MasterChef runner-up Laura Sharrad at her Adelaide restaurant

She broke down in tears on Monday night, after she narrowly missed out on winning the MasterChef finale.

But Laura Sharrad appeared focused and carefree this month, seen mingling with the locals at her pasta restaurant, Nido Bar, in Adelaide, South Australia.

The 24-year-old cut a casual figure in a black and white striped shirt and blue jeans, as she ensured the smooth running of the eatery alongside husband Max. 

At her stomping ground! MasterChef runner-up Laura Sharrad (pictured) was pictured at her pasta restaurant, Nido Bar, in Adelaide, South Australia this month 

Laura kept light on her feet in black slip-on shoes, and tied her brunette locks into a low ponytail.

She opted for minimal makeup, showing off a radiant and blemish-free visage. 

Laura appeared in high spirits ahead of the devastating loss, as she engaged in friendly conversation with locals at a table out front.

Partners: Laura co-owns the eatery with husband Max (left), who looked ready to work with an apron on top of his casual attire

Partners: Laura co-owns the eatery with husband Max (left), who looked ready to work with an apron on top of his casual attire 

Content: Laura appeared happy and upbeat

Runner-up: Laura appeared upbeat before her devastating loss on Monday night

All smiles: Laura appeared in high spirits ahead of the devastating loss on Monday night’s finale episode of MasterChef: Back To Win 

Casual chic: The brunette cut a casual chic figure in a black and white striped shirt, blue jeans and black slip-on shoes

Casual chic: The brunette cut a casual chic figure in a black and white striped shirt, blue jeans and black slip-on shoes 

In profile: Laura tied her brunette locks back off her face, and opted for minimal, yet elegant makeup

In profile: Laura tied her brunette locks back off her face, and opted for minimal, yet elegant makeup 

Max was ready for customers to walk in, wearing his apron on top of his casual attire.

Laura was later pictured collecting used coffee cups and plates, no doubt preparing herself for the evening’s bookings. 

The brunette placed runner-up in Monday’s MasterChef finale, with Emelia Jackson taking home the trophy and the $250,000 cash prize.

Social: Laura and Max mingled with the locals at a table at the front of the eatery

Social: Laura and Max mingled with the locals at a table at the front of the eatery 

Banter: Max appeared to be showing the group something on his iPhone

Banter: Max appeared to be showing the group something on his iPhone 

Friendly: Laura and Max were also seen chatting with another male, who appeared to be a local

Friendly: Laura and Max were also seen chatting with another male, who appeared to be a local

Quick break: They were no doubt enjoying the quiet pace ahead of that evening's dinner bookings

Quick break: They were no doubt enjoying the quiet pace ahead of that evening’s dinner bookings

Laura was undone by her overly icy gelato dessert, which was accidentally left in an open freezer.   

Nursing a badly burned hand sustained during the competition, Laura broke down in tears.

‘I can’t speak, I can’t speak,’ she gasped, before managing to compose herself.  

Hostess: Laura filled up water glasses for the group

Mingling: She engaged in friendly banter

Thirsty work: Laura ensured the group had plenty of water on hand 

Finished second: Laura placed runner-up on Monday night's episode of MasterChef: Back To Win, with Emelia Jackson winning the title

Finished second: Laura placed runner-up on Monday night’s episode of MasterChef: Back To Win, with Emelia Jackson winning the title 

Prizes: Emelia took home the trophy and the whopping $250,000 cash prize

Prizes: Emelia took home the trophy and the whopping $250,000 cash prize 

Emotional: Laura understandably broke down in tears after learning she had placed runner-up

Emotional: Laura understandably broke down in tears after learning she had placed runner-up 

‘I’m pretty gutted. I’m not gonna lie. But, I’m so proud of her. She is amazing and she deserves this so much. Like, she’s come so far. To watch her grow has been amazing,’ Laura said.

‘To reconnect with her has been amazing. To eat her food has been amazing. She really deserves this. She really, really does.’

There was good news for Laura, however, who was gifted $30,000 to help grow her business. 

Heartfelt: However, she said she was 'proud' of Emelia and 'deserves this so much'

Heartfelt: However, she said she was ‘proud’ of Emelia and ‘deserves this so much’ 

Nice earnings! There was good news for Laura, however, who was gifted $30,000 to help grow her business

Nice earnings! There was good news for Laura, however, who was gifted $30,000 to help grow her business