This Just In: After 14 Massive Years in the Business, One of Melbourne's Most Vibrant Vietnamese Diners Is Getting Shiny New Digs in Prahran
The new 70-seat space, designed by Bergman & Co, will retain its charm and character that have come to define the brand.
Hanoi Hannah's 2012 opening was formative for Melbourne's hospitality landscape, part of a wave of restaurants that helped define the grungy yet approachable, easy-going yet energetic, bold and dynamic style of Melbourne city dining. The first venue from the Commune Group, Hanoi Hannah, burst onto the scene with produce-driven contemporary Vietnamese cooking and a vibrant atmosphere that has endured for 14 years, with a second location opening in Elsternwick several years back. Now, the original High Street hole-in-the-wall venue is relocating just down the road to the new Cecil Street Precinct on Chapel Street.
"With all the trends and changes in Melbourne dining over the years, Hanoi Hannah has been a solid favourite. The Elsternwick venue continues as a success, and now we get to bring that same energy, with a bit more polish, into the new Cecil Street Precinct. For our customers who've loved the brand for thirteen years, there will still be familiar favourites, alongside new, elevated dishes," says Commune Group Managing Director, Rob Gringlas.
The new 70-seat space, designed by Bergman & Co, the crew behind one of Commune Group's other hotspots, Studio Amaro, will retain its charm and character that have come to define the brand, but with elevated elements befitting its new digs.
New Quarter's (another of the group's popular venues) Head Chef Gabriel Custodio will move to the new venue to carry Hanoi Hannah's fresh, flavourful and consistent food offering into its next chapter. Loyal customers will be relieved to hear that many core dishes — including phos, vermicelli salads, and rice paper rolls — will remain menu mainstays.
"Hanoi Hannah has always been about honest, produce-driven Vietnamese cooking done well. We're keeping the dishes people have loved for over a decade, but this new space gives us room to have a bit more fun with the menu and push some new ideas as well," says Custodio.
Hanoi Hannah Prahran is slated to open at Cecil Street Precinct this spring. In the meantime, check out some of the other beloved Commune Group venues such as Moonhouse and Tokyo Tina now.
Images: Supplied.
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