Named in honour of Tommy Gunn - beloved grandfather of owner Rozza - our venue celebrates the life and spirit of a true gentleman.

A decorated veteran who served in both World Wars and earned the Military Cross for gallantry, Tommy was known as much for his courage as for his warmth. To those who knew him, he was a gracious host who cherished good food, heartfelt conversation, and the joy of shared moments.

At Tommy Gunns, we carry forward that same spirit of generosity, hospitality, and genuine connection in everything we do.

The Story Behind The Name

Meet The Team

Kalindu Karunasena | Head Chef

Kalindu Karunasena formerly of Antara 128 and Oh Loretta Wine Bar, leads the kitchen with creativity, passion, and precision. Trained under the mentorship of renowned chef Allan Eccles, whose illustrious career includes stints at Melbourne’s celebrated kitchens such as Gimlet, Cutler & Co., and Marion, Kalindu has developed a distinctive culinary voice that blends bold global flavours with refined fine-dining techniques.

Drawing deeply from his Sri Lankan heritage, he brings vibrant spices and aromatic depth to every dish, creating bold, layered flavours that tell a story of tradition and modernity.

Over just six years, Kalindu has rapidly risen as a true industry star, known for his inventive dishes that celebrate fresh, local produce with global inspirations.

Ruaraidh Gunn (Rozza) | Owner

A former professional Real Tennis player who reached a world ranking of No. 2, Rozza Gunn has channelled his passion for excellence into the world of hospitality. His first venture, 8Days, quickly gained a reputation for its commitment to quality, showcasing dishes made from top-tier organic and free-range produce.

In 2022, Rozza, together with his wife Davina and their children Alice, Jack, and Chloe, made their way down the Bellarine Peninsula to Barwon Heads, where they opened Tommy Gunns.

With the same dedication to craftsmanship and community, Ruaraidh continues to bring people together through great food, warm service, and a welcoming local spirit.

Maya Vagg | Manager

Maya brings over a decade of hospitality experience to the team at Tommy Gunns. Her background includes managing the bustling gaming floor at Crown Melbourne, where she built strong skills in operations, customer service, and team leadership.

After moving from Melbourne to the Bellarine Peninsula with her family, Maya has fully embraced the coastal lifestyle, blending her love of good food, great wine, and genuine hospitality. Always up for a chat and a laugh, she’s passionate about creating memorable experiences and the kind of warm, welcoming atmosphere people love to come back to.

Ecil Williams | Sous Chef

Originally from the Philippines, Ecil discovered her love for cooking at a young age, inspired by her mother’s creativity and passion in the kitchen. After moving to Australia in 2017, she found her true calling in hospitality, working at the Drysdale Pub and Barwon Orange Café before joining Tommy Gunns from day one.

With over seven years of professional cooking experience, Ecil pours her heart into every dish she creates. For her, cooking is more than a job, it’s a way to share happiness, bring people together, and make every meal a memorable experience.

Nathalie Cortuna | Chef de Partie

Originally from the Philippines, Nathalie’s love for cooking brought her to Australia, where she continued her culinary studies and gained valuable experience working in a range of hotel and restaurant kitchens. Those early years in fast-paced environments helped her build confidence, teamwork, and a calm focus under pressure.

Since joining Tommy Gunns, Nathalie has embraced the welcoming community and supportive team environment. She’s passionate about creating food that brings comfort, flavour, and a touch of home to every guest’s experience.