Now Open: Head Downstairs for a Fire-Fuelled Feast at II.II.IV, Flinders Lane's Sultry New Basement Dining Room
This subterranean Flinders Lane newcomer — from the same team behind Ministry of Crab — is bringing the heat with its 'flame-first' philosophy.
Flinders Lane has long been a hotbed for some of Melbourne's most creative (and most talked-about) kitchens, from Coda and Cumulus Inc. to Chin Chin and, for those of us with longer memories, the avant-garde Verge. So it makes sense that when Sri Lankan sensation Ministry of Crab was looking for a permanent Melbourne site, the crew looked to the buzzy thoroughfare. The team found a home in the century-old and recently restored Invicta House and, as well as opening the ninth branch of the celebrated crustacean-centred restaurant, it also promised a second restaurant to open in due course.
That time is now, with the bold arrival of II.II.VI. Pronounced 'two two six', a riff on the restaurant's street address, the moody, fire-driven restaurant has taken over the basement of Invicta House, with the Roman numerals in the name nodding to the ancient tradition of wood- and charcoal-fuelled fire cooking.
Tim Sonmez Photography
A sculptural bull guards the dramatic tunnel that leads into a subterranean dining room that's heavy on the moodiness. Ambient lighting, plush oxblood leather banquettes, deep blue accents and custom art deco-inspired lighting provide a contrast to textures that evoke fire, meat and smoke, as well as the raw industrial bones left over from the building's past life as a silk factory. At the heart of the room, a theatrical open kitchen puts a custom parrilla grill, robata and charcoal oven at centre stage, highlighting the restaurant's 'flame-first' philosophy.
Leading the charge in the kitchen are Executive Chef Kerry Lam (Koko at Crown, Calia Group) and Head Chef Haitham Richani (Gradi Group, Barmah Park Restaurant & Cellar Door, Hopetoun Tea Rooms; pictured below). Their menu draws from Japanese robatayaki, South American asado and Basque grill traditions — all delivered through a contemporary Australian lens.
For the opening period, only a bar menu is available — this serves as a good hint at what's to come when the full menu launches. The tight, ingredient-focused selection features bites like blistered cast iron bread, smoky skewers and prime cuts of steak from Westholme and Mayura. The main event, however, will be the two- or three-course dining experience still to come, featuring premium ingredients like Abrolhos Island scallops and dry-aged MB9+ wagyu, as well as decadent desserts like a flamed and spiced rum baba.
It's food that's both thoughtful and visceral — and a worthy new addition to Flinders Lane.
Tim Sonmez Photography
Tim Sonmez Photography
Tim Sonmez Photography
Tim Sonmez Photography
II.II.VI is now open at 226 Flinders Lane, Melbourne. It's open Wednesday–Saturday, 5pm–midnight. For more information, head to the venue's website.
Top image: Tim Sonmez Photography.
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