A Modern Greek Restaurant By Chris Lucas: Introducing Noẽma

Chris Lucas has built some of the most celebrated restaurants across Melbourne (Chin Chin, Grill Americano, Society, Kisumé, Tombo Den—to name a few), and the latest addition to his arsenal feels like the most personal yet. Noẽma, set to open in Spring 2026, is a sophisticated modern Greek restaurant, and it’s the project Lucas feels he’s been working towards his whole life. 

‘Noẽma’ means ‘thought, understanding and contemplation’ in Greek, and the restaurant will reflect that inspiration with its location in the dining precinct at the base of 435 Bourke Street, in midtown Melbourne. There, it joins the Lucas Collective's other recently announced, Hong Kong-inspired eatery, Wishbone, in an area that’s shaping up to be the city’s newest culinary hotspot.

Growing up in a family of what Lucas describes as “food-obsessed Greeks”, Noẽma feels like the lifelong culmination of his upbringing, loved ones, and encouragement from friends, family and restaurant guests asking him to open a Greek restaurant. 

“I’ve always wanted to do it, but the time had to be right,” Lucas says. “The food at Noẽma will reflect the energy of Greece today and the food I love to eat, while also capturing the warmth, generosity and love that defined my upbringing.”

The restaurant will capture the contemporary dining culture exploding across Athens: vibrant, produce-driven, and not limited by the tradition it remains deeply connected to. 

What’s On The Menu At Noẽma?

Expect the Noẽma menu to be seasonal, driven by seafood, slow cooking, and the bright, clean flavours of the Mediterranean. Key ingredients—olive oil from south of Athens, traditional feta, and spirits—will be carefully selected and sourced directly from Greece, and then supported by top-tier Australian produce. 

We’re most excited for the custom charcoal grill, which will sit at the heart of the kitchen.

The Noẽma Design Approach 

The fitout at Noẽma has been designed by Chris and Sarah Lucas in collaboration with their longtime design partner, Mitchell & Eades. It leans into the elegance and natural beauty that the Mediterranean evokes, through raw timber, linen, and stone. Noẽma’s facade also features distinctive curved windows inspired by the boat sails of the Mediterranean.

“We are using natural textures to create a space that feels relaxed and timeless, with earthy tones that reflect modern Greek living while remaining unmistakably Melbourne,” Sarah Lucas says. 

When Does Noẽma Open?

Noẽma is set to open this spring at 435 Bourke Street, Melbourne. Watch this space for booking details, which will be announced closer to opening. 

Main image: Chris Lucas | Supplied