Melbourne’s culinary scene is about to get smoky and seductive with the arrival of II.II.VI (Two-Two-Six), a 115-seat modern Australian restaurant from the crew who brought us Ministry of Crab.
Descend into the basement at the heritage-listed Invicta House on Flinders Lane, a former silk factory turned moody restaurant—named after its address (226) in Roman numerals—that pays homage to ancient open-fire cooking.
Helmed by head chef Haitham Richan, fire is the beating heart of II.II.VI. A custom parilla grill, robata and charcoal oven reshapes hefty Aussie proteins—sourced from Westholme and Mayura Station—into dishes that highlight smoke, char and depth.
Look forward to cast iron bread blistered with smoky olive oil, grilled skewers of pork jowl or honey-mirin glazed chicken, delicate lamb crépinette wrapped in beef caul and premium steaks like Mayura Wagyu MB9+ seared over flames. Their seafood shines too, with Abrolhos Island scallops with yuzu hollandaise and salt-baked John Dory paired with smoked horseradish.
For the ultimate experience, the Chef’s Table menu (launching late June) takes diners on a fire-cooked journey featuring indulgent starters like caviar and foie gras, followed by toothsome bites like flamed spiced rum baba and Davidson plum chocolate mousse.
II.II.VI will smoulder Wednesday through Saturday from 5pm until midnight. It's set to open 4 June at Basement, 226 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
Keen for more steaks? Check out Melbourne's best over here, and these are our favourite restaurants on Flinders Lane right now. Also, if you're keen for a vino or two, Melbourne Winery has opened just over the road.
Images: II.II.VI | Supplied
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