The Times Australia
The Times Food and Dining

.
The Times Real Estate

.

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

7 Tips to Brew Perfect Mullein Tea Every Time

Brewing the perfect cup of mullein tea can often feel elusive, especially with all the conflicting advice available online. You might struggle with weak flavour, overpowering bitterness, or even the challenge of floating leaves in your cup.  Fortu...

Fresh Ideas for Celebrating the Year of the Snake

The Lunar New Year is here, and with it comes the Year of the Snake—a time for fresh beginnings, family connections, and, of course, delicious food. As celebrations kick off, Australian families are turning to summer’s bounty of fresh produce to ...

Drop of Sunshine | The perfect gift for that special someone this Valentine’s day

Drop of Sunshine: A Toast to Women, Our Connections & The Stories That Bring Us Together Treasury Wine Estates (TWE), one of the world’s leading wine companies, has launched a new line of premium wines,  Drop of Sunshine, in partnership wit...

Delicious and Healthy Vitamix Recipes for Optimal Nutrition

🍏🥦 Enjoy tasty Vitamix recipes packed with nutrients for optimum health. Healthy eating 🥕🍓 made fun & delicious! 💪🍹 #Nutrition #VitamixRecipes Healthy Eating and Optimal NutritionRenowned for its versatility and unparalleled blending capabilitie...

The Times Features

A No-Fuss Guide to an Effective Beauty Routine

Taking care of the skin and appearance need not be complicated; it need not even consume your hours of time. Smart and simple approaches can give one that glow and fresh look witho...

Safe & Effective Tattoo Removal in Auckland – What You Need to Know

If you're looking for tattoo removal in Auckland, modern laser technology offers the safest and most effective way to fade or completely remove unwanted ink. Whether it's an outd...

Fleece-Lined Tights vs. Regular Tights: What’s the Difference?

When temperatures drop, choosing the right pair of tights can make a significant difference in comfort, warmth, and durability. Whether you wear tights for fashion, work, or outdoo...

Gastric Balloon Surgery: A Minimally Invasive Solution to Weight Loss

A gastric balloon is a soft silicone device placed in your stomach to reduce its space, helping you feel full with smaller meals. The balloon can be inserted through your mouth ...

How to Find Affordable and Quality Sheet Sets on a Budget

Finding the perfect balance between affordability and quality when shopping for sheet sets can be quite the challenge, especially if you're sticking to a budget. The right sheet se...

What’s the difference between wholemeal and wholegrain bread? Not a whole lot

If you head to the shops to buy bread, you’ll face a variety of different options. But it can be hard to work out the difference between all the types on sale. For instance...

Times Magazine

The Ultimate Guide to Apple Watch Faces & Trending Wallpapers

In today’s digital world, personalization is everything. Your smartwatch isn’t just a timepiece—it’s an extension of your style. Thanks to innovative third-party developers, customizing your Apple Watch has reached new heights with stunning designs...

The Power of Digital Signage in Modern Marketing

In a fast-paced digital world, businesses must find innovative ways to capture consumer attention. Digital signage has emerged as a powerful solution, offering dynamic and engaging content that attracts and retains customers. From retail stores to ...

Why Cloud Computing Is the Future of IT Infrastructure for Enterprises

Globally, cloud computing is changing the way business organizations manage their IT infrastructure. It offers cheap, flexible and scalable solutions. Cloud technologies are applied in organizations to facilitate procedures and optimize operation...

First Nations Writers Festival

The First Nations Writers Festival (FNWF) is back for its highly anticipated 2025 edition, continuing its mission to celebrate the voices, cultures and traditions of First Nations communities through literature, art and storytelling. Set to take ...

Improving Website Performance with a Cloud VPS

Websites represent the new mantra of success. One slow website may make escape for visitors along with income too. Therefore it's an extra offer to businesses seeking better performance with more scalability and, thus represents an added attracti...

Why You Should Choose Digital Printing for Your Next Project

In the rapidly evolving world of print media, digital printing has emerged as a cornerstone technology that revolutionises how businesses and creative professionals produce printed materials. Offering unparalleled flexibility, speed, and quality, d...

LayBy Shopping