Yan

THE VERDICT

From the suburbs of Sydney to the streets of South Yarra, Yan is the newest smoke-infused restaurant to grace our city. Specialising in Asian cuisine with a smokey, American BBQ twist, this restaurant was awarded the prestigious Chef Hat from the Good Food Guide in 2020, only one year after it opened. 

Quickly developing a cult following, the team have expanded its reach from its home suburb of Wolli Creek in Sydney, tapping into the Melbourne palate, with a prestigious crew to aid the transition.  

Much of what’s on offer are fan favourites that can be found at the original location, including lamb ribs with braised eggplant and an Asian-style Chimmichuri, pork cutlet with sticky soy, Cavolo Nero and a confit egg yolk, and beef Tataki served with smoked mussels and an anchovy wasabi crumb. Desserts will include the famous coconut ice cream and coconut jelly, fittingly served in young coconut. 

There are two banquet options, from the classic smokin’ style, to a premium iteration. Most promisingly for Melbournians, the menu will be adjusted with new items over the next few months, developed especially for Melbourne through sourcing local produce. 

The team behind this undertaking are an illustrious bunch. Original founder, Narada Kudinar; Executive Chef Ewa Goralewski, formerly at the Melbourne location of Dinner by Heston; Head Chef Joel Lee, who has worked at the venue for the last five years; General Manager Giovanni Rinaldi, alumni of Chin Chin and Society. Yan is taking over the venue previously occupied by Yagiz, so expect lightwashed exposed brick, with an industrial yet welcoming atmosphere. 

Image credit: supplied

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