lunch or a long evening with friends, you're always welcome — and always well fed.