Korean Sushi Master Joins Chris Lucas' New Three-Storey Japanese Restaurant, Kisume

UPDATE MAY 2, 2017: The Lucas Group have given us an opening date for Kisumé: Monday, May 15. Bookings can now be made on the website for the sushi bar, restaurant and private dining room. Reservations for the top-floor 12-seat omakase Kuro Kisume will open in the near future.

Chris Lucas gave Melbourne foodies and cult Chin Chin queuers plenty to get excited about last year when he announced plans for a three-level Japanese restaurant on Flinders Lane. But three months out from the expected launch date, he's got us positively drooling in anticipation, finally dropping the venue's name and confirming exactly who will be heading up its food and drink offering.

Parked just down the road from Chin Chin at 175 Flinders Lane, the sprawling eatery will be called Kisumé. The name roughly translates to 'pure obsession with beauty', and reflects The Lucas Group's plans for a venue that blends Japanese sensibilities with that classic hospitality that is synonymous with their restaurants Chin Chin, Baby, Kong and Hawker Hall.

As Lucas explains, it's an idea that's long been in the works. "My daughter Holly was born in Tokyo, so this restaurant opening is a very personal one," he says. "It's the culmination of years of hard work and fulfils a dream that one day I could do justice to the beauty and elegance of Japanese food right here in my hometown."

As previously revealed, Shaun Presland is jumping ship from Sake (where he was the restaurant's founding executive chef), to bring decades of training and a reputation as one of the country's top contemporary Japanese chefs to Kisumé. And, as if that wasn't enough skill in one kitchen, we now know he'll be joined in the executive chef role by acclaimed Korean-born chef, K. S. Moon. Known the world over for his innovative flair, Moon arrives fresh from his own Singapore restaurant, Mikuni, armed with some serious certifications and even skills as an international sake sommelier.

Meanwhile, it looks like punters will be in just as good hands when it comes to the drinks offering, with The Lucas Group's general manager of wine Phillip Rich, who will be helming an extensive wine and sake program. He'll be joined by Markus Tschuschnig, fresh from his post as food and bev director of famed New York omakase restaurant MASA.

The Lucas Group will open Kisumé in May. They're also opening a second iteration of their Kong restaurant on Smith Street towards the end of the year.

Kisumé will open at 175 Flinders Lane on Monday, May 15. Bookings are now open. To make one or for more info, visit kisume.com.au.