The team behind Ministry of Crab has opened II.II.VI (Two Two Six), a subterranean 115-seat fire-centric restaurant.
Executive Chef Kerry Lam (Koko at Crown, Calia Group) and Head Chef Haitham Richani (Gradi Group, Barmah Park Restaurant & Cellar Door) are fronting the kitchen, where open-fire cooking takes centre stage with a custom Parilla grill, robata, and charcoal oven.
“The kitchen team combine the technical precision of Japanese robata, the passion of South American asado, and the rustic charm of Basque flame-cooking, amalgamating for a globally minded, contemporary Australian dining experience,” says H&J Restaurants Managing Director Harsha Kumarasingha, who operates the company alongside Jayantha Warnakula.
Melbourne designers Air Studio fitted out the space beneath the storied sandstone of Invictus House on Flinders Lane. An Art Deco-inspired stone bar is a centrepiece in the front lounge and an open kitchen ensures the fire-driven cooking is on display to guests. Named after its address, the Roman numerals nod to the open fire cooking used in Ancient Rome.
The menu features the likes of Abrolhos Island scallops with yuzu hollandaise; dry-aged Mayura Wagyu rump MB9+; salt-baked John Dory with smoked horseradish tartare; and luxurious starters like oysters and foie gras.
II.II.VI is now open.
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