The Times Australia
Mirvac Harbourside
The Times Food and Dining

.

Otōto: A New Sibling For Flinders Lane’s Akaiito


In a subterranean space below the bustle of Flinders Lane, Otōto – meaning younger brother in Japanese – is an underground Izakaya-style dining experience from the team behind the esteemed Akaiito restaurant. 

Otōto’s menu has been created by Head Chef Winston Zhang – known for his award-winning Kojin degustation offering at Akaiito upstairs. It tales a more relaxed approach combining Melbourne’s favourite grazing plates with concepts and ingredients inspired by dishes from China, Korea, Malaysia and Japan.

”As people return to the city we wanted our downstairs space to evolve into its own independent venue and offering. As a literal Otōto [to Akaiito], we see it being an informal place to meet friends and share a bite to eat, or to gather for an afterwork drink or weekend celebration,” says Zhang.

Sharing plates will showcase Zhang’s favourite off-the-grill smokey Robata specialities, as well as larger dishes that underpin his flair for combining unique flavour profiles with a mix of traditional Asian techniques and stunning presentation.

Highlights include:

  • Mussel Escabeche, Wagyu Bresaola, Pickled Jalapeno, Toast
  • Kingfish Sashimi on Salt Rock, Grapefruit, Daikon, Ponzu
  • Cured Salmon, Apple Dust, Finger Lime, Ikura, Shiso Vinaigrette
  • Robata Grilled Miso Chicken, Yuzu Kosho, Robata Lime
  • Black Angus Short Rib, Kimchi, Pickled Radish, Bo Ssam Sauce
  • Vegetarian Gyoza

Small bites are priced from $6-$13; sides from $9; larger sharing plates from $14 -$36; and there is a ‘Feed Me’ offering for $68pp.

Behind the bar, a sustainability focus will see bartender Lionel Ong (previously Gogo bar) along with consultant George Leung (previously Maha) limit product-wastage, while also utilising ecoSPIRITs in order to significantly reduce their consumption of single-use bottles. 

“Everything in the bar will be repurposed to limit wastage. For example, a single piece of fruit will be used in its entirety: pulp for puree; skins and cores macerated to create flavoured syrups, sodas and bases; and the remainder submerged in house-flavoured spirits. Cocktails will be topped with creative garnishes, and anything not used behind the bar will be handed back to the kitchen to be integrated into dishes,” says Leung.  

A bespoke list of Asian-inspired cocktails created by the pair will include:

  • A signature Nori martini
  • Sparkling sake-based spritz with butter fat-washed gin
  • Thai-style savoury concoctions 
  • Chinese tea-infused craft cocktails with floral notes and aromas

In addition to a minimal waste cocktail program, the beverage list will have an extensive range of local and international wine varietals, craft beers, sake and Japanese whisky.

Otōto’s interiors take cues from the site’s history as a colonial-era bank vault, which sees its design by renowned hospitality-design firm Hirsh Bedner Associates (HBA) incorporate its exposed bluestone walls, heritage iron grating, large restored wooden columns and original ceiling beams. Contemporary plush grey banquets face a long black stone-topped bar and vintage pop culture posters and lantern lights adorn the walls, while at the end of the bar a ruby red private dining booth draws the eye. Overhead a sculptural red thread of fate – symbolising the connection between two soulmates destined to find one another – winds its way through both Akaiito and Otōto.

Seating up to 60 guests, Otōto officially opens its doors on Friday, 3 June 2022, offering dinner from 5pm til late, Tuesday–Sunday.

Food & Dining

Italian Lamb Ragu Recipe: The Best Ragù di Agnello for Pasta

Ciao! It’s Friday night, and the weekend is calling for a little Italian magic. What’s better than twirling up a rich, hearty pasta with a glass of bold red wine in hand? The real secret to Italian pasta isn’t just the noodles; it’s those incredible ...

Not all processed foods are bad for you. Here’s what you can tell from reading the label

If you follow wellness content on social media or in the news, you’ve probably heard that processed food is not just unhealthy, but can cause serious harm. Eating a diet dominated by highly processed foods means you’re likely to consume more kil...

Italian Street Kitchen: A Nation’s Favourite with Expansion News on Horizon

Successful chef brothers, Enrico and Giulio Marchese, weigh in on their day-to-day at Australian foodie favourite, Italian Street Kitchen - with plans for ‘ambitious expansion’ to be announced in the coming months.  Italian Street Kitchen: A slice o...

Après Skrew: Peanut Butter Whiskey Turns Australia’s Winter Parties Upside Down

This August, winter in Australia is about to get a lot nuttier. Skrewball Whiskey, the cult U.S. peanut butter whiskey that’s taken the world by storm, is bringing its bold brand of chaos to Aussie shores with Après Skrew: a mash-up of alpine energy...

Mirvac Harbourside

Times Magazine

Building a Strong Online Presence with Katoomba Web Design

Katoomba web design is more than just creating a website that looks good—it’s about building an onli...

September Sunset Polo

International Polo Tour To Bridge Historic Sport, Life-Changing Philanthropy, and Breath-Taking Beau...

5 Ways Microsoft Fabric Simplifies Your Data Analytics Workflow

In today's data-driven world, businesses are constantly seeking ways to streamline their data anal...

7 Questions to Ask Before You Sign IT Support Companies in Sydney

Choosing an IT partner can feel like buying an insurance policy you hope you never need. The right c...

Choosing the Right Legal Aid Lawyer in Sutherland Shire: Key Considerations

Legal aid services play an essential role in ensuring access to justice for all. For people in t...

Watercolor vs. Oil vs. Digital: Which Medium Fits Your Pet's Personality?

When it comes to immortalizing your pet’s unique personality in art, choosing the right medium is ...

The Times Features

Do kids really need vitamin supplements?

Walk down the health aisle of any supermarket and you’ll see shelves lined with brightly packa...

Why is it so shameful to have missing or damaged teeth?

When your teeth and gums are in good condition, you might not even notice their impact on your...

Australian travellers at risk of ATM fee rip-offs according to new data from Wise

Wise, the global technology company building the smartest way to spend and manage money internat...

Does ‘fasted’ cardio help you lose weight? Here’s the science

Every few years, the concept of fasted exercise training pops up all over social media. Faste...

How Music and Culture Are Shaping Family Road Trips in Australia

School holiday season is here, and Aussies aren’t just hitting the road - they’re following the musi...

The Role of Spinal Physiotherapy in Recovery and Long-Term Wellbeing

Back pain and spinal conditions are among the most common reasons people seek medical support, oft...

Italian Lamb Ragu Recipe: The Best Ragù di Agnello for Pasta

Ciao! It’s Friday night, and the weekend is calling for a little Italian magic. What’s better than t...

It’s OK to use paracetamol in pregnancy. Here’s what the science says about the link with autism

United States President Donald Trump has urged pregnant women[1] to avoid paracetamol except in ...

How much money do you need to be happy? Here’s what the research says

Over the next decade, Elon Musk could become the world’s first trillionaire[1]. The Tesla board ...