In what's set to be one of Melbourne's biggest restaurant openings of the year, Vue de Monde's critically acclaimed executive chef Hugh Allen has announced plans to open his first restaurant this spring. Yiaga, an Indigenous word meaning 'to seek and find', is the chosen moniker for Allen's new venture, which will be situated in the heart of East Melbourne's lush Fitzroy Gardens.
The restaurant will showcase Australia's abundant diversity of native ingredients – from wild game to rare berries and local seafood – and diners can expect an exquisite multi-course tasting experience. Allen and his team are still deep in the research phase of creating the menu.
But it's not going to be somewhere to just have lunch or dinner; it'll also be a space for learning, community and meaningful exchange.
"Once we're fully operational, we aim for Yiaga to become more than just a dining experience," explains Allen. "We want as many people as possible to feel connected to Yiaga, whether visiting for dinner, attending a talk, or participating in a workshop. Ultimately, we would love and envision Yiaga evolving over the years into a vibrant campus of gastronomy."
An old pavillion, located next to Fitzroy Gardens' Tudor model village, will be transformed to house the new restaurant. The site has lived many lives, originally built in 1908 as tearooms, and expanded with a dining room in the '20s. Though a fire damaged it in the '60s, a second building was constructed shortly after, which housed various hospitality businesses, before remaining vacant for a decade.
Allen said, “While exploring locations in 2019, I discovered a derelict pavilion in Fitzroy Gardens during the first COVID-19 lockdown. It reminded me of my childhood visits, and I knew this was the place for the restaurant I had always dreamed of.”
Renowned Australian architect John Wardle is collaborating with Allen on the design, ensuring that the new venue harmonises beautifully with the gardens' natural surroundings.
Allen shares: “Being born and raised in Melbourne, I’ve always known that one day I wanted to open a restaurant here. Working and traveling around the world has only deepened my connection to this city. This project has already been an incredible journey, and I’m deeply grateful for the support of so many talented individuals. I can’t wait to share more as the build progresses."
Yiaga is slated to open in spring, 2025. For more details as the project unfolds, watch this space.
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