South Yarra’s Yūgen Opens In Former Q Bar Site

Located in what was once Melbourne’s iconic Q Bar, Yūgen is directly below the group’s existing venue Yūgen Tea Bar. Guests descend in a glass-walled lift into an expansive concrete basement with six-metre high ceilings and bespoke installations – including a large suspended sculpture by artist Jennifer Conroy Smith and Random Spaces.

Yūgen will be comprised of three parts – main restaurant, bar and private dining space; a six-seater Omakase; and a private Golden Orb dining suspended from the ceiling. Each connected to the other, they create what is anticipated to be a unique and innovative new dining experience in Melbourne.

Yūgen Restaurant accommodates 85 guests in the downstairs restaurant, six at the Omakase bar, six to ten in the Golden Orb and 20 guests at the mezzanine. ​ Two private dining spaces both accommodate 8-16 diners.

Led by an experienced and talented team – including LK Hospitality’s Culinary Director Stephen Nairn – Yūgen’s kitchen will be run by Head Chef Alex Yu (Sokyo, Sydney) and Head Sushi Chef Samuel Chee (Kisumé, Nobu), with General Manager, Thibaut Chuzeville (Yugen Tea House, The Fat Duck) providing his elegant and attentive service at front of house. Drinks are by Ryan Kimball – a disciple of Merivale’s Paul Mant – who’s approach combines technique, tradition and environment. ​

Enjoy an evening with friends in Yūgen’s sharing Jamon and Snapper sashimi, kombu, chive, shichimi and lime & shiso soy; Abrolhos island scallops, green nahm jim & coconut; and a Wagyu beef “hotpot”, mushroom & Sichuan butter. 

More information can be viewed via the web link below for Yugen Dining.