Coming Soon: One of Melbourne's Most Loved Hotels Will Land a New Japanese Diner in 2026, Boasting an Impressive Rare Whisky Collection and Saké Offering
menu draws on traditional techniques, rich flavours and fresh ingredients to produce premium dishes
News just in that QT Melbourne will welcome its latest addition, Yamagen, in February 2026. Already a popular Japanese dining destination at the QT Hotel on the Gold Coast, Yamagen will make its Melbourne debut with a stellar team leading the charge.
"We are thrilled to bring the Yamagen experience to Melbourne after its incredible success on the Gold Coast. Yamagen has become synonymous with award-winning, modern Japanese Izakaya dining, providing the ultimate immersive experience. With its inventive cuisine, superior craftsmanship and quality local produce, Yamagen Melbourne will deliver new generation Japanese for the discerning diner," says Dominic Rose of EVT Group.
Adam Lane, Culinary Director, has created a menu that is precise, refined, and dialled into the senses. His menu draws on traditional techniques, rich flavours and fresh ingredients to produce premium dishes such as scallop sashimi with citrus, tender wagyu, and spanner crab cooked over flame.
Making up the rest of the impressive team is Christine Vu, who will lead the front of house, bringing a wealth of knowledge from experience at The Ritz-Carlton and Nobu. Andrew Lam will be in charge of what's in your glass, and having served as the former Head Sommelier at The Mandarin Hotel and the Langham in Hong Kong, you know you're in safe hands. In the kitchen, Head Chef Yosuke Hatanaka (of Saké, and Kisumé) will be joined by Sous Chef Misaki Maniwa (of Yūgen Dining), who will bring a wealth of experience to the new venue.
Drinks are no afterthought at Yamagen. Not only will the venue boast one of the largest rare whisky collections in Melbourne, but it also has an impressive and highly considered sake collection with over 45 varieties available.
Images: Supplied.
Yamagen will open at the QT Hotel in Melbourne in February 2026. If you're hungry now, check out the 50 Best Restaurants in Melbourne CBD.
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