Overview
Chef Alejandro Saravia is building his restaurant empire at a cracking pace. He's already made a name for himself in Melbourne with contemporary Australian restaurants Farmer's Daughters and Victoria by Farmer's Daughters. And in April this year, he launched the ambitious 220-seater Morena Sydney, which champions South American flavours.
But that ain't all. Come spring this year, he'll open two neighbouring venues in the 80 Collins precinct that build upon the original concept of Morena Sydney.
The first is Morena Restaurant, which offers a formal dining experience much like the Sydney outpost. Here, Saravia is pulling inspiration from his homeland of Peru, alongside Cuba, Venezuela, Argentina, Brazil and Mexico in crafting the menu.
Morena Sydney
When it comes to bevs, there'll be a focus on Spanish and South American wines as well as signature cocktails heroing Latin American spirits.
The second site, sitting right next to Morena Restaurant, is Morena Barra. Here, you'll find an all-day dining experience that's focused around a central bar and inspired by the vibrant cantinas found throughout Latin America. When it comes to this food and drink lineup here, you can expect slightly more casual renditions of Morena Restaurant's offerings.
Much like Saravia's other Melbourne venues, locally sourced seasonal produce will be at the heart of both Morena Restaurant and Morena Barra. He's worked in Australian restaurants since 2006, developing mighty strong relationships with Victoria's top growers, graziers and fishermen.
Morena Sydney
"After the outstanding reception to Morena Sydney, I am so excited to be bringing the Morena concept to life in the heart of Melbourne," shares Saravia. "With Farmer's Daughters around the corner, Morena will be continuing to deliver warm hospitality and exciting culinary experiences in Melbourne's CBD. The new venues will refocus the ways that Melburnians engage with the diverse cuisines from across Latin-American cultures.
"For me, opening Morena in Melbourne represents a full circle of my time in this industry in Australia. Since arriving in Australia in 2006, I have been working to shine a light on the unique flavours and hospitality of Latin America; and here in my hometown of Melbourne I am excited to bring this to life in two unique venue offerings.
"At Morena Melbourne, we will continue to transform Australians' perspective of Latin-American cuisines, showcasing the diverse culinary heritage whilst preserving the rich cultural roots and authentic flavours that define it."
Morena Sydney
Morena Sydney
Morena Melbourne will open on Little Collins Street in spring 2024. For more information on the new restaurant opening, check out the venue's website.
Top image by Katje Ford and all other images by Arianna Leggiero.