Grill Americano Is the Third New Chris Lucas Restaurant Opening This Year

Famed restaurateur Chris Lucas (of Chin Chin, Baby Pizza, Hawker Hall) already has two new Melbourne projects in the works — with the hotly-anticipated Society slated to open by the end of July and Japanese diner Yakimono arriving by late 2021. But everyone knows that three's a party, none more so than Lucas, who has revealed plans for a third Melbourne venture that will launch this spring.

Grill Americano will open in the landmark 101 Collins tower in October, with the 145-seat bar and restaurant set to open daily to serve breakfast through to after-dinner drinks.

At this stage, all that's been shared about the menu is that it'll be full of Italian classics — think, handmade pasta and Tuscan-style Florentine steak. The kitchen will boast a wood grill and bespoke wood oven imported from Naples.

"It is more important now [more] than ever before to keep Melbourne in its rightful place as one of the world's greatest food destinations," he said in a press release. "I am looking forward to adding to Melbourne's exciting culinary reputation."

Chris Lucas

Little has been revealed about Grill Americano's fit out and design, except that it'll feature a Flinders Lane entrance and has pulled inspiration from Venetian architecture. The venue's space is being brought to life by celebrated local design firm Denton Corker Marshall, which boasts the Melbourne Museum, the Webb Bridge and Shepparton Art Museum on its resume of high-profile design projects. Between Society, Yakimono and Grill Americano, the Lucas Group's latest round of projects is expected to create more than 550 new hospitality jobs.

Find Grill Americano at 101 Collins Street (entrance via Flinders Lane), Melbourne, from October, 2021. Stay tuned and we'll share more information as it's released.